CPI(M) slams government over ‘privatisation’ of Bhavani island, neglecting residents of Krishna river banks

Member of the State Secretariat of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) Ch. Babu Rao on Sunday accused the state government of showing undue enthusiasm in leasing Bhavani Island to private entities while neglecting the long-pending demands of residents living along the banks of the Krishna river in Vijayawada.

Participating in a ‘padayatra’ organized by the CPI(M) at Ranadive Nagar in Krishnalanka on housing titles, drainage and civic affairs, Mr. Babu Rao demanded that the government grant ownership of ‘pattas’ to families residing on the Krishna river for the last five decades. He also called on the authorities to allow residents to replace damaged roofs on their houses and provide financial assistance for housing repairs.

He alleged that while the government had leased 130 acres of Bhavani Island to a private company for 99 years, it had failed to resolve the land ownership issues of thousands of poor families who had built houses from their own resources and lived there for decades.

The CPI(M) leader said the residents secured the construction of the retaining wall only after a long struggle, but even two-and-a-half years after its completion, the government failed to build the promised sewer, resulting in sewage stagnation, mosquito infestation and public health concerns.

Questioning the delay in issuing pattas, Mr. Babu Rao said there was no justification for withholding property rights after flood control measures were completed. He also criticized the government for neglecting basic infrastructure in the area despite spending heavily on development projects elsewhere.

The CPI(M) has warned that it will continue its agitation until housing pattas are issued, roof repairs are allowed with government support and sewage disposal is completed without further delay.

Published – 05 Jul 2026 20:11 IST