Yedavanadu residents protest government decision revoking revenue village status in Kushalnagar area
Kushalnagar
Residents of Yedavanadu village in Somwarpet taluk have expressed strong opposition after the government revoked the status of their revenue village, triggering renewed protests and uncertainty among families who were originally rehabilitated due to the Harangi dam project.
The village was developed as a rehabilitation settlement for people displaced during the construction of the Harangi reservoir in the late 1970s. At that time, affected families were allotted land and basic infrastructure in a forest-adjacent area as part of a rehabilitation plan. After decades of struggle, Yedavanadu was officially declared a revenue village in 2017, giving residents a sense of long-awaited recognition and stability.
However, legal complications arose following challenges to earlier government notifications. In 2021, court proceedings led to the cancellation of a de-notification order, which ultimately resulted in the recent government decision to revoke the revenue village status. The move has left residents anxious about their land rights and future settlement status.
Forest department officials have also reiterated that large portions of the area fall under reserved forest land linked to the Harangi catchment zone. They have stated that no new land grants or conversions will be permitted in the region, and existing restrictions will continue to apply to prevent encroachment and ecological damage.
Following the announcement, villagers held an emergency meeting at the Shivabasaveshwara temple premises under the leadership of local representatives. During the meeting, residents discussed their next course of action and expressed anger over what they described as a reversal of long-fought rehabilitation rights.
Community leaders stated that they plan to approach state authorities, including the Chief Minister through local MLAs, to highlight the hardships faced by displaced families. They also warned of intensified protests if the issue is not resolved soon. Residents have urged the district administration to conduct an on-site review and submit a factual report to the government and courts, seeking a balanced resolution that protects both forest regulations and the rights of rehabilitated families.