Polavaram Project Displaced Families Boycott Polling, Demand Separate Panchayat

Families displaced by the Polavaram project in Eluru district staged a significant boycott of polling at the Koruturu Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) Colony on November 6, 2026. This protest was driven by their demand for a separate panchayat, as they expressed dissatisfaction with being placed under the jurisdiction of the P. Ankampalem panchayat. The situation underscores the ongoing struggles faced by these families, who have been relocated due to the construction of the Polavaram project across the Godavari River.

The Polavaram project, a major multi-purpose irrigation scheme, has been a subject of controversy since its inception. Designed to provide irrigation and hydroelectric power, the project has led to the displacement of thousands of families. As construction progressed, many residents were relocated to the Koruturu R&R Colony, where they were promised adequate support and resources. However, the reality has been starkly different, leading to growing discontent among the displaced families.

According to DotMR analysis, the residents of Koruturu R&R Colony have faced numerous challenges since their relocation, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of basic amenities, and insufficient compensation for their lost land and homes. These issues have fueled their demand for a separate panchayat, which they believe would better represent their interests and needs.

On the day of polling, the residents of Koruturu R&R Colony made a collective decision to boycott the elections, a move that highlights their frustration with the current administrative setup. Many families gathered at the colony, voicing their grievances and reiterating their demand for a separate panchayat. "We cannot vote for a system that does not acknowledge our struggles and needs," stated a local leader, emphasizing the sentiment shared by many in the community.

Eluru Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Maddineni Krishna Mohan confirmed that discussions were underway with the voters at Koruturu R&R Colony. "We are trying to understand their concerns and find a way to address them," he stated, acknowledging the complexities of the situation. However, the residents remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these discussions, fearing that their voices may not lead to meaningful change.

The call for a separate panchayat stems from the belief that the current administrative structure does not adequately represent the unique challenges faced by the displaced families. Many residents argue that being under the P. Ankampalem panchayat has resulted in neglect of their specific needs, including access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

"We need a panchayat that understands our situation and can advocate for us effectively," said another resident, highlighting the desire for local governance that is more attuned to their realities. The demand for a separate panchayat is not just about administrative boundaries; it is about ensuring that the displaced families have a voice in decisions that directly affect their lives.

The government’s response to the boycott and the demand for a separate panchayat will be crucial in determining the future of the displaced families. As discussions continue, officials are under pressure to address the grievances of the residents and find a viable solution. The outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future, not just in Eluru but across other regions affected by large-scale development projects.

In the wake of the boycott, it remains to be seen whether the government will take decisive action to address the concerns raised by the displaced families. The situation serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in development projects and the need for inclusive governance that considers the voices of all stakeholders.

As the situation unfolds, the residents of Koruturu R&R Colony remain hopeful that their demands will be heard and that they will receive the support they need to rebuild their lives after displacement. The boycott of polling is not just a political statement; it is a cry for recognition and justice in the face of adversity.