Thu Sep 04 14:25:03 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, with some added context for clarity, and keeping in mind the instruction of “rewriting as news article”:

**Vizianagaram Land Acquisition Dispute: Official Calls for Greater Public Consultation**

**VIZIANAGARAM, India – September 4, 2025** – A dispute over land acquired for a Jindal South Aluminium Limited project in Kothavalasa, Vizianagaram district, is escalating, with a member of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council demanding more transparency and community involvement. Indukuri Raghu Raju, MLC, is urging the state government to hold additional public meetings with villagers to address their concerns regarding the long-stalled project and the associated land acquisition.

According to Raju, the government recently received 198 petitions from local landowners who are demanding compensation at current market rates. The core issue is that Jindal South Aluminium Limited has yet to construct anything on the land since it was acquired in 2007, fueling resentment and uncertainty among the affected community.

“The government needs to engage directly with the people and listen to their grievances,” said Raju. He criticized the hurried organization of a recent meeting in Godavari village, stating that inadequate publicity prevented many farmers from attending and voicing their concerns. He estimates that over 500 farmers are eager to share their experiences if given the opportunity.

Adding to the controversy, the AP Rythu Sangham (Andhra Pradesh Farmers Association) district vice-president is calling for the government to return the acquired land to the farmers. The association argues that the company’s failure to develop the site over the past 18 years justifies the land’s return. The association also demanded action against the company for cutting trees on the land.

The situation highlights the challenges of balancing industrial development with the rights and livelihoods of local communities, and is expected to be a key point of contention in the coming months.

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