In a strong administrative move, West Godavari District Collector Chadalawada Nagarani has ordered the immediate suspension of four government officials for their failure to prevent the illegal construction of a temple and installation of a statue on public land. The unauthorized activities took place in Prathipadu village under Pentapadu mandal, blatantly defying clear directives from the High Court.
Administrative Action Against Encroachment
The collector's decisive action came after it was found that the officials neglected their duties despite repeated instructions from the district administration. The illegal construction involved building a Shivalayam and erecting a statue on land clearly identified as belonging to the Zilla Parishad. No official permission was ever granted for any religious structure or statue on this government property.
In an official communication addressed to the West Godavari Superintendent of Police, Collector Nagarani highlighted that the illicit construction persisted even after the High Court's binding orders and multiple warnings from her office. This ongoing violation has now led to contempt of court proceedings against the district administration.
Officials Held Accountable for Lapses
Based on a detailed report submitted by the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) of Tadepalligudem, the collector identified specific individuals responsible for the field-level failure. The suspended officials are:
- J Nageswara Rao, Panchayat Secretary of Prathipadu Gram Panchayat
- Y V R Vara Prasad, Deputy Mandal Parishad Development Officer (MPDO) of Prathipadu
- Vasamsetti Umadevi, Village Revenue Officer (Grade-II) of Prathipadu
- T Raja Rajeswari, Tahsildar of Pentapadu mandal
The collector noted that these officials failed to take timely and effective action to stop the encroachment and unauthorized construction, even after stop-work orders were issued. Their inaction directly contributed to the violation of the High Court's directives.
Systemic Failure and Supervisory Lapses
Collector Nagarani observed a broader breakdown in the system. The police, panchayat raj, and revenue departments at the field level did not respond adequately to repeated requests from the revenue and panchayat raj departments for bandobust (security arrangements) and protection of the land. This collective failure exposed the district administration to legal jeopardy.
Regarding supervisory accountability, the collector has issued a show-cause notice to the Revenue Divisional Officer and District Local Planning Officer (DLPO) of Tadepalligudem. They have been asked to explain their failure in ensuring strict compliance with the court's orders and preventing the illegal activity.
Disciplinary Proceedings Initiated
Stating that the lapses amount to dereliction of duty and conduct unbecoming of government servants, Collector Chadalawada Nagarani has directed the initiation of formal disciplinary proceedings against the four suspended officials. She issued a stern warning that her administration will take strict action to protect public land from encroachment and to enforce judicial orders without exception.
This case underscores the administration's tough stance against illegal occupation of government property and its commitment to upholding the rule of law, even when it involves religious constructions on disputed land.
