Synopsis
The Andhra Pradesh government has defended its decision to acquire an extra 30,000 acres in Amaravati for an international airport, aiming to attract foreign investments and create smart industries. Minister P. Narayana reassured farmers, emphasizing the necessity of these developments for job creation and economic growth.Key Takeaways
- The Andhra Pradesh government plans to acquire an additional 30,000 acres in Amaravati.
- An international airport is intended to attract foreign investments.
- Smart industries are prioritized over polluting industries.
- The government has received approval for projects worth Rs 64,000 crore.
- Controversy exists over land acquisition versus land pooling options.
Amaravati, April 16 (NationPress) The government of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday defended its plan to establish an international airport in Amaravati by acquiring an additional 30,000 acres. Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister P. Narayana reassured farmers, urging them not to be concerned and promising that the government would honor all commitments made to them. He claimed that certain individuals were attempting to sow fear among the farming community.
Narayana stated during a press conference that an international airport is essential in Amaravati to attract foreign investors interested in establishing smart industries.
The minister explained that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu aims to generate significant employment opportunities by promoting smart industries in Amaravati, rather than polluting industries.
“To facilitate foreign investment in smart industries, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has decided to construct an airport to ensure flight connectivity,” he noted.
Narayana emphasized that the development of Amaravati involves more than just basic infrastructure. “The establishment of smart industries is vital for attracting residents and providing jobs for the youth. The creation of industries is crucial for maintaining or enhancing the value of farmers’ land,” he remarked.
He indicated that a decision on whether to pursue land acquisition or land pooling, similar to the approach taken for Amaravati's capital city development, has not yet been made.
Narayana mentioned that local legislators support land pooling, which would offer greater benefits to farmers compared to direct land acquisition.
He added that administrative approval has already been granted for projects worth Rs 64,000 crore in Amaravati, with tenders for most projects completed and work already underway.
The minister reiterated that the construction of the state capital is expected to be completed within three years, with official residences anticipated to be ready within a year. Trunk roads are expected to be finished in a year and a half, while layout roads will be completed in two and a half years, with iconic buildings ready within three years.
Bahujan Samaj Party’s (BSP) Andhra Pradesh coordinator and former DGP Jujjavarapu Purnachandra Rao criticized the TDP-led coalition government on Tuesday for its plans to acquire more land, claiming it severely undermines farmers' interests.
Rao called for the return of the 60,000 acres already taken from farmers and for the capital to be limited to Amaravati.
The BSP leader alleged that the land acquisition is primarily intended to benefit corporate entities while the government neglects the real issues faced by farmers.
The government has reportedly pinpointed approximately 44,673 acres of land across 11 villages, with around 33,000 acres set for acquisition. All these villages are located outside the 29 villages that make up the core capital city area.
In 2015, the then TDP government had mobilized 34,000 acres in the capital city area through the Land Pooling System (LPS). Initially, it aimed to pool about 37,000 acres across 29 villages, but some farmers opted out of the LPS.
Alongside the 34,000 acres pooled under the LPS, the government also secured around 16,000 acres from various agencies, including endowment, Waqf, and forest lands.
Following the YSR Congress coming to power, development efforts for the capital city were stalled as they announced plans for three state capitals.
Upon returning to power in June last year, N. Chandrababu Naidu's coalition decided to resume the development of Amaravati as the sole state capital, initiating steps to pool the remaining 3,000 acres.
The latest proposal will expand the total area of the capital city to 80,000 acres.
