Andhra Pradesh Government Takes Firm Stand on Idle Cement Plant Land
In a decisive move, Andhra Pradesh Industries Minister TG Bharath has assured the state assembly that stringent action will be taken against cement companies that have failed to establish plants after acquiring land from farmers in Palnadu district. The minister emphasized that the government will not permit private managements to hold onto thousands of acres without fulfilling their commitments, addressing growing concerns over industrial delays.
Allegations of Land Misuse and Farmer Distress
Raising the issue during the assembly session, Gurazala MLA Yarapathineni Srinivasa Rao alleged that nearly 6,000 acres of land acquired by private cement firms remain idle. Farmers, he stated, parted with their lands in anticipation of industrial development and job opportunities, but several projects never materialized. "The farmers lost fertile land and cultivable rights, turning into agricultural laborers in neighboring fields. With plants not coming up even 20–25 years after acquisition, their children also lost opportunities for employment," Rao explained.
He further accused some companies of selling the land acquired from farmers without proper authorization. According to Rao, these firms purchased land at throwaway prices, secured hundreds of crores in bank loans, and later exited by selling the projects. "This is a major scandal that the government is simply watching," he fumed, highlighting the economic and social impact on the affected communities.
Minister's Response and Land Allocation Details
Responding to the allegations, Minister Bharath acknowledged that large extents of land were allotted across Gurazala, Dachepalli, Machavaram, and Piduguralla mandals for cement plants and related industries. He provided specific details, noting that among the major companies, Gujarat Ambuja Cements was allotted land in Gogulapadu village of Gurazala mandal and Nadikudi and Alugumallipadu villages of Dachepalli mandal through the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC).
Sanghi Cements secured land in Daida village of Gurazala mandal and was also granted a mining lease over 931.65 acres of government land in Gottimukkala village. Other firms that received land allocations include Bhavya Cements, India Cements, Ultratech Cement, Chettinad Cements Ltd (Chennai), Andhra Cements, Sagar Cements, Sree Cements, My Home Cements, Raj Pushpa Cements, Imami Cements in association with GVP Infra, and Saraswati Power & Industries Limited.
The land was spread across numerous villages such as Pulipadu, Madinapadu, Tangeda, Pedagarlapadu, Kesanupalli, Thummalacheruvu, Pondugala, Gamalapadu, Chennayapalem, Vemavaram, and Pinnelli. Bharath's detailed account underscores the scale of the issue and the government's awareness of the specific allocations.
Government's Commitment to Accountability
Minister Bharath reiterated the government's commitment to holding these companies accountable. He stated that strict measures would be enforced to ensure that land acquired for industrial purposes is utilized as intended, preventing further exploitation of farmers and promoting genuine industrial growth. This move aims to restore faith in the state's industrial policies and protect the interests of vulnerable agricultural communities.
The situation highlights broader challenges in land acquisition and industrial development in Andhra Pradesh, with calls for more transparent and enforceable agreements to prevent similar issues in the future. As the government moves forward with its action plan, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the outcomes for affected farmers and the industrial sector.
