Farmers Embrace Land Pooling in Amaravati as Capital Uncertainty Resolves
In a significant development for Andhra Pradesh's capital region, the recent amendment to the Andhra Pradesh State Reorganisation Act (APSRA), which officially designates Amaravati as the state capital, has sparked renewed enthusiasm among farmers. This clarity has led to a notable increase in participation from villages covered under the second phase of the Land Pooling Scheme (LPS 2.0), marking a positive shift in the region's development trajectory.
Surge in Farmer Participation and Government Initiatives
According to sources, farmers from Pedaparimi village have proactively come forward to contribute approximately 1,000 acres of land to the scheme. This move aligns with the state government's ambitious plans to pool an additional 16,666 acres of land in adjacent villages, including Thulluru, Tadikonda, and Pedakurapadu mandals. The objective is to develop critical infrastructure such as a greenfield airport, a state-of-the-art sports complex, and high-end technology industries, which are expected to boost economic growth and urban development in the capital region.
Initially, the LPS 2.0 faced challenges, with only a handful of farmers showing interest, and momentum quickly dwindled due to widespread skepticism about the capital's future. Farmers were hesitant, citing political uncertainties and past experiences where slow progress in capital works led to agitation among first-phase participants who are still awaiting their developed returnable plots. The Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) has been tasked with instilling confidence among second-phase farmers to address these concerns and ensure smoother implementation.
Land Acquisition Notifications and Government Appeals
In parallel, the state government has taken decisive steps by issuing village-wise land acquisition notifications for farmers who did not participate in the first-phase LPS. Notifications have been issued for acquiring lands in several villages: 11 acres in Thulluru, 40 acres in Nidamarru, six acres in Lingayapalem, eight acres in Mandadam, and 5.57 acres in Undavalli. These lands are integral to various ongoing projects, and contract agencies are currently facing challenges in accelerating work due to these acquisition processes.
The government has made repeated appeals to farmers, urging them to voluntarily participate in the LPS to avoid compulsory acquisition. However, with some farmers remaining reluctant to part with their lands, authorities have proceeded with the issuance of notifications to move forward with development plans. This dual approach of encouraging voluntary participation while resorting to acquisition highlights the government's commitment to advancing Amaravati's infrastructure despite obstacles.
Overall, the resolution of capital uncertainties through legislative amendment has catalyzed a more cooperative environment, with farmers increasingly engaging in the Land Pooling Scheme. This trend is crucial for realizing the vision of Amaravati as a modern capital, though ongoing efforts are needed to address past grievances and ensure timely project completion for the benefit of all stakeholders involved.
