Amaravati, the ambitious new capital city of Andhra Pradesh, has been touted as a shining example of modern urban planning and development. However, the reality on the ground paints a very different picture, with the Chandrababu Naidu-led government’s claims of “natural development” coming under intense scrutiny.
When the idea of Amaravati was first conceived, the state government promised landowners compensation of up to Rs 20 crore per acre for their land. This lofty figure, combined with the promise of a world-class city, enticed many farmers to willingly part with their ancestral farmlands. But as the years have passed, the harsh reality of Amaravati’s progress has become increasingly apparent.
Despite the grand plans and massive government investment, the city’s development has been plagued by delays, incomplete infrastructure, and a lack of tangible progress. Many of the promised amenities and facilities remain in the planning stages, leaving residents and landowners feeling disillusioned and betrayed.
One such landowner, Ramesh Chandra, who parted with his land for the Amaravati project, expressed his disappointment. “We were promised the moon, but all we’ve seen so far is a mirage. The government keeps talking about the city’s progress, but the ground reality is very different. We’re still waiting for the basic infrastructure and facilities that were promised to us.”
The lack of progress has not only dashed the hopes of landowners but has also raised concerns about the financial viability of the project. With limited private investment and delayed government funding, the timeline for Amaravati’s completion remains uncertain, leaving many to wonder if the city will ever live up to its initial grand vision.
Critics of the project have pointed to the government’s overambitious plans and the failure to address the concerns of local communities as key factors contributing to the slow development. They argue that the focus on creating a “world-class” capital has come at the expense of addressing the immediate needs and livelihood concerns of the people affected by the land acquisition process.
As the Amaravati saga continues to unfold, the state government’s claims of “natural development” ring hollow, and the dream of a Rs 20 crore per acre capital city appears to be fading further into the distance. The true test of Amaravati’s success will lie in its ability to deliver on the promises made to its people and to emerge as a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving city that can serve as a model for urban development in the country.
