Amaravati, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh, is set to expand further, raising concerns over the government’s land acquisition practices and the impact on local farmers. The ruling Telugu Desam Party-led coalition government has been accused of an insatiable appetite for land in the Amaravati capital region, with plans to acquire more land from the farmers in the area.
The Amaravati capital region, which was unveiled in 2014 as the future administrative center of Andhra Pradesh, has already seen a significant amount of land acquired from local farmers. Now, it appears that the government is not satisfied with the current land holdings and is seeking to expand the capital city’s boundaries, further encroaching on the livelihoods of the farmers.
According to sources, the government has plans to acquire an additional 8,000 acres of land from the farmers in the region. This move has sparked outrage among the local population, who fear that they will be left without their primary source of income and way of life.
The land acquisition process has been a contentious issue in Andhra Pradesh, with many farmers accusing the government of using coercive tactics and offering inadequate compensation. The government, on the other hand, has argued that the expansion of Amaravati is necessary for the overall development of the state and that the farmers will be fairly compensated for their land.
However, the farmers are not convinced. They have expressed concerns about the long-term impact of the land acquisition on their communities, stating that the compensation offered is not enough to sustain their livelihoods. Additionally, they fear that the expansion of Amaravati will lead to the displacement of thousands of people and the destruction of their way of life.
The issue has also sparked criticism from various advocacy groups and civil society organizations, who have accused the government of prioritizing the interests of developers and real estate companies over the welfare of the local population. They argue that the government’s actions are a clear example of “greed for land” and a disregard for the rights of the farmers.
As the Amaravati capital region continues to expand, the tension between the government and the local farmers is likely to intensify. The outcome of this battle will have far-reaching consequences for the people of Andhra Pradesh and the future of the state’s development. The government must carefully consider the concerns of the farmers and find a balance between progress and the preservation of the local community’s way of life.
