Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to continue with its previous policy regarding land allotment for institutions as part of the Amaravati capital development project. This decision was taken in a meeting of the Committee of Ministers led by State Municipal Administration Minister Narayana. The meeting, which focused on land allotment in Amaravati, was attended by Ministers Payyavula Keshav, Kollu Ravindra, TG Bharat, and Kandula Durgesh.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Minister Narayana stated, “In the past, we allocated land to 131 institutions. Out of these, we have decided to continue the allocations for 31 organizations as they are. The land allocated to two organizations has been shifted to different locations. Additionally, we have decided to modify the location and scope of 16 institutions and further cancel the allocations to 13 institutions.”

Minister Narayana highlighted the significant contributions made by farmers in the past towards the Amaravati capital project. “Between 2014 and 2019, farmers voluntarily contributed approximately 34,000 acres of land for the construction of the capital. We had invited tenders worth Rs. 43,000 crore and initiated the construction of roads within Amaravati. About Rs. 9,000 crore was spent on various developmental works before the previous government halted the project. However, we have now refocused on Amaravati and worked tirelessly for the past eight months to reopen tenders. The agreement process will be completed within two days,” he added.

Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav strongly criticized the previous government, alleging that the people of Andhra Pradesh were misled about Amaravati's development. “Amaravati is a self-sustainable project. The majority of the funds are being arranged through the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA), with minimal support from the state government. We are also securing funds in the form of external loans. Our model ensures that every rupee spent on Amaravati’s development will be recovered through land sales after development, thereby preventing any financial burden on the state treasury.”

Keshav also dismissed claims that the project would require massive financial investments. “The former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy claimed that building Amaravati would cost lakhs of crores. However, are we really spending that much? No. The funding is being managed efficiently through CRDA, and loans will be repaid once the development gains momentum. The previous government’s neglect has delayed not only Amaravati but also other major projects like Polavaram. Had these projects been completed on time, the state could have focused on the development of other districts by now.”

Minister Narayana further criticized the previous YSRCP government for its handling of the Amaravati project. “The former government engaged in deliberate obstruction, causing unnecessary setbacks in the state’s capital development. Their actions only served political interests rather than the welfare of the people. Our government is committed to undoing the damage and fast-tracking Amaravati’s progress.” With the government’s renewed focus, Amaravati is set to regain momentum as the capital city, paving the way for long-term infrastructural and economic development in Andhra Pradesh.