Andhra reconsiders district boundaries

The new coalition government in Andhra Pradesh is moving to address public dissatisfaction and administrative challenges created by the previous government's decision to split the state into 26 districts. A seven-minister subcommittee has been formed to review the boundaries of districts, mandals, and villages, as well as consider name changes and other adjustments.

The subcommittee has begun receiving petitions from the public and will soon submit a comprehensive report to the government before the upcoming Assembly sessions. The entire reorganization process is being expedited to be completed by December 31, 2025, as a state-wide census is scheduled from January 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, during which no boundary changes will be permitted.

While no major overhaul is expected, the committee is exploring the possibility of forming two or three new districts and making targeted boundary adjustments in several locations.

1. Markapuram-Centered District: A long-standing demand for a new district with Markapuram as its headquarters in Prakasam district is being reviewed. The proposal suggests forming a new district with five constituencies: Giddaluru, Kanigiri, Markapuram, Yerragondapalem, and Darsi. To ensure a balanced administrative structure, it is also proposed that the Addanki constituency from Bapatla district and the Kandukur constituency from Nellore district be merged into Prakasam district.

2. Urban District for Amaravati: A proposal is on the table to create a new urban district centered around Amaravati. This district could include the 29 villages of the capital region that currently fall under the Mangalagiri and Tadikonda constituencies of Guntur district. Additionally, geographically close constituencies like Pedakurapadu, Nandigama, and Jaggayyapet may be included, bringing the total to five constituencies. If this change is made, Guntur district would also be left with a balanced number of five constituencies.

3. Rampachodavaram as a New District Headquarters: Due to the significant administrative and travel difficulties faced by residents, the formation of a new district with Rampachodavaram as its center is being considered. The current district headquarters, Paderu, is located 187 km away, making it administratively challenging for officials and a burden for the public. A separate district combining the four merged mandals of Rampachodavaram and the Chintur division would provide much-needed convenience for the people of the agency area.

4. Other Proposed Constituency Changes: Public representatives and leaders have submitted additional proposals, including:

• Merging the Shringavarapukotta constituency into Visakhapatnam district.

• Including the Mandapeta constituency in East Godavari district.

• Merging the Ramachandrapuram constituency into Kakinada district.

• Including the Kaikalur constituency in Krishna district.