Second phase of land pooling begins in Amaravati

The Andhra Pradesh government has launched the second phase of land pooling in the Amaravati capital region, with approvals granted for the process in seven villages. Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister Ponguru Narayana announced that land pooling has formally begun from Wednesday in Yandrayi and Vaddamanu villages.

Addressing the media after the 57th meeting of the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA), the Minister said the second phase of land pooling will be carried out in stages to support major infrastructure projects such as a railway line, an Inner Ring Road, and a Sports City in the capital region.

Once land pooling is completed, the government will take up infrastructure development, including wide roads, underground power cables, water pipelines, and other basic facilities. In Vaddamanu, Harichandrapuram, and Pedaparimi villages, around 9,097 acres of patta land and 7 acres of assigned land will be pooled. In addition, about 7,465 acres of patta land and 97 acres of assigned land from four villages in Palnadu district will be included. In total, nearly 16,666 acres will come under the second phase of land pooling.

After allotting developed plots and infrastructure to farmers, the remaining land - around 2,500 acres - will be used for public projects such as the Sports City, railway track, and Inner Ring Road.

The CRDA has also approved the allocation of one acre of land along the Krishna riverfront for the development of a Marina Waterfront under the tourism policy. Additionally, permission has been granted to provide alternative plots to 112 commercial plot owners affected by “street alignment” issues as per Vastu norms. The Minister clarified that this benefit will apply only to original allottees and not to those who have sold their plots.

As some farmers have not yet agreed to land pooling for a 4.5-acre stretch located between the Seed Axis Road and Mangalagiri Road connectivity, the government will issue notices for land acquisition in that area. The Minister also said the steel bridge in Amaravati is expected to be completed by February, after which road construction will be accelerated.

Narayana stated that development works are progressing rapidly on the 34,000 acres already pooled in the first phase. Construction of 4,026 officials’ residences, five administrative towers, the Assembly, and the High Court will be completed within stipulated timelines. He added that steps are being taken, as per Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s directions, to develop smart industries, an international airport, and an international sports city to give Amaravati global recognition.

Pedakurapadu MLA Bhashyam Praveen said farmers in four villages of Palnadu district are happy about being included in the capital region and are voluntarily coming forward for land pooling.

CRDA Principal Secretary Suresh Kumar said the 57th authority meeting approved five key proposals, including the issuance of a notification for 754 posts in AP CRDA, pensions for orphaned children, marina development, and the reallocation of the 112 affected commercial plots.

The Minister also clarified that although land was pooled from farmers in the first phase, physical handover of all developed plots has not yet been completed. Plot handover is done only after providing roads, drainage, electricity, water supply, and other infrastructure. He attributed delays to ongoing infrastructure works, layout redesigns, administrative decisions, and procedural reasons, assuring that remaining farmers will receive their plots in a phased manner.