Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu explained that the second phase of land acquisition was crucial for Amaravati's development and that there wasn't enough land for companies who wanted to invest in the capital. It also needs more land to develop a sports city, an international airport, and an international railway station. The Chief Minister said only then can Amaravati be developed into an international city.
He told them that if farmers do not cooperate with the second phase of land acquisition, Amaravati may remain a municipality. On Thursday, the Chief Minister invited farmers at the Secretariat to listen to their problems. The two-and-a-half-hour meeting saw a patient hearing of farmers’ problems and demands. While responding positively to the farmers, he advised them not to post every issue on social media. According to him, multiple JACs among Amaravati farmers testify to a lack of unity among them. He wanted them to project a single group, the Amaravati Development Committee, which would take on all issues concerning Amaravati development.
Farmers Respond Positively
He spoke candidly to the farmers who contributed the land for the capital. Chandrababu Naidu made it emphatic that Amaravati should become a growth engine for the state and that the development of the capital must first benefit the farmers of the capital. He highlighted how the land value would appreciate and asked the farmers not to sell their flats in a hurry.
The Chief Minister recalled the experience in developing Hyderabad, whose price rose from Rs. 1 lakh per acre to Rs. 170 crore. He asked farmers if they agreed to proceed with the second phase of land consolidation. Farmers did not raise any objection, provided the development plan for the capital is followed. Some farmers pointed out that 2,000 farmers across 29 villages have not contributed land so far. The Chief Minister said a three-member committee will discuss land acquisition with them. If they do not cooperate, a notification will be issued within 15 days.
Farmer Grievances Redressal by Sankranthi
The issues raised by the farmers will be resolved by Sankranthi, assured the Chief Minister. A three-member committee, comprising of Union Minister Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, Municipal Minister Narayana, and Tadikonda MLA Tenali Shravan Kumar will oversee it.
Farmers brought up the issue of FSI for residential plots. Builders expressed that in case FSI is fixed at 2.8, investment for the purchase and development of plots would be unviable. The farmers demanded that the FSI should be increased to 3.5. The CM replied that he would consider this and convey a decision.
Some farmers requested the extension of the capital gains tax exemption as the previous one expired, and no land sales occurred between 2019-24. The Chief Minister assured that he will discuss this with the Union Finance Minister. The 95 farmers, including representatives of Amaravati JAC, attended the meeting. The others present at the meeting included Union Minister Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, Minister Narayana, MLA Tenali Shravan Kumar, Principal Secretary Suresh Kumar, CRDA Commissioner Kannababu, and others.
