Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu officially opened the new Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) offices in Amaravati on Monday. This significant milestone marks the inauguration of the first state-owned construction in Amaravati, completed and opened at a cost of ₹240 crore. Following the inauguration, the Chief Minister toured the seven-floor complex, assessing the facilities available.
The APCRDA office complex has received the Net Zero Energy (Design) certification from the Indian Green Building Council, a testament to its sustainable construction aligned with IGBC standards.
During his address, Chief Minister Naidu expressed optimism that the entire Amaravati government complex would be finished within the next three years, adhering to project timelines. He acknowledged the substantial contributions of Amaravati farmers who contributed their land through the land pooling system, making the project a reality.
Naidu also criticized the previous YSR Congress Party government for neglecting Amaravati, emphasizing the current NDA government’s dedication to its sustained development. He extended thanks to the central government for its unwavering support in revitalizing the capital city.
Looking ahead, Naidu drew parallels with Hyderabad’s growth, anticipating rapid development in Amaravati, especially with the planned launch of a Hi-Tech City. He also recognized the efforts of Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan and Bharatiya Janata Party leaders in this endeavor.
Farmers’ Protest in Amaravati
Concurrently, farmers who had provided land for the capital city’s development staged a protest at the APCRDA office inauguration. They highlighted the perceived indifference of APCRDA authorities in addressing their long-standing issues.
The joint action committee of Amaravati farmers, after a meeting in Guntur, issued a ten-day ultimatum for government dialogue. The committee’s president, Madala Srinivas, stated that despite the change in government over a year ago, many farmer-related problems remain unresolved. Key issues include the difficulties faced by assigned landholders, the timely payment of annuities and leases, lack of access to bank loans for plot allottees, road alignment impacts on plots, errors in plot allocation, and concerns regarding village common lands and floor space index plans.
Srinivas warned that if the government fails to respond, the JAC plans to organize a large gathering of farmers and agricultural laborers to strategize the next phase of their agitation.
During the APCRDA building inauguration, some farmer representatives brought these concerns directly to the Chief Minister’s attention. Naidu assured them that protecting the interests of farmers who contributed land for Amaravati’s development would be a top priority. He has assigned Union Minister Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, State Minister P Narayana, and MLA T Sravan Kumar the responsibility of addressing and resolving these farmer grievances.