Andhra Pradesh govt to support farmers giving land for new capital, assures CM Chandrababu Naidu

Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday assured to protect the interests of the farmers who are willing to relinquish their land for the new state capital.

"The government would protect the interests of the farmers who are willing to hand over their lands under land pooling scheme. They will be the first to enjoy the benefits of the new state capital," Naidu said here while addressing a group of farmers from Tulluru and Mangalagiri tehsils in Guntur district, who came to greet him.

Farmers from Tulluru and its surrounding villages are willing to part with their agricultural lands for the construction of the new state capital.

"The new capital would provide good employment opportunities for the locals...it is an opportunity for them for their socio-economic growth," the Chief Minister said.

Read: Andhra Pradesh to get rectangular capital

The new AP capital would be developed in four tehsils--Tulluru and Mangalagiri in Guntur district—and Ibrahimpatnam and Kanchakacharla in Krishna district.

Meanwhile, during a review meeting held here earlier today, Naidu said an inquiry committee would be set up to find out the reasons for Vijayawada Municipal Corporation's "delay" in utilising Rs 350 crore central funds for various projects and schemes.

"The Centre had released Rs 350 crore in phases as loan to Vijayawada Municipal Corporation. However, there has been an inordinate delay in the implementation of various central schemes by the civic body. Work has been moving slowly," Naidu said.

"Therefore, an inquiry committee soon be would set up to find out the reasons for this delay," he added. Naidu also announced a scheme worth Rs 1,500 crore for beautification of Vijayawada to make it a world-class city.

He also asked officials to prepare plan for the rehabilitation of slum-dwellers on canal bunds by constructing houses for them.

"Water transportation project be also developed as the part of beautification of the city by utilising canals," the chief minister said, adding the flow of drainage into irrigation canals should be checked by installing water treatment plants.

The Governments of Singapore and Andhra Pradesh had earlier this month signed a memorandum of understanding under which the former will design a master plan for building the state's new capital near Vijayawada.