VIJAYAWADA: In a bold initiative, the state government is set to acquire an additional 40,000 to 45,000 acres for the construction of the capital city by introducing the guidelines for Land Pooling Scheme-II (LPS). Prior consultations have been held in Tadikonda and Pedakurapadu constituencies to facilitate the implementation of LPS-II, laying the foundation for an official launch.
The government is also exploring options for acquiring further land to establish an international airport, a sports city, and smart industrial zones. Despite concerns from farmers who previously ceded their land in the first phase of LPS around a decade ago, the plan aims to expand the capital city into new regions adjacent to the existing capital zone covering 29 villages.
The new phase of LPS will largely retain the rules of LPS-I. “Aligned with the government’s vision of creating a ‘people’s capital’ and facilitating the necessary infrastructure projects such as airports and ports, this land procurement mechanism is designed as a voluntary initiative based on mutual consent between landowners and the state,” stated Principal Secretary S. Suresh Kumar. “The LPS aims to optimize the development of the capital region.”
He emphasized that LPS offers a more favorable alternative than the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. As per the guidelines, 10% of the land will be allocated for parks and open spaces; 30% for roads and utilities; 5% for social infrastructure such as educational and healthcare facilities; and another 5% for affordable housing. The remainder will be divided between landowners and the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA). If the pooled land is designated for major infrastructure like airports, landowners will receive alternative land in a specific sector nearby.
The government has assured that essential services such as roads, electricity, water supply, drainage, and communication infrastructure will be developed in the layouts designated for farmers.
In addition, the government will provide a pension of Rs. 5,000 per month to landless families who lose agricultural income for a period of 10 years. Farmers engaged in agriculture and holding a pattadar passbook and title deed will qualify for a one-time agricultural loan waiver of up to Rs. 1,50,000 for existing loans prior to the enforcement of these regulations, irrespective of the type of crop cultivated.
