VISAKHAPATNAM: After nearly 18 years of challenges, the long-standing issue surrounding the Cherlopalikhandam land near Anakapalli is finally resolved. This paves the way for a 58-acre integrated township project. Initially proposed in 2007 under the land pooling scheme (LPS), the project faced delays due to complications concerning 16 acres for which owner consent was not secured.
The Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA), now known as the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA), identified 86 acres in Cherlopalikhandam village for a major layout in 2007 due to high public demand. Of this, 62.37 acres were private land to be acquired under the LPS, with a formal board resolution passed in July 2010.
In 2014, VUDA issued a draft notification for 79.1 acres, seeking feedback from stakeholders. Following a review, a final notification was released in July that year. A draft layout plan was formulated in 2016 for approximately 58.18 acres, focusing only on land for which general power of attorney agreements had been executed. However, the lack of consent for nearly 16 acres led to an ongoing stalemate.
This deadlock was broken with the state government’s approval of a compensation package. Under this agreement, landowners of the disputed 16 acres will receive compensation of 1,200 square yards per acre, including a 1,000 square yard residential plot and a 200 square yard commercial plot. Those who relinquished their land earlier will receive 1,800 square yards per acre for the remaining 41 acres. Note that one acre is government-owned.
According to VMRDA officials, the site is ideally located near the Anakapalli–Sabbavaram Road and close to Anakapalli town, making it suitable for residential development. Given the rising housing demand in the area, officials are optimistic about the financial viability of the township project. It’s worth noting that VMRDA has already spent about Rs 1.7 crore on registration fees and initial development work, including some road and drain constructions.
VMRDA metropolitan commissioner KS Viswanathan stated that the government’s recent decision resolves an 18-year issue. “Following the government’s order, after securing approval from the landowners of the 15.9 acres that had not previously granted consent, 1,000 square yards of residential and 200 square yards of commercial plots per acre are allocated to them. This decision benefits farmers with immediate returns while generating resources for VMRDA,” said Viswanathan.
