‘Real Estate Mafia Running Amaravati’

APCC chief YS Sharmila Reddy has raised strong objections over the AP government’s latest plans to acquire another 20,000 acres for Amaravati. She said that before seeking more land, the government must explain what happened to the 54,000 acres already taken from farmers and government lands over the last decade.

Sharmila reminded that 29,000 farmers surrendered 34,000 acres in the first phase, trusting the promises made to them. Including government lands, the total went up to 54,000 acres. Yet, after 11 years, there is almost no visible development in the capital region. She said the area, which was supposed to turn into a world class city, is now covered with weeds and abandoned spaces, with no major buildings, infrastructure or industries coming up.

She questioned how reports now claim that only 700 acres are left and demanded full clarity on how the first phase lands were used, allotted or sold. She also asked why these details are not available on the CRDA website and why the government has not released a White Paper.

Sharmila strongly opposed the second phase land acquisition, calling it unnecessary and unfair to farmers. She said the government’s argument that 5000 acres are needed for a new airport is misleading. She pointed out that major airports like Mumbai, Bhogapuram and Gannavaram operate with far less land. Upgrading the existing airport would be cheaper and smarter.

She also questioned the plan to use 2500 acres for a sports city when even Olympic stadiums were built on far smaller areas. According to her, these proposals look more like plans to benefit private companies rather than the state.

Sharmila demanded an all party meeting, a White Paper, and protection for farmers, stating that Amaravati is about the dignity of Andhra Pradesh and not a real estate project.