Amaravati's Revival Faces Legal Hurdles, Raising Questions about Timeline
The TDP's ambition to revive Amaravati as the capital of Andhra Pradesh faces a complex web of legal challenges, casting doubt on the feasibility of its quick restoration.
While CM Chandrababu Naidu has visited Amaravati and pledged to rebuild the stalled projects, a recent report from government officials paints a grim picture. Over 100 cases, including those in the Supreme Court and High Court, threaten to delay any progress.
Key legal roadblocks include:
Farmers' Cases: More than 100 cases filed by farmers against the previous Jagan government remain unresolved. Farmers demand compensation for their land and are reluctant to withdraw their claims, creating a significant legal hurdle.
R-5 Zone Dispute: Farmers have challenged the R-5 zone in the master plan, raising questions about the city's design. Convincing the court and farmers will be crucial.
YCP's Potential Actions: Officials fear that the YCP party might use its influence with residents who received housing in Amaravati to file new legal challenges, hindering the project's progress.
Three Capitals Issue: The Supreme Court case regarding the proposed three capitals for Andhra Pradesh remains a major concern. Even if withdrawn, YCP might counter with further legal action.
Non-Returnable Plots: A pending Supreme Court case demands that returnable plots be provided to farmers who relinquished their land. This issue requires resolution and could necessitate substantial financial investment.
Land Acquisition Issue: The YSP government's 2023 withdrawal of the notification for acquiring 1,197 acres of land adds further complexity to the project.
The legal tangle, coupled with the need for financial resources, suggests that Amaravati's revival will be a protracted and challenging process. It remains to be seen whether the TDP can navigate these legal hurdles and fulfill its promise of restoring Amaravati to its former glory.