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The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, today announced that the State will come out with a policy framework for land allocation to industries and large infrastructure projects.
The new policy framework will also have provisions to take back the land allotted if it is not used for the purpose it was allotted.
Answering queries during a debate on land allocation to industrial establishments, particularly to ports and large infrastructure projects, Mr Reddy said “a committee will be constituted which will take up a detailed analysis of the lands allotted to various infrastructure projects, including large ones, such as petrochemical region, ports to assess how they have been put to use.”
“Based on their findings, we will come up with a policy which will not only provide clear approach to land allocations, but also have provisions where we can resume the land if it is not used for the purpose it is allocated,” he assured.
The issue came up in the State Legislative Assembly, when Lok Satta member, Mr.Jayaprakash Narayan, mentioned that the Central Government was keen to set up another major port in Andhra Pradesh but the State has been delaying allotment of land. Thousands of acres have been allocated to some private parties ignoring this request, which he felt was unnecessary.
Singapore port
Referring to Singapore port, which is amongst the world's biggest port in terms of cargo handling capability, but it has a small area to function, Mr Narayana, said the land allotted to some of the ports in the State seems to be disproportionately huge.
The Chief Minister said “the State will soon decide on the proposal to take up a new port and also assured the House that the 2000-acre land allocated for Vanpic (Vodarevu and Nizampatanm Port Industrial Corridor) will be reviewed along with other projects too. We may even take back land.”
Power projects
Referring to power projects at Sompeta and Kakarapalli that were affected by protests by locals, Mr Reddy said “concerns of local farmers and fishermen would be considered when such land allotments are made. To address these issues, we will study them thoroughly and take appropriate follow up action.”
The Chief Minister said “the contribution of fishermen was significant as they generate about Rs 11,000 crore income. Therefore, we need to look into their concerns too.”
The TDP member, Mr Gali Muddukrishnama Naidu, wanted a House Committee to look into land allotments. He felt there was a need to renegotiate with the allottees.
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