Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday said that the land pooling process for capital development has almost been completed in a record time and will pave the way for development of the new capital city.

Farmers enthusiastic “We started the land pooling process in January and within a short time, have managed to convince local land owners to take part in the development process. At a time when the country is grappling with the Land Acquisition Act, we have managed to handle this sensitive issue through the land pooling process,” he said.

Speaking on the sidelines of a conference with Japanese investors, he said the entire process of land pooling, which involves taking the land, parting with 25 per cent of developed land to the farmer who gives away land, has enthused the farming community to be part of the development.

Dig at Opposition There has been considerable opposition from leaders from the Left parties and YSR Congress Party. But the cooperation received by the farmers is something they are hard-pressed to digest, he said.

Asked about Tollywood star Pawan Kalyan’s comments that the land pooling was a matter of concern and that farmers should not shed tears for parting with land, Naidu said, “I am not sure in what context the statement was made. The government has not forced anyone to part with land. . They have come voluntarily and we have managed to pool in the required land.”

To be ready by June “The Left party wants 10 acres for a party office but expects us to construct capital in 1,000 acres; isn’t this absurd?,” he asked. The Chief Minister said the Master Plan for new capital would be ready by June and would facilitate works on the development of infrastructure. This could be by way of public-private participation mode, he said.

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