Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh – In a significant update on the development of Andhra Pradesh’s greenfield capital, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday stated that the second phase of the land pooling scheme for Amaravati is progressing smoothly, with substantial support and cooperation from farmers across the capital region. Speaking during an informal interaction with the media at the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) central office, Naidu expressed satisfaction over the pace of construction and the overall progress of the project, noting that administrative issues were being addressed methodically and effectively.

The Amaravati project, envisioned as a modern, planned capital city for the state, relies heavily on land pooling from local farmers to create a sustainable and organized urban infrastructure. Land pooling, a model introduced under Naidu’s leadership, allows farmers to contribute their agricultural land for development in exchange for a portion of the developed land and long-term economic benefits. The scheme aims to ensure that farmers directly benefit from the urbanization and infrastructure projects in their regions, while also providing the state with the land required for planned city development.

On November 28, the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, led by Naidu, formally approved the second phase of the land pooling scheme, encompassing 16,666 acres of land across seven villages in the Amaravati capital region. The villages included in this phase are Vaikuntapuram, Pedda Madduru, Endrai, Karlapudi, Vaddamanu, Harishchandrapuram, and Peddaparimi. Naidu emphasized that farmers were actively participating in the scheme, which was evident in their willingness to cooperate and support the state government’s initiatives. According to the Chief Minister, the pace of capital construction has accelerated, and most issues encountered during development are being resolved efficiently, reflecting a collaborative approach between the government, the public, and the farmers.

Naidu expressed confidence that the smooth implementation of the second phase would not only augment the existing Amaravati land bank but also contribute to the city’s timely development. He highlighted that the ongoing phase is expected to supplement the already established 54,000-acre land bank, which includes 34,281 acres pooled from 29,881 farmers across 29 villages in the first phase of the land pooling scheme. This cumulative land base is intended to provide sufficient scope for comprehensive urban planning, including residential, commercial, civic, and institutional development, aimed at transforming Amaravati into a state-of-the-art capital.

During his interaction with the media, Naidu referenced his recent meeting with Amaravati capital region farmers on November 27 at the state secretariat. He described the discussions as productive, with farmers expressing satisfaction over the government’s approach and the benefits they would receive from participating in the land pooling initiative. The Chief Minister emphasized that the positive outcomes from this engagement reflected the government’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and stakeholder participation in the development process.

In addition to providing an update on Amaravati, Naidu addressed a politically sensitive issue concerning remarks made by YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy regarding the Parakamani temple theft. According to Naidu, Reddy’s alleged comments that the theft was minor had deeply hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees of Lord Venkateswara, one of the most revered deities in the state. The Chief Minister criticized Reddy, stating that such remarks demonstrated a lack of respect for religious faith and the sanctity of temples. Naidu further elaborated that trivializing sacred offerings not only disrespected the devotees but also undermined the cultural and spiritual significance of religious institutions in Andhra Pradesh. He drew attention to previous allegations against Reddy, including involvement in personal family disputes, suggesting a broader pattern of dismissive behavior toward legal and moral accountability.

Naidu also spoke at length about law and order in the state, asserting that his government has made substantial progress in improving public safety and maintaining peace. He contrasted the current administration’s achievements with the previous YSRCP government, alleging that it had turned even peaceful regions into hubs of criminal activity by allegedly encouraging and protecting criminals. The Chief Minister stressed that his government would not compromise on ensuring law and order, and that maintaining public trust and security remained a top priority for the state administration.

In the realm of education, Naidu highlighted ongoing reforms that are yielding visible results across the state. He particularly referenced the recent mega parent-teacher meeting, which he described as a “strong brand initiative” aimed at enhancing the quality of education and improving engagement between schools, teachers, students, and parents. These measures, he noted, are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the education sector in Andhra Pradesh, ensuring that reforms not only improve infrastructure but also focus on learning outcomes, teacher accountability, and student development. The Chief Minister reiterated that these initiatives are aligned with the state government’s vision of comprehensive development, encompassing social, economic, and human capital aspects.

The second phase of Amaravati’s land pooling is critical for the long-term planning and sustainability of the capital city. By incorporating additional villages and thousands of acres of land, the government aims to ensure sufficient space for residential, commercial, educational, healthcare, and recreational infrastructure. The land pooling model allows for equitable sharing of benefits with local farmers, addressing potential displacement concerns and providing economic incentives through allocation of developed plots. Moreover, this approach facilitates orderly urban expansion while reducing the risks of unplanned growth, a common challenge in rapidly urbanizing regions.

Naidu also reiterated the government’s commitment to transparent governance and continuous dialogue with stakeholders. He stressed that resolving local grievances, ensuring proper compensation, and maintaining inclusive development practices are central to the success of the land pooling program. The Chief Minister noted that administrative machinery has been mobilized to provide timely support to participating farmers and to address any bottlenecks that may arise during the implementation of the second phase.

The Amaravati capital project, which began under Naidu’s leadership in 2015, has always been envisioned as a model for modern urban development in India. With its focus on sustainability, integrated infrastructure, and citizen-centric planning, the city is intended to become a benchmark for future state capitals and smart cities. By involving local communities through land pooling, the government aims to create a sense of ownership among residents, ensuring long-term engagement and support for the project.

Overall, the Chief Minister’s update underscored that the second phase of land pooling is progressing according to schedule, and that positive outcomes are emerging both in terms of farmer participation and construction momentum. Naidu’s remarks reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to combine economic development with social inclusion, cultural sensitivity, and administrative efficiency. By maintaining a focus on law and order, education reforms, and citizen welfare, the Andhra Pradesh government aims to ensure that Amaravati emerges as a symbol of planned growth, community cooperation, and sustainable development.

In conclusion, N. Chandrababu Naidu’s remarks on the second phase of Amaravati land pooling highlight a multidimensional approach to governance. The progress of the land pooling scheme, combined with improvements in law and order, educational reforms, and attention to cultural sensitivities, presents a comprehensive vision for Andhra Pradesh’s future. With strong support from farmers and active engagement from government agencies, the second phase of land pooling is poised to reinforce Amaravati’s position as a planned, modern, and inclusive capital city, reflecting the state’s aspirations for balanced and sustainable development in the years to come.