Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved the second phase of land pooling in Amaravati to facilitate infrastructure development in the capital region. The decision was announced by State Minister for Information and Public Relations Kolusu Parthasarathy following the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday.
The minister stated that the land pooling process would be conducted under a uniform set of guidelines, with the aim of addressing future needs. He assured that the government is committed to ensuring the process does not inconvenience local residents. Revised regulations have been framed to prevent complications, particularly in line with directives issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court.
Assigned, temple, and island lands will be subject to a detailed inquiry under the supervision of the Joint Collector to avoid boundary disputes during the survey. The government also promised free education and healthcare for local farmers affected by the pooling.
Focus on Amaravati Development
The Cabinet discussed expediting the stalled construction projects initiated under the previous administration. Work on General Administration Department (GAD) and High-Power Department (HOD) towers will be handed over to NCC, L\&T, and Shapoorji Pallonji, as per previously finalized tenders. The Cabinet also approved CRDA resolutions and granted in-principle approval for a state-of-the-art convention centre in Amaravati.
Additionally, administrative clearance was given for ₹682 crore worth of tenders to connect E3 Road in Amaravati to National Highway 16.
Key Approvals Across Departments
Minister Parthasarathy highlighted several other important Cabinet decisions:
* Approval for land allotments to various institutions.
* Sanction for the upgradation of 40 Building Inspector posts in the Municipal Administration Department.
* Approval for the establishment of nine new Anna Canteens across the state.
* Amendments to building regulations to simplify approval processes.
* Allotment of a Deputy Collector post to tennis player Saketh Sai under the sports quota.
The Cabinet also approved land transfers, including 12.07 acres in Vadamalapeta, Tirupati, to the Tourism Department and 50 acres near Gandikota for resort development. ₹350 crore was sanctioned for safety enhancements at the Srisailam Dam and Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage.
Support for Investments and Agriculture
The Cabinet ratified decisions made at the recent State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) meeting, including ₹1,582 crore in investments by Cognizant Technology Solutions for a 22.19-acre facility in Madhurawada, Visakhapatnam.
In a major development for rural welfare, 4,687 mini Anganwadi centres will be upgraded to full-fledged centres. Additionally, ₹273.17 crore was sanctioned through AP MARKFED for tobacco procurement.
The Cabinet resolved that the state government will directly procure 20 million tonnes of tobacco and declared a crop holiday for tobacco farming in the upcoming agricultural cycle.
Cultural Initiatives and Administrative Transfers
The Cabinet approved the transfer of management of the Ambedkar statue complex in Vijayawada from the Social Welfare Department to the Department of Culture. The latter has been tasked with completing all pending works using allocated funds.