Date: July 16, 2024

Andhra Pradesh to Implement New Land Grabbing Act, Announces Chandrababu Naidu

VIJAYAWADA: In a move aimed at curbing land exploitation, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced the introduction of a new Land Grabbing Act. This announcement came during a meeting where Naidu accused the previous YSR Congress (YSRC) government of extensive land misappropriation and environmental degradation over the past five years.

Unveiling a New Strategy

During the release of a white paper titled ‘Misappropriation of Natural Resources – Land, Mines, and Minerals and Forests’ at the State Secretariat, Naidu claimed that the estimated irregularities in land dealings amounted to Rs 35,576 crore. He suggested that the actual figure could be even higher. Naidu emphasized that the new AP Land Grabbing Act, modeled after the Gujarat Land Grabbing Act, 2020, would require alleged land-grabbers to prove their ownership. He assured that strict actions would be taken against those involved in illegal activities, including the exploitation of natural resources and the looting of public and government properties.

Public Involvement and Measures

Naidu urged the public to report any instances of land grabbing, litigation, or forced occupation by previous regime leaders. To facilitate this, he announced the establishment of a toll-free number for receiving such complaints. He also stated that the ongoing Land Resurvey initiated by the previous government would be halted immediately.

Accusations Against the Previous Government

Naidu accused the previous YSRC government of exploiting red sanders and weakening the vigilance and forest staff, allowing illegal quarry operations. He criticized the YSRC regime for consolidating the Forest and Mining portfolios under one minister to facilitate exploitation.

Upcoming Visit to Delhi

Naidu is set to leave for a two-day visit to New Delhi, where he may meet with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss unresolved issues related to the state’s bifurcation. Before his departure, Naidu will chair a Cabinet meeting at the State Secretariat.

Land Grabbing Allegations

Naidu described YSRC leaders as “financial terrorists” and accused them of using innovative methods to grab land in cities like Visakhapatnam, Ongole, Chittoor, and Tirupati. He alleged that former YSRC MP MVV Satyanarayana attempted to illegally occupy 12.51 acres allocated to an old age home, while other lands were allocated at nominal prices to entities close to the YSRC leadership.

Reclaiming Land for the Public

Naidu asserted that lands wrongfully acquired by YSRC leaders would be returned to their rightful owners. He criticized the Land Titling Act passed by the previous government, claiming it was misrepresented as a part of NITI Aayog guidelines and was not implemented elsewhere in the country, which is why it has now been repealed.

With these measures, the Andhra Pradesh government aims to restore order and ensure that land resources are protected and rightfully utilized.