Pedamadduru farmers give away 313 acres within an hour of launching LPS

The rapid and voluntary contribution of 313 acres of land by farmers in Pedamadduru village for the Amaravati capital city project, under the Land Pooling Scheme (LPS), offers a compelling case study in India's complex landscape of land acquisition and urban development. This event, where land was pooled within an hour of the scheme's launch, highlights both the potential for cooperative land development models and the critical importance of government assurances and environmental compliance.

**Background Context and the Genesis of Amaravati:**

Andhra Pradesh faced a unique challenge after the bifurcation of the state in June 2014, which led to the formation of Telangana. Hyderabad, the erstwhile joint capital, was designated as the capital of Telangana, leaving Andhra Pradesh without a capital city. This necessitated the urgent establishment of a new administrative and economic hub. After extensive deliberation, the state government decided to build a greenfield capital city named Amaravati, situated on the banks of the Krishna River, leveraging its central location and historical significance. The traditional method of land acquisition, governed by the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (LARR Act, 2013), often faces significant hurdles, including prolonged legal battles, protests over compensation, and delays. To circumvent these challenges and foster voluntary participation, the Andhra Pradesh government opted for a Land Pooling Scheme (LPS) as the primary mechanism for land assembly.

**The Land Pooling Scheme (LPS) and Pedamadduru's Role:**

Under the LPS, landowners voluntarily surrender their land to the designated urban development authority, in this case, the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA). In return, they receive a developed plot within the new city, along with an annuity payment for a fixed period and other benefits like skill development and livelihood support. The Pedamadduru instance demonstrates the scheme's potential success when trust and clear communication are established. The quick acquisition of 313 acres suggests that farmers perceived the benefits and the government's commitment as credible. Minister Narayana's reiteration that Amaravati's development would strictly adhere to Green Tribunal permissions and that all promises to farmers would be fulfilled was crucial. This assurance addresses concerns about environmental sustainability and the socio-economic well-being of the displaced agrarian communities.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:**

Several entities play vital roles in this initiative. The **Andhra Pradesh Government** and its agency, the **Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA)**, are the primary drivers, conceptualizing and executing the capital city project. The **farmers** in the capital region, like those in Pedamadduru, are critical stakeholders, as their voluntary participation through LPS is fundamental to land assembly. The **National Green Tribunal (NGT)** acts as an environmental watchdog, ensuring that large-scale infrastructure projects comply with environmental regulations and possess necessary clearances. Urban planners, developers, and future residents are also significant, shaping and experiencing the new city's growth. The success of Amaravati hinges on the harmonious interaction and mutual trust among these diverse stakeholders.

**Significance for India and Broader Themes:**

This development holds profound significance for India. Firstly, it offers a potential **alternative model for land acquisition** for large infrastructure and urban projects, moving away from potentially contentious compulsory acquisition under LARR Act, 2013. The voluntary nature of LPS, if successfully replicated, can accelerate project timelines and reduce social friction. Secondly, it underscores the challenges and opportunities in **sustainable urban development** and **state reorganization**. The creation of a new capital post-bifurcation highlights the complexities of federalism and the need for robust state-level planning. Thirdly, the emphasis on **Green Tribunal permissions** reflects India's growing commitment to environmental governance and integrating ecological considerations into urban planning, a key aspect of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The project's long-term success will set a precedent for future greenfield cities and large-scale infrastructure development across the nation.

**Constitutional and Policy Framework:**

Land is a State subject under **Entry 18 of List II (State List) of the Seventh Schedule** to Article 246 of the Constitution, granting states the legislative competence to enact laws concerning land. The **Land Pooling Scheme (LPS)** itself is a policy innovation adopted by the Andhra Pradesh government, operating within the broader framework of land laws. The **National Green Tribunal Act, 2010**, establishes the NGT to ensure effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation, providing a legal mechanism for environmental oversight. While Article 300A provides for the right to property, land pooling, being voluntary, generally bypasses the more contentious aspects of compulsory acquisition, though fair compensation and rehabilitation remain paramount. The successful implementation of LPS demonstrates how innovative state-level policies can address national development challenges while respecting constitutional provisions and environmental mandates.

**Future Implications:**

The future implications of the Amaravati project and the LPS model are far-reaching. Its success could encourage other states to adopt similar voluntary land assembly methods, potentially revolutionizing infrastructure development in India. However, the long-term viability depends on several factors: the financial sustainability of the project, the actual delivery of developed plots and promised benefits to farmers, the environmental impact of large-scale construction, and the overall economic growth of the region. Any failure to uphold commitments could erode public trust and lead to future conflicts. The experience of Amaravati will serve as a crucial test case for balancing rapid urbanization, economic development, social equity, and environmental protection in India's ambitious growth trajectory.