AP govt to extend land-for-land relief to R-1 zone farmers

Vijayawada: In a major relief to farmers impacted by the capital city land pooling scheme, the state govt has decided to extend land-for-land compensation to those losing land in Residential Zone-1 (R-1) — areas where villages already existed when Amaravati was declared the capital city region.The decision is expected to benefit a large number of contributors whose holdings fall within R-1, a zone that primarily covered habitations and village settlements. Unlike pooled agricultural lands converted into returnable developed plots, farmers in R-1 faced unique challenges due to residential clusters, internal roads, and pre-existing habitation patterns.According to officials, affected landowners in R-1 will now be allotted alternative land instead of being restricted to monetary compensation. The move addresses long-pending grievances of farmers who argued that their lands — being part of established village settlements — should be treated differently from open agricultural tracts.Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to consider the plight of R-1 farmers, noting that household plots were too small for pro-rata returnable plots to be effective. He instructed that land compensation equal in measure to the land taken for roads and infrastructure be granted.Officials explained that several villages fell within R-1 at the time of capital city notification. As development progressed, parcels were required for infrastructure, road alignments, and public utilities, leading to losses beyond initial pooling agreements.Municipal administration minister P Narayana said suitable alternative parcels will be identified, beneficiary lists prepared, and allotment orders issued after verification. Compensation land will be allocated in the nearest LPS zone. He emphasized that the land-for-land approach aims to restore equity and reinforce trust among capital region farmers. "The objective is to ensure that those who lose land from existing village habitations in Residential Zone-1 are not put at a disadvantage. The govt is committed to protecting their interests," Narayana noted.Farmers' representatives cautiously welcomed the announcement, stressing the need for clear guidelines, transparency, and timely implementation. The decision is seen as a corrective measure to resolve long-standing concerns in Amaravati and reaffirm the government's commitment to fair rehabilitation of land pooling beneficiaries.