The Andhra Pradesh High Court in Amaravati on Thursday admitted a writ petition filed by a group of farmers from Guntur district, who challenged the state government's decision to constitute an 'expert committee' and decide the fate of the upcoming capital.
The farmers, who asked the court to issue orders to the state government to continue construction work in the capital region as per earlier plans, said that the committee was constituted in violation of the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) Act, 2014.
They also said that their land, which had been taken from them for the capital over the last few years, was under jeopardy, as they were promised high returns, while handing it over to the state government.
After hearing the plea, Justice U Durga Prasada Rao issued notices to the Centre and the YSRCP government in Andhra Pradesh and posted the case for November 28.
The five-member committee comprising urban planning experts, is headed by retired IAS officer G. Nageswara Rao. It had earlier said that it would receive opinions and suggestions from people until November 12.
Municipal Administration Minister Botsa Satyanarayana had said that the government will decide on the development of Amaravati after the expert committee's report.
While the TDP was keen on developing Amaravati as a modern megalopolis, the YSRCP has alleged that there was large scale corruption in handing out contracts for the capital city and many investigations have been ordered after Jagan Mohan Reddy was sworn into power.
The YSRCP may also not implement grand plans like its predecessor, given the financial crunch in the state.
Recently, the state government decided to close down the 'Start-up Area Project' within Amaravati, on the grounds that it was not found feasible. The state government said that they had mutually agreed with a Singapore Consortium to call it off.
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