Amaravati Farmers Take the Fight to Guntur Collectorate Over New Land Notices

Tensions simmer in the capital region as landowners from Undavalli and Penumaka challenge fresh CRDA acquisition notices, signaling a new phase in the long-standing land dispute.

The Guntur Collectorate turned into a site of confrontation this week as farmers from Undavalli and Penumaka villages descended on the premises to protest against the latest move by the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA). Armed with legal representation and a resolve sharpened by years of agitation, the farmers challenged the ‘Form 6B’ notices issued to them for land acquisition. For these villagers, this isn't just about property; it is a battle for their primary source of livelihood.

The core of the dispute lies in the CRDA’s attempt to acquire land for infrastructure projects and arterial road networks. While the state government maintains that these acquisitions are vital for the capital's development, the farmers argue that the process bypassed the legal safeguards stipulated under the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (LARR) Act. They contend that the authorities rushed into award inquiries without proper due process, effectively attempting to bypass their consent.

A Legal Standoff

Represented by their lawyers, the farmers presented a unified front before Deputy Collector Madhusudan Rao. Their argument was clear: forced acquisition is a violation of their constitutional rights. The delegation underscored that the state cannot simply override the LARR regulations under the guise of infrastructure development. The scene inside the Collectorate was tense, as farmers demanded an immediate withdrawal of the notices, citing that the lack of transparency in the current acquisition process was both unjust and legally untenable.

Deputy Collector Madhusudan Rao, facing the direct protest, held an emergency session to record the grievances. He assured the farmers that their objections have been formally documented and that any final decision would strictly adhere to the established legal framework. Despite this administrative assurance, the farmers remain skeptical, signaling that they are prepared to knock on the doors of the High Court if the state persists with these contested notices.

Why it matters

The situation in the capital region is indicative of the deep-seated friction between state-led urban planning and the agrarian reality of the region. By attempting to acquire land for roads and infrastructure through fresh notices, the CRDA is reviving a conflict that has simmered since the days of the initial Land Pooling Scheme (LPS).

The pattern here suggests a significant policy challenge: as the state attempts to expedite development, it faces a hardened resistance from a population that has learned the nuances of land law. If the authorities fail to bridge the trust deficit through transparent, legally sound consultations, this local protest could quickly evolve into a protracted, state-wide legal battle that could stall critical infrastructure work for months.