Chandrababu Naidu Meets Central Ministers to Seek Approval for Land Grabbing Prohibition Bill

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu recently engaged with several central ministers, including Home Minister Amit Shah, to expedite approval for two significant bills. These bills aim to tackle land grabbing and the drug issue in the state. Naidu also met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to discuss various state projects.

Naidu emphasised the urgency of addressing land disputes, noting that six out of ten legal cases in Andhra Pradesh involve land conflicts. He highlighted that inadequate checks in the land computerisation process have led to widespread encroachments. Private lands have been wrongly included under Section 22E and taken over. Naidu urged the Centre to approve the Andhra Pradesh Land Grabbing Prohibition Bill, citing Gujarat's model as a precedent.

Efforts to Combat Drug Issues

The chief minister discussed with Shah the state's strategy to combat ganja and drug abuse. The Andhra Pradesh government plans to discourage ganja cultivation by destroying crops at their source and providing alternative employment opportunities. Naidu praised the EAGLE force for its effective control over ganja cultivation and reiterated a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs and heinous crimes.

Naidu assured farmers of incentives for growing alternative crops to replace ganja cultivation. He stressed that the burden of proof should rest on land grabbers to curb illegal activities. Additionally, he highlighted issues related to bootlegging and illicit drug cultivation, seeking support for legislation addressing these concerns.

Economic Growth and Infrastructure Projects

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief also highlighted Andhra Pradesh's economic performance, noting a 12.94% growth rate in the first nine months of the current fiscal year despite financial challenges. The state government aims to increase this growth rate to 15% by the fiscal year's end.

During discussions with Sitharaman, Naidu addressed financial issues and proposed the Polavaram-Banakacherla river linking project. He mentioned that 200 TMC of water currently wasted could be redirected for agricultural and drinking purposes. The Centre supports the Polavaram irrigation project under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, with Rs 5,000 crore already released out of a total Rs 12,000 crore allocation.

Highway Developments

In his meeting with Gadkari, Naidu raised several highway projects in Andhra Pradesh. He sought early completion of the Eastern bypass road and the 189-km Outer Ring Road in Amaravati. Discussions also covered the Vizag to Mulapet coastal road and a direct Hyderabad to Machilipatnam port road, with detailed project reports currently being prepared.

Naidu explored the possibility of a greenfield express highway connecting Hyderabad with Machilipatnam Bandar port in Andhra Pradesh. These infrastructure developments are crucial for enhancing connectivity and boosting economic growth in the region.

The chief minister's meetings aimed at securing central support for critical state projects reflect his commitment to addressing pressing issues like land disputes and drug abuse while fostering economic development through infrastructure improvements.