Hazare writes to AP CM over plans for new capital, land policy

Hyderabad, Apr 24: Social activist Anna Hazare has written a letter to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, requesting him to follow recommendations of the committee headed by former Urban Development Secretary K Sivaramakrishnan in building the new capital city.

In his letter dated April 21, Hazare also asked Naidu to declare the state as "organic farming zone" to provide support to farmers. "I wish to convey that I am not against industrialisation but would advise you to ensure that only non-agricultural lands are used for this purpose, hope you will agree with me."

He further added, "regarding the building of new capital city, my advice to you is kindly follow the recommendations of Sivaramakrishnan committee appointed by the Central government to ensure maximum support from them (Centre)," he said.

Hazare also said he will be visiting the proposed capital region soon to meet and interact with farmers and agricultural labourers. Some of the government officials had used "their might and force" on the farmers, to make them give away multi-crop land for pooling in Krishna and Guntur districts, he said.

Farmers said they gave consent letters under pressure

"In the process of building new capital city, multi crop land in Krishna delta is to be safeguarded and protected to ensure the food security of your state/country," he advised. He said some prominent social workers such as Medha Patkar and Swamy Agnievsh were told by farmers that they gave consent letters for parting with their lands under pressure.

When contacted, AP government's media adviser Parakala Prabhakar said it would reply to Hazare's letter soon. Hazare also said that agricultural lands should be reserved only for farming and a law should be brought in to prevent diversion of such land so as to ensure the food security.

PTI