Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister: Acquisition if pooling fails

Vijayawada: Reiterating his stand on the river front capital Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu made it clear that there is no option except land acquisition, if farmers failed to come forward for land pooling.

Speaking to the media after participating in programmes here on Thursday, the CM said that he suggested land pooling to make it a win-win for farmers as that would benefit farmers in a big way with the development of the region and increase in land prices.

He said once the capital developed in the region both Guntur and Vijayawada would witness rapid growth. Citing the example of Hyderabad city, the CM said a good capital will attract more companies. He said the government had asked for expression of interest from three companies on capital development. He said he is committed to the capital and preferred the river front capital as Krishna river is an advantage.

Mr Naidu stressed the need for creating a corporation on public and private partnership to maintain sanitation in the state. He said the garbage produced in cities would be used for producing energy and waste water management systems would be set up.

Union minister Nirmala Sitaraman said the Centre is considering special category status for Andhra Pradesh. The process is going on, she said.