Amaravati development to erase history

Amaravati: The historical village Uddandarayunipalem would disappear soon due to the proposal of Seed Capital Start Up Area development project.

Earlier too, the CRDA had proposed relocation of Lingayapalem, Uddandarayunipalem, Tallayapalem and Rayapudi villages but stiff protests from the locals stopped the attempt.

Uddandarayunipalem was built by king Srikrishnadevaraya. The locals are, as expected, very upset and apprehensive that they will have to relocate their village for Start Up project.

 As many as 1,500 people live in 400-odd houses in Uddandarayunipalem. A majority of the houses reflect the history of the village.

P. Narasimha Rao, a local, said that king Devarayahad camped on the banks of the Krishna and when the locals complained about the lack of security, the king appointed his commander, Uddandarayudu to look after their safety.

The area soon turned into a habitation and upon Uddandarayudu’s death, it was named after him. The villagers appealed to the government to ensure that the historical village continues to flourish.

CPM Capital Area committee coordinator Ch. Babu Rao alleged that the government was trying to snatch away the fundamental right of the people to live in their native place.

The locals would be forced to live in “pre-formed colonial-type areas in the future and the riverfront areas would become mini-Singapores, he said.

Mr Babu Rao objected to the AP Cabinet giving approval to the hand over of clear land to the Singapore Consortium.