AP Allocates Rs. 3,168 Crores For New Capital

The Andhra Pradesh Government in its budget for 2015-16 has allocated Rs. 3,168 crores for the construction of the state's new capital.

"A truly world-class people's capital reflecting the aspirations of the people of the state is being planned with the people's cooperation," said Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu in his annual budget speech for 2015-16 in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday.

"The new capital will be a place for creativity and innovation. Sustainability in terms of infrastructure, environment, equity and safety will make it an evergreen capital. Such a city will require meticulous planning for the very long-term infrastructure needs of the future generations. Building a huge city without planning for the required infrastructure and the right foundation for future needs will make it useless for the next generations," he said.

The Finance Minister claimed that the total land required of about 33,252 acres was being secured by obtaining consent from the land owners of the capital city of whom about 87% had given their consent for the land-pooling model. Of this land, 50% would be used for the common infrastructure for the city - state-of-the-art infrastructure would be built. About 25% would be returned to the land owners in the form of developed reconstituted plots. This would leave about 7,000 acres of land with the state for constructing its capital complex as well as bringing in investments to provide sustainable jobs for the residents of the capital city, he said.

"It is planned to return the developed land to land-owners, construct the capital complex, and bring the threshold level of jobs which will make the city self-sustaining, over the next three years. The consent of farmers is a historical event, and the government gratefully acknowledges their contribution. Funds are released to the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) for making payments to the farmers," Yanamala said. (INN)