Visakhapatnam is witnessing a storm over the coalition government’s land allotment decisions, with allegations that prime government land worth thousands of crores is being handed over at throwaway prices under the guise of industrial promotion. Critics argue that while promised jobs remain elusive, vast stretches of public land are being transferred to select private players at nominal rates.
Rs. 150 Crore Land for Just Rs. 1
In the latest instance, 30 acres in Tarluvada (Anandapuram mandal) — where land reportedly commands up to Rs. 5 crore per acre — has been allotted to Advanced System in Package Technologies Limited for just Rs. 1. The total estimated market value of the parcel is around Rs. 150 crore.
This comes amid broader allegations that since assuming office, the coalition government has been allocating valuable land in Visakhapatnam for as little as 99 paise or Rs. 1 per acre, raising concerns over transparency and valuation.
Big names, but where are the jobs?
The government has justified these allocations as necessary to attract major investors and create employment. Names such as TCS, Cognizant, Sattva, Kapil Group, ANSR, and others have been cited in announcements. However, critics point out that several of these projects have yet to translate into visible job creation on the ground.
At the same time, large parcels of land have reportedly been allotted to real estate-linked firms under industrial or IT policy frameworks, prompting questions about whether these are genuine industrial projects or long-term commercial developments.
Madhurawada IT Hills Pricing Disparity
In Madhurawada IT Hill No. 4, 30 acres were reportedly allotted to Sattva Developers at Rs. 1.5 crore per acre, even though market estimates suggest land in that area commands upwards of Rs. 50 crore per acre. This implies land potentially worth Rs. 1,500 crore was transferred for around Rs. 45 crore.
Observers have also noted inconsistencies in pricing, as other IT entities in the same region were allotted land at significantly higher rates.
URSA and Lulu Controversies
Earlier, 60 acres worth approximately Rs. 3,000 crore were approved for allotment to URSA Cluster, a company with reportedly minimal capital base, leading to public criticism and eventual reconsideration.
Similarly, around 13.74 acres of prime land opposite RK Beach, valued at nearly Rs. 680 crore, was leased to Lulu Group for 99 years. The previous government had canceled Lulu’s agreement, but the coalition later reinstated the allocation.
Allegations Over GITAM Regularisation
Another flashpoint has been the alleged regularisation of land worth Rs. 5,000 crore in favor of GITAM institutions linked to MP Bharat. The issue triggered heated exchanges in the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, with opposition members strongly objecting to the move.
Public Questions on Priorities
Critics argue that despite election promises of 20 lakh jobs or Rs. 3,000 monthly unemployment allowance, neither commitment has materialized. Instead, they allege, public land is being transferred at nominal prices without adequate transparency or competitive bidding.
Residents of North Andhra are increasingly questioning whether Visakhapatnam’s public assets are being safeguarded in the larger public interest or being selectively allocated under the banner of investment promotion.
