Centre approves Amaravati as sole capital of Andhra Pradesh

Centre Approves Amaravati as Sole Capital of Andhra Pradesh: A Long-Standing Issue Resolved

In a significant development for the state of Andhra Pradesh, the Centre has formally approved Amaravati as the sole capital of the residual state, marking the end to a prolonged legal battle that had stalled development work. The High Court's verdict in March 2022 in favor of a single capital city paved the way for the restart of development works in June 2024, effectively sealing Amaravati's fate as the administrative hub of Andhra Pradesh.

The journey to Amaravati's designation as the sole capital began on June 2, 2014, when the state was bifurcated following a long-standing demand for a separate Telangana state. The location for the new capital was chosen on September 1, 2014, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for Amaravati on October 22, 2015. Despite the initial challenges, the government legislature and secretariat began functioning from the city in March 2017.

However, the story took a dramatic turn in July 2020 when the Governor gave assent to the legislation for three capitals. The proposal, mooted by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), envisioned Visakhapatnam as the executive capital, Amaravati as the legislative capital, and Kurnool as the judicial capital. The move sparked intense opposition from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and farmers who had contributed 33,000 acres of land for the capital project. The opposition's protests and legal challenges eventually led to the withdrawal of the three capitals legislation on November 22, 2021.

The High Court's March 2022 verdict marked a significant turning point in the saga, favoring a single capital city. The verdict effectively rejected the three-capitals approach, paving the way for resumed development work. By June 2024, all development works had restarted, with the project reportedly progressing at a steady pace.

Amaravati's strategic location on the Krishna River's right bank, approximately 18 miles west-northwest of Vijayawada and 20 miles north-northwest of Guntur in Guntur district, makes it an attractive choice as the capital. The city's ancient history, dating back over 2,200 years, adds to its significance. Amaravati served as the capital of the Satavahana dynasty between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE and became a major hub of Buddhist learning, with the Amaravati stupa being one of the largest and most important Buddhist stupas in India.

The Centre's approval of Amaravati as the sole capital has significant implications for Andhra Pradesh. The decision is expected to provide stability for governance and planning in the state, allowing for the concentration of administrative power and resources in a single location. The move is also expected to stimulate regional economic growth, with Amaravati's development as a capital city involving the creation of industrial hubs and infrastructure connecting it with nearby cities.

For farmers who contributed land for the capital project, the decision has both opportunities and challenges. While land pooling benefits can provide a financial boost, the relocation of administrative functions and infrastructure development may also displace existing communities and ecosystems.

As Amaravati continues to take shape as the administrative hub of Andhra Pradesh, the Centre's approval marks a significant milestone in the state's journey. The decision is expected to pave the way for greater stability, economic growth, and development in the region.