The proposed road construction in Undavalli, Guntur district, has triggered serious concerns among local farmers over land acquisition. While farmers say they have no objection to giving the land genuinely required for the road project, they strongly oppose any move that could result in them losing rights over their larger land holdings.
Farmers from the Undavalli-Penumaka region claim that their lands were already worth crores of rupees even before 2014. With the formation and development of the Amaravati capital region, land values have increased significantly. Against this backdrop, farmers are warning the authorities against taking any coercive action over their properties.
Undavalli Land Acquisition: Farmers Question Extent of Land Being Taken
The farmers’ main concern is simple: How much land will actually be required for the proposed road?
They argue that the government should acquire only the land required for the road construction and related infrastructure. Farmers are questioning why a road project should be used as a basis for obtaining wider rights over their properties.
For many families in Undavalli and Penumaka, agricultural and residential lands are a major source of livelihood and financial security. Farmers fear that losing substantial portions of their holdings could affect their future and that of their families.
They have warned that any attempt to bypass their legal rights during the Undavalli road project land acquisition could lead to legal action and protests.
Farmers Demand Transparent Land Acquisition Process
Farmers are demanding that the government follow a legal, transparent and fair land acquisition process if land is required for the road project.
They say development should not come at the cost of farmers’ legitimate property rights. According to them, the authorities must clearly explain the road alignment, the exact extent of land required and the procedure that will be followed before taking further action.
The issue has become particularly sensitive because of the high land values in the Undavalli-Penumaka area of the Amaravati capital region.
Undavalli Farmers Warn of Strong Protest
Farmers have warned that ignoring their objections despite knowing the value and importance of their lands could lead to serious consequences.
They maintain that they are not against development or road construction. Their objection is specifically to any attempt to acquire more land than is actually necessary for the project.
“If even an inch of injustice is done to our land rights, we will fight,” is the message coming from farmers in the region.
Key Question: How Much Land Will Be Lost for the Road?
The major issue now is whether the government will restrict Undavalli land acquisition to the land genuinely required for the proposed road or seek control over a larger extent of farmers’ properties.
With the land issue already sensitive in Undavalli and Penumaka, the government’s next decision is likely to determine whether the matter remains a land-acquisition dispute or develops into a larger farmers’ protest in the Amaravati region.
