Bolisetty Satyanarayana has warned of legal action if farmers in the Amaravati capital project are not compensated as per the 2013 Land Acquisition Act. He stresses that compensation should be twice the current market value, not the misleading ₹1 crore per acre being offered.

Key Takeaways

  • Amaravati land acquisition must honor the 100% solatium provision of the 2013 Act.
  • Farmers are entitled to compensation roughly double the market rate, about ₹10.10 crore per acre.
  • The forum will pursue legal recourse if compensation falls short of statutory requirements.

Bolisetty Satyanarayana, national convenor of Jal Biradari and member of the Land Acquisition Act Protection Forum, urged strict adherence to the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 for the Amaravati project. He highlighted that the law mandates a 100% solatium, effectively doubling the market value of the land for compensation.

Background and Current Valuation

Based on registered sale deeds between 2019 and October 2025, the average market price for land in Amaravati’s urban core stands at roughly ₹5.05 crore per acre. Applying the 100% solatium under the Act raises the payable compensation to about ₹10.10 crore per acre. Yet, many farmers are being led to believe they will receive only ₹1 crore per acre, creating widespread discontent.

Procedural Gaps in Acquisition

Satyanarayana alleges that the basic registration values in the capital region have not been updated for twelve years, and that acquisition proceedings began without a Social Impact Assessment. Moreover, of the 54,000 acres earmarked in the first phase, roughly 13,000 acres comprise riverbeds or flood‑prone zones, which the National Green Tribunal has prohibited for construction.

Potential Legal Action

The forum has warned it will seek judicial intervention if lands are acquired at compensation lower than that prescribed by law. Such a move would not only safeguard farmers’ rights but also reinforce accountability and transparency in Andhra Pradesh’s land‑policy framework.

Implications for the Future

Given the ambitious pace of Amaravati’s capital development, a swift resolution is essential. Should the government honor the statutory compensation and integrate social and environmental safeguards, it could restore trust among local stakeholders and set a precedent for land acquisition practices across India.