Mon Apr 14 03:51:16 UTC 2025: ## Anakapalli Road Widening Project Faces Opposition Over Compensation

**Anakapalli, Andhra Pradesh, April 14, 2025** – Over 1,200 farmers and businessmen affected by a ₹347 crore road widening project in Anakapalli district are vehemently rejecting the government’s offer of Transferable Development Rights (TDR) bonds as compensation. They are demanding monetary compensation as stipulated by the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, threatening to halt construction if their demands are not met.

The 14-km road widening project from Anakapalli to Atchutapuram, whose foundation stone was laid by IT Minister Nara Lokesh on March 31st, will displace individuals owning land parcels ranging from 10 to 200 square yards. Protest leader Boddeda Ramachandra Rao clarified that the opposition isn’t to the project itself, but to the proposed compensation method. He cited distrust in TDR bonds, particularly after a past scam in Tanuku, and highlighted ongoing issues faced by farmers in Chittoor district concerning TDRs.

The district administration, along with Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) officials, has been conducting Gram Sabhas to explain the TDR system. However, the affected parties remain unconvinced and have appealed to the local MLA, Sundarapu Vijay Kumar, and district in-charge Minister Kollu Ravindra, so far without success.

VMRDA Commissioner K.S. Viswanathan clarified that their role is limited to explaining the TDR system as per government directives and they are not undertaking the road construction.

E. Ashok Kumar, president of CREDA Visakhapatnam, explained that TDR bonds are essentially land certificates, offering a value often four times the regular land price. While these can be sold statewide, their popularity remains low among the public. He highlighted their use in infrastructure projects, allowing builders to acquire development rights for increased construction.

The affected individuals remain firm in their demand for cash compensation, indicating a potential standoff as the project progresses.

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