As the construction works in Andhra Pradesh’s capital city of Amaravati are going on at a brisk pace, a power struggle of sorts is said to be going on within the IAS officers heading different departments looking after the capital works.
While the state government is attempting to accelerate development works in the capital region, differences among senior officials over the redistribution of authority have reportedly led to a “cold war” among these bureaucrats.
The main reason for this power struggle is the recent decision taken by chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu to transfer several powers and responsibilities from the AP Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) to Amaravati Development Corporation Limited (ADCL) and the recently formed Amaravati Growth and Infrastructure Corporation Limited (AGICL), a special purpose vehicle entrusted with a set of key projects.
During the tenure of former APCRDA Commissioner Katamneni Bhaskar, the Land Pooling Scheme (LPS) infrastructure works in Amaravati were under APCRDA’s jurisdiction. After Kannababu took charge, these works were transferred to ADCL.
As a result, APCRDA has been largely reduced to the role of a land and planning authority. Sources say APCRDA commissioner Kannababu is reportedly unhappy with the reduced powers of the authority.
Officials say friction between senior officers of APCRDA and ADCL has been brewing for some time. The recent transfer of powers has intensified the conflict, with allegations that both sides are attempting to curtail each other’s authority.
This shift has also led to criticism that contractors faced difficulties when dealing with APCRDA officials. Though ADCL is executing the works, contractors allegedly felt that final bill approvals depended on CRDA officials’ clearance.
The issue reportedly reached the state government, which subsequently directed that all billing processes be finalized directly through ADCL.
Similarly, AGICL was also granted considerable autonomy. The corporation has been assigned major projects including riverfront development, greenfield airport, ropeway project, Inner Ring Road, installation of iconic statues etc.
In addition, it has also been entrusted with several iconic building projects earlier handled by APCRDA, including General Administration Department (GAD) towers, Secretariat towers, assembly complex, high court building and other government structures.
The apparent lack of coordination among departments has now become a political issue. Farmers say unresolved problems related to land pooling, compensation, and infrastructure remain pending due to institutional confusion.
Some farmers have begun posting critical comments on social media targeting Minister P Narayana. Sources say dissatisfaction is also growing among public representatives from the capital region.
Sources indicate that APCRDA Commissioner Kannababu allegedly attempted to reduce the powers of ADCL Managing Director Lakshmi Parthasarathy.
The matter reportedly reached Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who is said to have refused any proposal to curtail the authority of the ADCL MD.
At present, APCRDA’s responsibilities are largely limited to land management and planning approvals. However, even these planning powers may soon be curtailed.
The Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) is reportedly moving to bring layout approvals under its jurisdiction.
Officials say this could further weaken APCRDA’s authority, as even after approval by IAS-level officers in APCRDA, the proposals would require clearance from a director-level officer in DTCP.
