Andhra Pradesh: Land hard to come by for proposed mega golf course in Amaravati capital region

According to information, the officials have identified a few land parcels in and around Nunna of Krishna district.
Andhra Pradesh: Land hard to come by for proposed mega golf course in Amaravati capital region

VIJAYAWADA: The proposed mega golf course in the capital region is in limbo as the AP Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) is awaiting a clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest to denotify the forest land in Kondapalli where the project is to be taken up. With no clarity forthcoming on when the clearance would be given, the State government has now started scouting for alternative lands.

According to information, the officials have identified a few land parcels in and around Nunna of Krishna district.“We are in the process of identifying alternative lands for the golf course proposed in the capital region.There are a few lands in 15-20 km radius from Nunna, which we found suitable for the project. Once the district administration takes a call on the land and acquires it, the development will begin,” N Bangaru Raju, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director (VC and MD) of Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP), told TNIE. Even though CRDA has identified a 300-acre site at Mulapadu about three years ago, the project did not materialise as it falls under the Kondapalli Reserve Forest (KRF) area for which clearances have to be obtained.

“We have sent the proposal for denotification of the forest land in the KRF area for developing a sports city, of which the golf course is a part. Even though two years have elapsed, we are yet to get the green signal from the MoEF,” a senior CRDA official said.

Due to the delay, the Krishna district administration and SAAP have started a joint exercise to look for an alternative site. “At least 120 acres of land is required to develop a decent golf course. In two months’ time, we will finalise the land and launch works,” Bangaru Raju said. He said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is keen on the project as it would provide a relief to foreign delegates -- especially those from Singapore and Japan -- who visit Amaravati.

Kapil game for projects
Former cricketer Kapil Dev, who is presently developing a golf course in Hyderabad, has given his consent to take up the projects proposed in the capital region and Anantapur
Besides serving the needs of the locals, the government wants the golf course in the capital region to attract visitors from Singapore and Japan, and the one in Anantapur for the workers and employees of Kia Motors
SAAP officials say once the land is identified the golf course will be developed in one year
The golf courses will be developed in three phases:6-hole, 12-hole, 18-hole

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