After nearly 18 years of delays, the Cherlopalikhandam integrated township project near Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, is finally back on track following the resolution of a prolonged land dispute.

Initially proposed in 2007 under the Land Pooling Scheme (LPS) by the then Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA), now VMRDA, the project had stalled due to lack of consent for 16 acres of the identified 86-acre land parcel. Despite draft notifications and layout plans issued between 2010 and 2016, the deadlock persisted until the state government recently approved a compensation package for the remaining landowners.

Under the new arrangement, landowners of the disputed 16 acres will receive 1,200 sq. yards per acre—comprising 1,000 sq. yards of residential plots and 200 sq. yards of commercial plots. Meanwhile, landowners who had earlier consented will be allotted 1,800 sq. yards per acre.

VMRDA officials consider the project financially viable and anticipate it will help meet the rising housing demand in the region. The revival of this township is expected to significantly contribute to urban development in Visakhapatnam’s fast-growing suburban zones.