The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved amendments to the Negotiated Settlement Policy (NSP) to accelerate land procurement for vital infrastructure projects in Amaravati’s capital region.

The revised policy aims to overcome delays under the earlier framework, which had yielded only nine of the 130 acres required in the R1 Zone designated for priority roads and utilities. The updated NSP targets acquisition of the remaining 121 acres across 24 villages through enhanced compensation and streamlined processes.

According to the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA), the earlier Land Pooling Scheme (LPS) did not apply in certain demarcated village areas and extended habitations. Acquiring land through the Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation & Resettlement (LA R&R) Act, 2013, proved time-consuming. The amended NSP, permitted under Section 124 of the APCRDA Act, 2014, introduces land-for-land compensation in place of the earlier plinth-area-based model, alongside improved financial and resettlement benefits.

The monthly livelihood grant for displaced families has been doubled to Rs 5,000 for 10 years, while housing assistance has been raised to Rs 1.8 lakh. The government believes the changes will ensure fair compensation, gain local support, and expedite Amaravati’s transformation into a world-class capital.