Political leaders and real estate builders have jointly occupied over 14 acres of swamp land falling under the Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ). The land belongs to the central government, but local real estate developers in Kakinada have created documents and are selling it as part of a real estate venture.
According to the Kakinada Urban Development Authority (KUDA) master plan, Survey Number 218 and its sub-survey numbers come within the CRZ limits. The land is situated at Alluri Seetha Rama Raju Colony in Turangi Panchayat, Kakinada Rural.
The land is under the control of a Kakinada resident, Pinky Kumar Jain. He stated that he had purchased the land from five local farmers but won’t reveal who those farmers were. He also clarified that the land was handed over to Jaggampeta resident Som Babu for development as a real estate venture.
Turangi Panchayat Executive Officer (EO) Nagaphanibabu Sadanala served notices to Pinky Kumar Jain, directing him to stop land development work within 15 days unless he obtains approval from the Kakinada Urban Development Authority (KUDA).
KUDA Secretary K. Kali Babu confirmed that the area falls under CRZ limits and is ineligible for layout permissions. Hence, KUDA will not issue any approval for the proposed layout, he clarified.
It is also reported that mangrove vegetation is being destroyed for the real estate development in Kakinada Rural constituency, which borders the Kakinada City constituency.
The ASR Colony residents and public associations are suggesting the district officials to order a probe into the real estate venture.
