Andhra Pradesh to name the new capital city ‘Amaravati’

The Andhra Pradesh government is considering naming the new capital city planned in the Vijayawada-Guntur region as Amaravati, based on the historical Buddhist site along the Krishna River.

While the government has taken a decision on the move to name the new capital as Amaravati, a formal announcement is likely to be made soon.

Land pooling The N Chandrababu Naidu government in Andhra Pradesh has initiated the land pooling process and has thus far managed to get consent for 33,000 acres for constructing the proposed new capital city. A Senior State Minister confirmed the proposed move.

The master plan for the capital city, being prepared by Singapore-based firms, is likely to be ready by May-June this year and works are poised to commence in the second half of 2015.

The State government seeks to name the new capital city on a small sleepy town known as a tourist spot, about 35 km from Vijayawada, and home to famous temple of Lord Shiva and a Buddhist Stupa.

As per historical data, Amaravati and nearby locations including Dharanikota served as capital of Satavahanas and later to other rulers.

Historical significance The region along the Krishna River has been an important destination for Buddhists for the Stupa.

The town and the Stupa were in limelight when Dalai Lama conducted a mega event Kalachakra in 2006 and lately now with the AP government seeking to make it part of the proposed capital region.