Setback for Amaravati farmers in HC, interim order on R-5 zone rejected

Farmers in the Amaravati region of Andhra Pradesh have suffered a setback as their petition against the government's establishment of the R5 Zone in certain villages was dismissed by the AP High Court. The R5 Zone, spanning 900 acres in the villages of Mandadam, Ainavolu,Mangalagiri,Krishnayapalem, Nidamarru, and Kuragallu, is intended to provide housing for non-locals and low-income residents. In October 2022, the AP government issued a gazette notification for the creation of the R5 Zone, leading to farmers in Amaravati challenging the decision. Senior advocates Devadath Kamat and VSR Anjaneyulu represented the farmers in the AP High Court, but their petition was dismissed after the court heard arguments from both sides.