The Andhra Pradesh Government has announced plans to return 2,180 acres of land acquired nearly two decades ago for a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project in Rambilli, Visakhapatnam district. The decision follows prolonged inactivity on the project and appeals from farmers for restoration of their land.

According to officials, the land was acquired between 2005 and 2007 through the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) for developing the Petroleum, Chemical, and Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR). However, with the project failing to take off, the government recently reviewed the status and decided to hand back unutilised portions to their original owners.

A committee headed by the district collector has been constituted to oversee the process, which includes verifying ownership records and assessing compensation adjustments. State authorities stated that this move aligns with the policy to return unused acquired land, ensuring fairness and sustainable utilisation of resources.

The announcement has been welcomed by local farmers, who have long demanded the release of land that remained idle without industrial activity.