Capital race hots up, Report sought on land availability in Vizag

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Aug 12, 2013:Taking the suspense on the capital to Seemandhra after the state bifurcation, to the next level, the union government, through the state revenue department, has sought details on the availability of government revenue and forest land measuring 20,000 acres in Vizag. The Centre is said to be planning to take a final call on the new capital to build a state Assembly, Secretariat, High Court and other major infrastructure including better road connectivity and water resources. Wednesday has been set as deadline to submit the report.

The four revenue divisional officers in the district have asked all the 43 tehsildhars in the district to conduct a survey in their respective areas and file reports. Those who have gone on leave were also asked to immediately join the duties to compile the data.

They are also collecting details about land acquired by various government agencies like APIIC for setting up industries in the district. For instance RINL had recently earmarked nearly 1,800 acres of land to Gangavaram Port Ltd for the setting up of  a private port. If forest land is utilised, alternative land will have to be given to the forest department elsewhere. Revenue staff is also  identifying alternative land.

However total work strike called by the AP NGOs may put a spanner in compiling the huge data. “All our staff is busy compiling  the data sought by the Centre. They want 20,000 acres at one place, and are considering Vizag as a possible option for a new capital for Seemandhra. We have identified land at one place in Anandapuram and K. Kotapadu,” an RDO told this correspondent.

Vijayawada, Guntur, Ongole and Tirupati are also in the race. With an annual GDP of 26 billion dollars, two major ports, steel plant and international airport Vizag is fully in the race besides with self sustainability, good growth index, secure location, healthy contribution to GDP, connectivity, enhanced security and cosmopolitan culture.