'Thailand most preferred destination'

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Jan 28, 2014: Night life and leisure destination Thailand emerged as the most preferred tourist place for travel enthusiasts from 6 districts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and majority are from Vizag.  According to the data collected by the recently formed Tours and Travels Association of Andhra (TTAA) around 25,000 travelled to the leisure destination in Thailand in 2013.

Though there are many family and not much expensive destinations like Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, people from coastal Andhra Pradesh preferred to chill out in Thailand.

The data has been collected from more than 100 tour operators and agents who arrange international tours in Vizag, Viziangaram, Srikakulam, West Godavari, East Godavari and Krishna districts.

“Cheap ‘all inclusive’ packages that are offered by most of these tour operators is one of the main reason for those who want to go to a foreign country prefer Thailand. Some offer packages to go to Thailand that are cheaper than domestic destinations,” observed TTAA, president, K Vijay Mohan.

Most of these tourists are going to Thailand from Kolkata, Chennai or Hyderabad due to lack of a direct flight from Vizag. According to the statistics, next comes Singapore, Malaysia, Nepal and some countries in middle East.  Interestingly many showed interest and traveled to Russian bloc countries like Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.

“Some of the travel enthusiasts who are looking for new destinations are preferring these Russian Bloc countries, that are emerged as low cost destinations when compared to European countries. Of course packages to these bloc countries are little expensive than Thailand. But people looking for some new destinations are going there,” said TTAA, Vizag secretary, Dheeraj Praharaju

Other destinations also include Australia, New Zealand and China.

The TTAA also recently signed a MoU  with Bandung Tourism Promotional Board of Indonesia to promote Vizag in Bandung and vice versa. 

2 airlines eye Vizag biz, Air Arabia & Air Costa keen to launch services from Vizag

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Feb 26, 2014:  Sharjah based international carrier, Air Arabia and newly launched regional airlines, Air Costa, are ready to operate flights from Vizag and are waiting necessary permissions from the government departments concerned.

At a time when state is divided and focus has now shifted towards the development of residuary state, Air Arabia’s flight services from Vizag would boost the pharma and fisheries exports to Gulf and Middle East and promote local tourism.

Air Arabia operates to more than 85 countries including Russia. Air Costa is planning to launch services to Banglore and Hyderabad most likely in April second week.

“We are awaiting necessary permissions from DGCA and other aviation agencies to operate flights from Vizag. Most likely we may launch services from the second week of April to Hyderabad and Banglore. We are very keen on Vizag, which has potential,” Air Costa representative Pramod Kumar told this correspondent.

Currently, the Vijayawada based, low cost airlines, operates Embraer E-170 and E-190 jets to Vijayawada, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Bengaluru.

Now that the Vizag airport is open 24x7, many international airlines are interested in connecting Vizag to their circuit. Already Air India operates flight to Dubai and Silk Airways to Singapore thrice a week. Both international flights reached the target of 70 percent load factor.

 “Its not just passenger traffic but Air Arabia’s flight launch would definitely boost the local economy by the exports of fish and pharma products. Vizag has many pharma manufacturing units and good fishing activity.  Cargo moment will go up to Gulf.  We operate a flight from Nagpur from where pharma exports to Gulf go by our flights.  Besides, exports, Vizag tourism can also be promoted in countries like Russia. We are ready to operate flights to Sharjah that connects many international destinations and waiting allocations from the government,” Air Arabia, Area Manager (India), Sachin Nane told this newspaper.

 Air Arabia has done a survey in Vizag and its vicinity and basing on the results, the international air carrier has shown interest to fly from Vizag.  Air Arabia is ready to operate flight daily to Sharjah such is the potential we have found here, Sachin added. 

Division Blues: Trade bodies for civilian airport

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Feb 25, 2014: After the bifurcation of the state, trade bodies and business community in Vizag are strongly demanding for a separate civilian airport and good rail network along the 975 kms coast line with an exclusive railway zone having headquarters at Vizag.

The present airport is controlled by Indian Navy. After struggle for many years airport
was recently opened for 24/7.  They are apprehensive about the present airport expansion
into international standards if it continues to be under the control of Indian Navy. They
now want either a new green field international airport or the navy to leave it
exclusively for civilian operations and develop, expand it into an international airport
for better air connectivity

 Vizag’s  Waltair division comes under East Coast Railway (ECoR), having headquarters at Bhubanesar in Odisha. Dedicated rail network, plays a very important role in exports.
Major exports from both Vizag and Ganganvaram ports that use rail network is iron ore,
coal, maize and fertilisers.

Currently both the ports are handling 85 million tonnes of cargo per annum. They have
started augmenting their facilities to handle cargo of 200 million tonnes by 2020 for
which separate railway zone with Vizag as headquarters is highly essential. Otherwise
they fear if enough rakes are not provided by ECoR controlled by Odisha, the cargos may shift to Paradip and Gopalapur ports making a hole in the local pockets.

 Besides, airport, dedicated rail network along the Seemandhra coast, a separate railway
zone with Vizag headquarters, local entrepreneurs also observed that the city needs to be
refurbished and social infrastructure like better schools, colleges, higher education
institutions, hospitals be provided.

 “Apart from all this, mind set of the locals, political leaders and trade unions should
change. Any entrepreneur would show interest in investing in a peaceful and cordial
environment. We all should strive to create such environment and atmosphere. More
investments mean more organizations, revenue to the state’s exchequer and employment to locals. We should welcome entrepreneurs with open arms, and then only region will witness overall development,” said CII, Vizag chapter chairman and Sravan Shipping, MD, G Sambasiva Rao.

Realty giants eye city

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Feb 24, 2014:  While local real estate agents are apprehensive about the prospects of real estate business if the city is not made a capital, corporate real estate giants are hopeful that irrespective of Vizag made a capital or not, city has potential and future.

Vizag having a major port, good airport, industries, good educational institutions, and a salubrious climate can become one of the most developed cosmopolitan cities in India, opined a few industry experts. Many corporate real estate giants are eyeing Vizag’s real estate and housing business.

“With all these advantages and a low crime rate living in this beautiful city is indeed a boon. The next decade is very crucial for the city’s development. The city needs investments in important areas like infrastructure, more connectivity, world class educational institutions, excellent medical facilities, and good housing facilities to become a world class city,” said Shriram Properties, vice president, R Balaji. 

Shriram Panorama Hills, which is the flagship project of Shriram Properties in Vizag, is first multi crore housing projects taken up by any corporate real estate giant in the city.   The project having nearly 2000 dwelling units of Apartments, Villas, and Duplexes worth Rs 1,450 crs is on the cards.

“More than 70 percent of the flats are already sold out. Though we were little skeptical about launching such a mega project considering it a tier II city. But, the response was amazing which we never expected. I think Vizag will be the next big thing in the residual state even if the city is not made capital. City has potential of absorbing 10 such mega projects. We are also planning another project after completion of the present one,” added Balaji.  

According to industry sources many other corporate real estate firms like, India Bulls, M/s Aditya HIDCO, M/s Berggruen real estates, Maytas and L & T who have bagged most valuable lands in and around Madhurawada, Endada and Paradesipalem during Vuda’s bulk land auction in 2008 would be launching their projects very soon. 

Congress unmoved by party quitters

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Feb 24, 2014: While around 5 Congress MLAs including ports and infrastructure minister, Ganta Srinivasa Rao, are seen preparing to join TD and met it’s chief, N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday, Congress leadership seems to be unmindful of the party fortunes.

They say these desertions would actually help the party to infuse new and young blood and also gives opportunity to second rung leadership, who actually sweat it out for the party, in the district, to take up the mantle.

 With many prominent leaders are set to leave the party, contrary to the popular perception of doom for the Congress after state bifurcation, many grass root leaders and second rung leaders are eager to contest in these polls on a Congress ticket.

 “We need not worry at all. Congress has faced many such situations in the past. We are not sending anybody out. Whoever is now planning to quit the party have actually enjoyed the power and now when the party is in little trouble they are leaving. It shows their dual standards. In a way such desertions help us rebuild the party in the district. With these desertions we will get a clarity on who the true and real Congress worker is and not,” tribal welfare minister P Balaraju told this correspondent.

It was reported in these columns earlier that the Congress house in Vizag is likely to become empty by month end.  Of the 11 Congress MLAs in the district, around eight are set to leave the party and join other parties in the coming days. MLA Golla Babu Rao had already left the party and got himself reelected on YSRC ticket from Payakaraopeta long back.

He further added that it will also help grass root and other neglected second rung leaders to get a chance. Balaraju also said that those leaders who were readying themselves to jump the fence are actually a liability as most of them became Congress MLAs only after merger of PRP, which denied opportunities for the real Congress workers.

Also looks like the Congress central leadership’s new social engineering concept is said to be yielding good results. While dominant castes in the Congress state unit and the politics, are said to be either sailing with TD, YSRC or  the yet to be launched caretaker chief minister, N Kiran Reddy’s party, Congress leadership, seems to be encouraging SC and ST leaders.

It’s clearly evident with ministers like Kondru Murali, P Balaraju and Dokka Manikyavara Prasad who were considered very close to Kiran Kumar Reddy earlier had distanced themselves from him after he started a tirade against the Congress high command, for its decision to divide Andhra Pradesh.  They not only distanced from Kiran Reddy but launched scathing attack on him. This was done apparently under the directions of Congress leadership to pass on the leadership of the party to such leaders.

 “Power and leadership was always confined to a very few upper and dominant castes irrespective of the political party. Good that Congress is looking at a new social engineering concept,” said a ST leader of the Congress. 

Vizag in race for AP capital, agitation threat if the city is not made capital

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Feb 23, 2014: With the bifurcation of the state a reality, various local groups are pitching for Vizag to be made the capital of successor state. Vizag Development Council (VDC) has begun the battle to compete with other cities from Seemandhra to project the City of Destiny as a perfect destination to be christened as capital city of the new state.

Stressing that Vizag, with cosmopolitan culture that can attract global investors, having infrastructure and close to the South East Asia’s growth corridor, will be the perfect choice, VDC members also warned of agitation if the city is not made the capital of residuary state.

“If we don’t wake up now, we will further be looted. If Vizag is not made capital, it will be biggest blunder that goes down in the history of the state which is going to be newly formed. Some politicians are doing cheap and dirty politics and are lobbying for other cities for capital. Vizag having good infrastructure will be the growth engine of the new state. Vizag had always been 10 years ahead of any other city in this region. It’s not for the sake of Vizag we are demanding it be made the capital but for the bright future of the newly formed state,” said VDC, president P Vishnu Kumar Raju.

He also requested the BJP to include in their election manifesto to extend the special status to the successor state from 5 to years and tax benefits to 15 years for the development of the new state.

VDC, vice president, O Naresh Kumar lamented that - more than Rs 1,000 crs worth land was sold and the amounts were diverted to capital account. “Vizag lost Rs.1200 Crore worth of land and Vuda lost another Rs.340 Crores extra in the form of taxes and expenses and excess remittances to state’s exchequer.  Vuda has not been getting any state funds for the last 10 years. We demand that money be sent back.  If we can get this money back we can finish all our master plan roads and also the (ORR) outer ring road which costs only Rs 500 Crores. All pending tourism projects under Vuda can be done in less than 2 years including ORR,” he said.

Naresh further said that APEPDCL has the the lowest allocation in the state and has lowest loss of  6.9pc among all four discomms which are separate companies. Other discomms have more than double than EPDCL losses, consumers are asking as to why  they should  pay for the thefts and  needless losses  in other 3 discomms and the state can save very huge amounts by reducing losses in other discomms  to the APEPDCL levels.

“We need more allocation of power for APEPDCL as Visakhapatnam is having highest investments among all tier2 cities in India after Ahmedabad. Kindly sanction the additional quota at the earliest to ensure employment and progress. There are many defence establishments including Eastern Naval Command which is expanding at a rapid pace needing separate allocation urgently to prevent power shortage,” he said and added that defence establishments should make alternative arrangements for power and all the EPDCL power should be used for civilians.

K Narayan Rao of Vizagapatnam Chamber of Commerce has said that many countries have evinced interest in investing in Vizag in several sectors. He added that embassies from New Zealand, US, Switzerland had done ground surveys recently in this regard.

 CII Vizag chapter chairman, G Sambasiva Rao, said the government should explore the tourism potential of the region.

VDC lists merits of Vizag:

• The largest city in the new state

• Only city with high national and international connectivity 24/7

• Ability to attract investments due to good air connectivity and excellent hotel industry and peaceful nature of this area.

• Excellent ports - 2 in Vizag,  2 in Kakinada. New minor ports coming up.

• Railway division is 4th largest division out of 70divisions. Has largest land bank for setting up a railway zone.

• Excellent sea coast for beach tourism. Can emerge as a tourist hub.

• New health city coming up in 100 acres with multispeciality hospitals.

• New pharma and Textile parks in operation ready to take off.

• New IT SEZs. Currently at Rs 1500crores IT export. But can become highest growth zone with good policies and new incubation spaces.

• New petrochemical corridor coming up.

• Eastrern Naval Command (ENC) and many defence and PSU units provide security and stability.

• Very picturesque location with mountains, beaches and forests, surrounding city with good green cover.

• Peaceful city with very low crime rate.

• Already recognised as number one tier two city in India attracting heavy investments.

• APEPDCL  is India’s number one discomm with lowest losses and best performance, can provide quality power at lowest rate to all industries and agriculture.

• Has largest gas find nearby at Kakinda. This can lead to more power and more industrialisation from international investors.

* Scope for heavy investments in tourism, sports and manufacturing sector.

Growth Engine: IT sector unplugged, Vizag needs more space, uninterrupted bandwidth

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Feb 22, 2014: Despite having the ‘ideal location’ tag, IT sector in Vizag, always remained a dud and never took off. While successive governments in the united Andhra Pradesh promoted only Hyderabad, the city of destiny has been ignored all these years.

Barring three IT Parks with very little space, government did nothing to promote Vizag, which has potential and land availability in abundance. Local IT entrepreneurs, who are disappointed lot, opine that IT sector in Vizag would never witness growth, unless the government of the successor state, chalk out an action plan and go aggressively in implementing it.  

They say promoting Vizag for IT sector will add revenue to the state’s exchequer and also generates employment for thousands of engineering graduates and students of other professional courses who pass out from local colleges. All these years they were either going to Hyderabad, Chennai or Banglore in search of jobs due to lack of opportunities in the region.

There are around 100 medium, small and big IT and ITES firms operating in Vizag employing around 17,000.  Most of the units functioning in Vizag, deal in end-to-end business integration, medical billing, financial information processing, ERP product, content management, networking, business, recruitment process outsourcing, and medical transcription.

The state IT & C department has launched works for an IT incubation centre last year with a built up area of 50,000 sft at Rushikonda and STPI in collaboration with Vuda has decided to take up construction of another incubation centre providing plug and play facilities with a built up area of 1.25 lakh sft. However the space which is being created would be able to create employment for only 2,500 persons in a shift, which is also meager when compared to the space available at IT Parks like Cyber towers 1, 2 and Raheja towers etc in Hyderabad.

While the IT turnover from entire Andhra Pradesh is Rs 64,354 crs with Rs 51,300 crs export and Rs 13,000 cr of domestic business, only Hyderabad’s contribution is 97 percent and the rest of the state is only 3 percent.

Of the total 13lakh employed in IT sector only 23,000 are from rest of Andhra Pradesh. Employment is less than 2percent in rest of Andhra Pradesh when compared to Hyderabad. 

While Vizag’s IT sector turnover is Rs 1,445 cr and employs around 17,000, Vijayawada’s turnover is a meager Rs 115 crores employing only 2900.  Kakinada  IT companies does Rs 61 crores and employs 1900.  Tirupati IT sector makes a turnover of Rs 7 cr.  

“Unless at least 25 lakh sft of space is created in another 2 years, IT sector will not grow in Vizag.  The two incubation centres that are planned with a pittance is just eyewash. They can’t provide many jobs. No purpose will be served. Government should first concentrate on creating space with ready made infrastructure-plug and play facilities either under PPP mode or government cerate it and lease it out. With 25lakh sft space we can only match 10 percent of the employment Hyderabad provides. The new government should bring in players like Ascendas of Singapore to create business space to promore Vizag,” said Rushikonda IT Park Association (RITPA), vice president, O Naresh Kumar.

He also added that government should try hard and bring in at least 2 big IT players to set up operations in the city and other major, medium and small IT firms would follow.    

What is required now

·        Minimum 25 lakh SFT space with readymade infrastructure- plug and play facilities.

·        Uninterrupted free bandwidth.

·        A finishing school to hone skills of local pass outs in PPP mode or government can set up. Most of the engineering pass outs from the local colleges are said to be poor in soft skills. Since most of the IT companies deal with foreign business and global clients a finishing school is necessary.

·        Urgent promotional policy in compliance with new union government SEZ policy which has not been implemented here

·        At present there are two IT parks in Madhurawada and one in Duvvada SEZ. The IT entrepreneurs are asking the authorities to de notify these IT Parks from being SEZ to encourage new investments.

·        No IT entrepreneur has come forward to take plots at the IT SEZ in planned at Ganbheeram which was developed by the APIIC, in an extent of 51.28 acres around 20kms away from the city. All the 28 plots are still vacant since 5 years.

·        Social infrastructure like good schools, colleges and hospitals.

·        Good places for recreation activities. 

BJP to sell 'Gujarat Model' in Seemandhra

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Feb 21, 2014: BJP, which is all set to claim the credit of bringing pressure on the Centre and successful in extracting best deal for Seemandhra, seems to be chalking out strategies to sell ‘Gujarat model” of development under the leadership of party’s prime ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi in the successor state of Andhra Pradesh, after bifurcation.

BJP leaders have dropped enough hints in this regard and are also planning several meetings of Modi in Seemandhra once the schedule for 2014 polls is announced. Modi has been concentrating on southern states and has been seen addressing rallies in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and recently in Karnataka. And wherever he addressed gatherings the BJP leader has been vocal in criticizing the Congress for mishandling the state bifurcation and meting out injustice to Seemandhra.

The residuary state has 25 loksabha seats, number more than 17 in Telangana. BJP leaders are of the opinion that though the party has supported the Telangan Bill in Parliament, it is TRS and Congress which are going to reap the electoral  and political benefits in the region.

Andhra Pradesh having lengthy coast line like Gujarat and a proposal to have a PCPIR, which was proved a success in Modi land, BJP leaders are of the opinion that if the Seemandhra public give opportunity to right and strong leadership like the Gujarat chief minister, the residuary state would surpass Gujarat in attracting investments, there by creating wealth and employment in the region.

  “No doubt, if the Seemandhra public gives mandate to right, strong and able leadership to person like Narendra Modi, the region will flourish. Seemandhra can become another Gujarat and may also surpass Gujarat. We will take this slogan to public,” a senior BJP leader from Seemandhra region told this correspondent.

Another BJP leader from the region, Kambhampati Haribabu said that, both Congress and TD elected representatives miserably failed in securing justice in Seemandhra. He reminded that it was pressure from BJP leaders in Rajyasabha that Centre had announced special status to residuary state, tax concessions, benefits and changing Polavaram from a normal irrigation project to multi purpose project and other benefits.

 “Our party doesn’t have much representation on ground in Seemandhra, but we strived till the last minute for the region. But Congress and TD MPs in both the houses from the Seemandhra region has failed to get justice done for the region,” he told this correspondent. 

After division, youth see bright future for Vizag

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Feb 18, 2014: While there were protests against the state division across Seemandhra, some youngsters from Vizag see it a blessing in disguise and an opportunity for the port city, which has been neglected since many decades, to develop in many spheres.

  

As soon as the AP Reoganisation Bill was passed in Loksabha, they took to social media and poured their opinions here on Tuesday.  They want local leaders bring pressure on the concerned authorities and see that investments flow into pharma, power plants, fertilizer, IT, tourism, petro chemical , petroleum, manufacturing sectors as city has two major ports and better air connectivity.

They want the leaders to strive hard for the investments irrespective of city made capital of residuary state or not. These youngsters also want Vizagites across the globe to return to city, become entrepreneurs, create organizations and jobs.

“As we are near to the coast, any manufacturing option can be well considered because of the ports availability. These ports facilitate easy export and import,” said Murali Sanapala on social networking site Facebook.

Surya said “People of this region should also speak out. See the center has already granted the Mumbai- Banglore corridor, Chennai-Banglore corridor and the Amritsar-Kolkata corridor. The only region left is the east coast. In spite of bifurcation we still are not granted one in this region. No political support from north Andhra leaders in this regard. Nothing will materialize without that. Seema is well connected in terms of Air as Kadapa and Anantapur have Banglore international airport, while Kurnool has Hyderabad, and Chittooor has Chennai. Only region without a close vicinity to a greenfield airport is north Andhra. GMR who hails from Srikakulam has built airport in Hyderabad but not in Vizag. The people of this region have to come out on road like Telangana people and protest. Otherwise nothing is going to materialize”.

A member of a group on FB “Vizag capital for Seemandhra”, Sri Harsha added that there is no problem if  Vijayawada and Guntur be made into twin cities like Hyderabad and Secunderabad but Vizag should not be neglected. 

Vizag plans Growth Corridor

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Feb 17, 2014:  Vuda is all set to develop Vizg Growth Corridor (VGR) for the overall development of the city. The VGR adds to the development of
Vizag, which is considered as next big city in the state after Hyderabad and seen as main investment destination in Seemandhra region if the state is divided. 

The Vuda board has recently decided to go in for preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for an outer ring road (ORR), on the lines of the one in Hyderabad to promote transit-oriented growth nodes. 

The semi-circular road will begin at Payakaraopeta and connect to the National Highway via Anakapalle and Relli near Kottavalasa and Vizianagaram. The proposal has been presented before the Urban Metropolitan Transport Committee too. Once the project report is submitted to it and approved by the union government, it will provide 50 per cent of the required funds.

As the jurisdiction of Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation has been expanded from 111 sq.km to 614 sq.km, many institutional, industrial and recreational areas have come up in the recent past within GVMC limit, largely on the north-east, north and western areas.  Furthermore, due to increased employment opportunities, population has increased manifold

“One of the key factors influencing such development is connectivity by NH-16. It not only connects city with other capital cities in India, but also render services to substantial part of city population, as major length- nearly 62km from Anakapalli to Anandapuram traverses through the city functioning as “life-line” of the development. Most by-passable traffic of Visakhapatnam uses this corridor and such phenomenon is increasing with time,” said Vuda vice chairman, Dr N Yuvaraj.

He added that many new activity and residential areas have come up in a haphazard manner leveraging the accessibility to existing NH-16. With the same pace of development, if uncontrolled or not regulated it may lead to saturation level and would further worsen the traffic situation on this stretch. “NH-16 of the city stretch is faced with traffic congestion and poses safety issues on local development also. Though the development is based on the emerging demand of the newly developed areas around GVMC area, an integrated plan of connectivity between the emerging growth centres is lacking,” he added.

Given the above background, Vuda felt necessary for undertaking comprehensive view of the development taking place in the region, identify potential areas of growth and explore opportunities for establishing connectivity to these growth centres through a regional connector on the lines of Outer Ring Road (ORR) of Hyderabad Urban Development Authority Area (HUDA).

“It is also felt recognized by Vuda that the concept of establishing a ‘Vizag Growth Corridor’ should be explored in order to provide additional impetus to the growth of the surrounding region as well as take the leverage of increased land values for real estate development instead of only considering improved connectivity,” Yuvaraj said and added that radial connectivity to the peripheral growth corridor will also be considered.

UMTA mooted for better transport

Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) has also been mooted for ensuring effective coordination and implementation of better transportation system in the area coming under Vuda jurisdiction, with main focus on Greater Visakhapatnam.

The Authority aims at development of a very effective road transportation and traffic management system making the Vizag Metropolitan Region (VMR) area and its surroundings well connected and meeting the increasing demand for transportation infrastructure.

State government issued GO MS No.616 constituting the UMTA for the area covered by Vuda to coordinate various departments and agencies in the matters relating to traffic and transportation and to able to integrate various modes of public transport like rail, bus and other systems in a compatible manner, to prepare a road map for the implementation of the comprehensive transportation plan.

A Committee for the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority has also been constituted by the government for which the Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban development Department will act as Chairman and Vice Chairman and Managing Director of APSRTC, Commissioner of Transport, Waltair Divisional Railway Manager, Member- Secretary of AP Pollution Control Board, VUDA Vice Chairman, GVMC Commissioner, Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner, District Collector of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam, Director of Town and Country Planning and other experts as members. 

T Bill: BJP gets into defensive mode, demands justice, Venakaiah accuses Congress of double standards and cheap tricks

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Feb 15, 2014:  At a time when Congress party was trying hard to project the main opposition in the parliament, the BJP, as not supporting the contentious Telangana Bill, the saffron party leaders seems to have got into defensive mode.

 In a scathing attack on Congress led UPA, BJP senior leader M Venkaiah Naidu here on Saturday, said “You never wanted to give Telangana and pass the Bill. You just wanted to play drama and blame BJP. Your are playing cheap and dirty vote bank politics. But you will be out and there is no doubt about it. You may end up even below 50 seats. Hence this attempt to gain some seats by hook or crook and stay relevant. You are adopting double standards, not we.”

He further said that BJP was committed for the Telangana Bill but demanded justice for Seemandhra. The Bill should safeguard the interests of  Seemandhra and the public concerns are addressed properly.  It should be a lawful division, he said.  

“I have put my prestige at stake. When I discussed with Ahmed Patel, Digvijay Singh, GoM member, Jairam Ramesh  I have made very constructive suggestions and they responded positively. Mere words will not suffice, deeds are required. You should walk the talk. Legislation, allocation, sanctions by planning commission are required. Deficit to be taken care from union government’s consolidated fund for Seemandhra,” Naidu said.

Explaining that the Congress was never serious in granting statehood to Telangana, the BJP senior leader questioned why Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were absent when such an important Bill was allegedly introduced in the Loksabha.  

Further accusing Congress party of arousing regional passions in the wake of forthcoming polls, Naidu said, “You were in deep slumber for nine and half years. Suddenly, 2 months before the elections, you wake up, create fiasco and blame others. Your CM opposes, gets Assembly resolution against the proposal. Your people call him a hero. If he is hero, PM is zero and your party president is villain?”

Coming down heavily on Congress for accusing BJP of adopting double standards on T Bill, Naidu said Congress leaders tear the bill, do all the nonsense on both sides and pose as champions in both regions.

“Loksabha speaker says No confidence motion could not be taken up as the House was not in order, but has no problem for introducing Bills. House starts at 12 noon- supplementary agenda was distributed at 2pm-but according to you, the Bill was introduced at 12 o clock. What an irony? All the opposition parties said the way Bill was dealt is wrong. People have not forgotten 1969 and 1972. Since 2004, 1000 people lost their lives in Telangana, 360 people lost their lives in Andhra. Your are responsible for it,” he said.  

Naidu said several committees were appointed under Pranab Mukherjee, Rosaiah, Justice Sri Krishna and AK Antony on Telanagana earlier, but nothing was discussed in Parliament or at Congress forums.  Reiterating BJP’s commitment towards creation of Telangana, he accused Congress party and union government as villains.

He told Congress leaders to keep their house in order, stop provocative statements and bring normalcy in the House. Let parliamentary traditions and practices followed in passing the Telangan Bill.

“Discuss threadbare. Concede just demands of Seemandhra public. Let us make the dream of Telangana people a reality. And let Seemandhra people feel justice is done to them,” he added.

Locals turn to BJP, Desam for better deal in division of state for Seemandhra

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Feb 14, 2014:  While there has been a furious reaction to tabling AP Reorganisation Bill in the Parliament, some groups have turned towards TDP and BJP asking their leaders at least fight for better deal if the state bifurcation is imminent.

Representatives of Vizag Development Council (VDC) wrote to N Chandrbabu Naidu and other BJP leaders to demand exact time frame for completion of new capital and budgetary support.  To release one third funds immediately with the Bill.

 “Every single promise made must be backed with budgetary support and time frame for completion and incorporated in planning commission with parliamentary approval. Outgoing minority government cannot just promise on paper without budgetary support and planning commission approval for next 10 years and divide the state and leave the promises to new government to execute. BJP must make them accountable,” observed, VDC vice president, O Naresh Kumar.

He also added that they don’t want the Seemandhra government to work from Telengana state even for a day pointing that progress in Seemandhra  was minimal due to all leaders being in Hyderabad and everything is concentrated, centered there.

“Revenue sharing from Hyderabad region for only next 6 to 7 yrs until new capital is ready as we cannot function without support initially. As we are losing major infrastructure in Hyderabad to kick start investment special tax concessions for investments in next 15 yrs should be given like 50percent Income tax and service tax rebates etc along with investment subsidy,” Naresh added. 

Division pangs: Locals fume over projects

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Feb 12, 2014: Lack of clarity on many aspects of Polavaram project in the AP reorganization Bill has left locals fuming at the union government.  While, the GoM on state bifurcation in its AP Reorganisation Bill has mentioned about, Polavaram irrigation project and declared it as a national project, locals are up in arms for no mention of Uttarandhra Sujala Srvananthi or any other irrigation project that are considered as life line for the three districts of north Andhra.

If completed under Uttarandhra Sujala Sravanthi, a back water project of Polavaram around about eight lakh acres ayacut in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts can be irrigated.  The project is also aimed at providing drinking water to an estimated 30 lakh population spread over 1,200 villages. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 7,214 crs.

The Bill said that “The Polavaram Irrigation Project is hereby declared to be a

national project.  It is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that

the Union should take under its control the regulation and development of the Polavaram Irrigation Project for the purposes of irrigation.  The Central Government shall execute the project in  consultation with the Governments of the two successor States

following all environmental, forests, and rehabilitation and resettlement norms”.

But Polavaram’s backwater project Uttarndhra Sujala Sravanthi which was named after Babu Jagjivan Ram has always been considered a separate project entity under state government’s ambitious Jalayagnam. Unlike other irrigation projects of Jalayagnam, which faced some problem or the other, the Uttarandhra Sujal Sravanthi  had no hurdles on technical issues or problems related to clearances.

Initially around Rs 50 crores had been allocated in the budget and later it was reduced to Rs 10 crs of which until now not even a single rupee was spent. Justice BN Sri Krishna Committee report too pointed at the backwardness of north Andhra and Rayalaseema regions than that of Telangana.

Besides, Sujala Sravanthi, there are two more  irrigation projects- Boddepalli Rajagopala Rao Vamsadhara Project - Stage II  (Vamsadhara Project Stage II) in Srikakulam and Thotapally barrage project in Viziangaram were also planned. Vamsadhsra project aims at irrigating 45,000 acres of ayacut and estimated cost was put at Rs 933 crs. Thotapally barrage project after completion is expected to irrigate 1.25 lakh acres in Vizainagaram and the project cost was estimated at Rs 527 crs.

“It’s most unfortunate that there was no mention of any of these projects in the AP Reorganisation Bill. Though the union government has said that they will sanction good economic package for north Andhra that would not serve any purpose unless these projects are taken up. Uttarandhra Sujala Sravanthi has always been treated as a separate project entity as part of Jalayagnam. They have just simply mentioned that Polvaram project will be declared as national project and it will be fully funded by union government. What about Uttarandhra Sujala Sravanthi and other projects. It’s highly objectionable,” said Uttarandhra Rakshana Vedika (URV), president, S S Sivasankar.

Objections are also being raised over mentioning Polavaram as any normal irrigation project while it was envisaged as multi purpose project that can generate hydel power also.

Polvaram project’s irrigation potential was envisaged  7.21 lakh acres10 in East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna and Visakhapatnam  districts.  Other purposes are to  stabilize 10.13 lakh acres of Godavari and 13 lakh acres of Krishna delta, interlinking river project proposing to divert 80 TMC to river Krishna,  23.44 TMC to industries in Visakhapatnam, domestic water to 28.50 lakh population in 540 villages  and generation of 960 MW hydel power.

“How can they simply mention it as Polvaram irrigation project whereas it’s a multipurpose project? The cheap hydel power generated from the irrigation project can be used for Khammam ayacut irrigation in Telangana. There is no clarity at all in the Bill,” said, Forum for Action Research and Policy Analysis (FARPA), chairman, Prof RV Rama Rao.

• If completed under, Uttarandhra Sujala Sravanthi, a back water project of Polavaram around about eight lakh acres ayacut in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts can be irrigated. 

• The project is also aimed at providing drinking water to an estimated 30 lakh population spread over 1,200 villages. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 7,214 crs.

• Unlike other irrigation projects of Jalayagnam, which faced some problem or the other, the Uttarandhra Sujal Sravanthi  had no hurdles on technical issues or problems related to clearances.

• Initially around Rs 50 crores had been allocated in the budget and later it was reduced to Rs 10 crs of which until now not even a single rupee was spent.

• Besides, Sujala Sravanthi, there are two more  irrigation projects- Boddepalli Rajagopala Rao Vamsadhara Project - Stage II  (Vamsadhara Project Stage II) in Srikakulam and Thotapally barrage project in Viziangaram were also planned.

•  Vamsadhsra project aims at irrigating 45,000 acres of ayacut and estimated cost was put at Rs 933 crs.

• Thotapally barrage project after completion is expected to irrigate 1.25 lakh acres in Vizainagaram and the project cost was estimated at Rs 527 crs.

• No north Andhra irrigation project finds mention in the AP Reorganisation Bill. 

Division pangs: AP Bill lets down north Andhra

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Feb 13, 2014: The AP reorganization Bill that was introduced by the union government in the Loksabha on Thursday offered nothing new to North Andhra, especially Vizag.

The Centre’s representatives have repeatedly  boasted of announcing best economic package for Seemandhra development post state bifurcation. Justice B N Sri Krishna committee report also points that north Andhra and Rayalaseema regions are most backward than Telangana and needs attention.

As per the thirteenth schedule of the Bill, the GoM recommended 11 infrastructure projects for the development of Seemandhra. Of the 11, three projects belonged to  Vizag. The two major projects, setting up of refinery by HPCL or IOCL in Vizag and metro train proposal that found a mention are old and were sanctioned long ago.

The HPCL’s proposed refinery is touted as the anchor project of the much talked PCPIR planned between Vizag and Kakinada which was sanctioned by the union government in 2005. HPCL had approached the AP government for the land in 2005 and was subsequently chosen as an anchor client for the PCPIR.

The company at that time was looking at setting up a 15-mtpa refinery with a consortium of five companies, including Mittal Energy and TOTAL of France, which had apparently backed out of the project due to various reasons. Subsequently, APIIC cancelled the allotment of 1,500 acres for not grounding the project and returned the money to HPCL.

Later in the middle of 2013 HPCL again approached the APIIC with a revival plan seeking allotment of land. The State run oil major now proposed to set up a 9.5 mtpa refinery, which will cost around Rs 20,000 crore initially, instead of 15 million tonne as envisaged earlier. 

However, HPCL is said to have informed APIIC that subsequently capacity would be doubled to 18 mt in the coming years. The fresh application by the HPCL is under active consideration of the APIIC. However, sources in APIIC said that they are now looking for time bound assurances on the execution of the project from HPCL.

Barring the proposal to be examined within 6 months for the feasibility either by HPCL or IOCL, the Bill didn’t give any impetus to the development of the region.    

Similarly, the metro rail proposal has been there since 2011, and GVMC had already initiated plans to prepare DPR for the project. In November last year, union government gave a nod for preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) and asked to get ready Terms of Reference (ToR) for the consultant who would be assigned the work.

Union Government had announced Metro Rail policy and the GVMC had forwarded a report with the details of the cost to be incurred to prepare a DPR for a 20-km stretch in 2011. The GVMC estimated that it would cost at least Rs 8 lakh per kilometer for the
initial 20-km stretch and it costs Rs 1.6 crore only for preparing the project report.

Both the state and union governments would equally share the total cost to prepare the DPR. Subsequently, the Andhra Pradesh Urban Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation (APUFIDC) sanctioned funds for taking up a detailed study on the metro rail
project and the Central government has sanctioned Rs.80 lakh.

The state government is yet to finalise the agency that takes up the DPR preparation. It is estimated that a km of metro rail project cost around Rs.220 cr. The entire metro rail project will be funded by the union government.

“Its very clear that the union government was just trying to do the ‘gold plating’ to make Seemandhra people believe that the region would flourish after the bifurcation with these infrastructure projects. Whereas there are no new proposals. They are just trying to deceive public by these promises,” observed  Uttaranhdra Rakashna Vedika secretary, DVT Ganesh.

• The two major projects, setting up of refinery by HPCL or IOCL in Vizag and metro train proposal that found a mention are old and were sanctioned long back.

• The HPCL’s proposed refinery is touted as the anchor project of the much talked PCPIR planned between Vizag and Kakinada which was sanctioned by the union government in 2005. HPCL had approached the AP government for the land in 2005 and was subsequently chosen as an anchor client for the PCPIR.

• Subsequently, APIIC cancelled the allotment of 1,500 acres for not grounding the project and returned the money to HPCL.

• Later in the middle of 2013 HPCL again approached the APIIC with a revival plan seeking allotment of land.

• The State run oil major now proposed to set up a 9.5 mtpa refinery, which will cost around Rs 20,000 crore initially, instead of 15 million tonne as envisaged earlier. 

• Similarly, the metro rail proposal has been there since 2011, and GVMC had already initiated plans to prepare DPR for the project.

• In November last year, union government gave a nod for preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) and asked to get ready Terms of Reference (ToR) for the consultant who would be assigned the work.

• The GVMC estimated that it would cost at least Rs 8 lakh per kilometer for the
  initial 20-km stretch and it costs Rs 1.6 crore only for preparing the project report.

• It is estimated that a km of metro rail project cost around Rs.220 cr. The entire metro rail project will be funded by the union government.

Vuda-STPI incubation centre soon in Vizag

By SNV Sudhir  

Visakhapatnam, Feb 11, 2014: In a major boost to the IT and ITES sector in Vizag, Vuda and Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) are finalizing modalities to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop IT incubation and innovation centre in the city.

 The MoU is most likely be signed by the month end and features issues like finalizing the design of the building. The incubation centre will come up in the vacant land behind the Vuda office.

While the state government’s IT incubation centre, which is under construction at Rushikonda is being delayed, the proposal to develop another incubation centre by Union government’s department of IT and communications' STPI, has remained a non- starter.

It has been more than two years that the Centre has the administrative nod, released funds, but the state government has failed to allot land for the proposed IT Incubation and Innovation centre in the city with plug and play facilities.

Though the facility was initially planned at the APIIC’s IT SEZ in Gambheeram, the location was dropped as it was far away from the city.

Later, Vuda allotted a site which was leased to a private party earlier near its office. However, the allotment ran into rough weather, as the site lease owner approached a court questioning the cancellation of lease.

As per the finalized proposal a 9 storied building would come up with 1.25lakh sft space with plug and play facilities at the approximate 1 acre land available behind the Vuda office.

Of the total cost of Rs 25 crs, for the construction of the incubation centre, STPI would spend around Rs 16 crs, which has already been sanctioned by the union government long time ago.

“The STPI has agreed to our project proponent proposal in the first week of this month. We are working on the other modalities and content of the MoU, which we are likely to sign by this month end. After the MoU tenders will be called for the construction of the building which will be done on a war foot basis. Expert architects have already finalized the building design. It will be a joint venture of STPI and Vuda. Around 40 percent of the space will be left for parking,” said Vuda, vice chairman, Dr N Yuvaraj.

Regarding change in the plan of proposed Vaibhav IT Park under PPP, in Siripuram junction, Yuvaraj said that the private developers wanted to change the building design and model from 13 floors to 7 floors along with movie screens. The Vuda Vc added that the issue will be discussed in the meeting of a local committee set up recently to look into Vuda’s PPP projects, headed by district collector and take a final decision shortly. 

Vizag Port faulty dredging led to erosion of shoreline

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Feb 7, 2014: The Vizag Port is being blamed for the sea surge that damaged the footpath near Kurusura submarine museum on the beach road. Experts warned that if immediate remedial measures were not taken, the entire beach road along with various parks are in danger of being lost to the sea.

Andhra University, Head of Meteorology and Oceanography department, Prof KVSR Prasad, who has done research on beach erosion, says erosion of Visakhapatnam shoreline started way back in 1993 when the island breakwater was constructed for the development of inner harbour.

“The littoral drift during the southwest monsoon got deposited near the entrance channel and the northern beaches were partially cut off from the sand supply. But in the earlier stages the erosion was not significant and was confined only to a short distance northward from the entrance channel. Even in those days the material at the entrance channel used to be dredged periodically and pumped to the northern side and the erosion was under control,” he observed.

Prof Prasad has recently submitted a report on his findings on the recent sea surge to the district administration.

He further said that depending on the erosion, the pumping site used to be shifted suitably to check erosion. But later due to some operational problem, it appears the direct pumping of sand was reduced and instead the sand was dredged and dumped into the sea which was not that much effective, he observed. The dredging and pumping of sand is done by the Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) that manages Vizag Port.  

In the year 1968 the construction of outer harbour was contemplated to handle the increasing shipping traffic. The construction of the north and south break waters was completed by 1975 and the east breakwater was completed by 1976. A sand trap was provided near the south breakwater in addition to a dredging berth and 3 km long pipeline.

“While designing the outer harbour it was suggested that about 0.45 million cubic meters of sand was to be pumped annually to the northern side to protect the northern beaches. By this process it was thought a balance could be achieved between the sand pumped and the sand lost due to erosion. But it appears the balance is a very delicate balance that is easily disturbed especially during cyclone periods. During such periods it is necessary to enhance the beach nourishment by pumping additional sand to the north side,” Prof Prasad pointed.

Most of the states are implementing the construction of seawall/ groins as remedial measures to control coastal erosion in view of their low cost, easy constructions etc.

But most of the areas along the coast are still undergoing extensive erosion exclusively in the coastal regime of Chennai near Ennore, parts of Kerala, Pondicherry, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Gujarat due to lack of understanding of the site specific coastal issues.

“The construction of groins will create other problems like rip currents and will destroy the beauty of nature and the sea walls cannot withstand when a wave heights of more than 5m occurs. So, it is advisable to construct offshore submerged breakwaters at around 3-5m depth from our studies. Also, It is necessary that the sounding of the coastal waters has to be taken up more frequently and the changes in the near shore topography be monitored from time to time in order to take timely measures for safeguarding of the beaches,” he added. 

No takers for Kiran’s new party in N Andhra

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Feb 19, 2014: There seems to be no takers to the much talked about political party, which is rumoured to be launched soon by N Kiran Kumar Reddy, who resigned as the state chief minister on Wednesday, from north Andhra Pradesh.

North Andhra comprising three districts-Vizag, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam had always indicated trend of any political party during all the past elections. Whether for the TD, when it was launched in 1980s, and Congress, during its resurgence in 2004, north Andhra played the backbone to form respective governments.

In fact Kiran Kumar Reddy toured the three districts extensively, many times since he assumed office of chief minister on Nov 25 in 2010 realising, the region’s importance. Being on the north- eastern side of Andhra Pradesh, Srikakulam is believed to be auspicious for the launch of election campaigns and any new programmes.

Kiran Reddy too chose Tekkali in Srikakulam district for an official launch of his government’s welfare initiative for the BPL families ‘Amma Hastham’ in April, 2013.

Ironically, of the 35 MLAs from the three districts of north Andhra, it was only Tekkali Congress MLA Korla Bharathi, was seen at the CM camp office while he addressed media to announce his resignation on Wednesday. Ganta Srinivas Rao and Sathrucharla Vijayarama Raju, Kondru Murali and P Balaraju who were seen rubbing shoulders with Kiran Reddy until a few days ago seems to have deserted him.

Political uncertainty is seen as a major reason for the leaders to develop cold feet towards the new political party. After the PRP experiment failed, none wants to take risk in joining a new party.

Kondru Murali and P Balaraju had openly criticised Kiran’s decision to leave party and said they would continue in Congress party. “Kiran Reddy is Congress traitor. How can he now ditch the party which gave him so many posts? Though I’m a strong integrationist personally and at heart I will not leave Congress. I don’t understand why everyone is criticizing Congress when all the parties agreed to the state division,” said tribal welfare minister, P Balaraju.

No prominent leader from  the three districts, is showing any signs of joining Kiran’s party. Ganta Srinivaa Rao is said to be preparing ground for the grand homecoming as he is set to  join TD shortly from where he debuted into politics. Satrucharla Vijayaram Raju too is also yet to decide on Kiran’s party.

In 2008, when actor Chiranjeevi launched his political outfit he undertook a statewide tour titled Praja Ankitha Yatraa. It was launched on October 9 at Arasavilli in Srikakulam.

In 2009, the Congress general election campaign was also officially launched in Ichapuram with the then PCC chief D Srinivas and other party leaders actively taking part in a massive meeting and road shows.

Actor Jr NTR, who lent his hand to uncle and TD chief N. Chandrababu Naidu during the 2009 elections, also launched his 40-day statewide poll campaign from Ichapuram.

 YSR’s widow, YS Vijayalakshmi too launched her election campaign in 2012 during by polls from Narsannapeta in Srikakulam.

Congress Vizag house to become empty soon

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Feb 6, 2014: The Congress house in Vizag is likely to become empty by month end.  Of the 11 Congress MLAs in the district, around eight are set to leave the party and join other parties in the coming days as the election schedule is expected to be out in the first week of March.  MLA Golla Babu Rao had already left the party and got himself reelected on YSRC ticket from Payakaraopeta long back.

While ports and infrastructure minister, Ganta Srinivas Rao along with four MLAs have already decided to leave the ruling party and are waiting for right opportunity and time to switch loyalties to TD, two more ruling party MLAs are preparing ground to jump the fence to join YSRC. 

 Vizag north MLA and former city Congress president, Tainala Vijay Kumar had held a meeting with his cadre on Thursday and conveyed his decision to join YSRC, Narsipatnam MLA, Bolem Mutyala Papa is also reliably learnt that she would join Jagan bandwagon. Both the MLAs are expected to join YSRC in the presence of party president, YS Jaganmohan Reddy along with Dharmana Prasad Rao in Srikakulam on Sunday.

After these exits, the ruling party in the district will be left with tribal welfare minister P Balaraju, government whip Dronamraju Srinivas and Vizag west MLA Malla Vijayaprasad. The Vizag West MLA is also rumoured to be in dilemma and also looking at joining YSRC shortly.

Interestingly, most of them who are joining other parties are debutant MLAs and new to politics. The emergence of YSR Congress, as a strong force in the region, and the Congress led UPA’s decision to bifurcate the state have forced these budding politicians think about their political future and take the decision to leave the ruling party.

MLAs Muthamsetti Srinivasa Rao, Panchakarla Ramesh Babu, Chinthalapudi Venkataramaiah have switched loyalty to the Congress from PRP, after its merger with the grand old party. They contested the 2009 polls on PRP tickets and are known close aides of Ganta Srinivas Rao. Yelamanchali MLA U V Ramanamurthy Raju (Kannababu) is also said to be part of the ports and infrastructure minister’s coterie and will join TD along with him.

Payakaraopeta, MLA, Golla Babu Rao had jumped the fence long back from Congress and was reelected during a by poll on the YSR Congress ticket. Rest of the Congress MLAs including, Tainala Vijay Kumar, Bolem Mutyala Papa and Malla Vijay Prasad are perturbed about their future, in view of the misrule, anti incumbency wave in the region, which has grown stronger following the Centre’s decision on Telangana. 

BJP leaders oppose T Bill

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Feb 5, 2014 : While a section of the Congress leaders, from Seemandhra are putting pressure on party high command and Congress led UPA government not to table the AP Reorganisation Bill in the parliament during the ongoing session, the leaders from the same region of opposition BJP are also demanding their party leadership not to support the Bill which is against the interests of Seemandhra people. It may be worth mentioning here that BJP’s support is crucial for the UPA to pass AP Reorganisation Bill in Rajyasabbha, while the government has requisite numbers in Loksabha to pass it in the lower house of the Parliament.

 A delegation of BJP Seemandhra leaders will go to Delhi on Thursday to request the party leadership not to support the Bill if the Seemandhra interests are not protected and certain changes they suggested are not made to the Bill.

“The Centre is going ahead unilaterally on bifurcation without taking the interests, concerns of Seemandhra into consideration. While the legislators from Andhra Pradesh had sent around 9072 suggestions, changes and amendments to the AP Reorganisation Bill, the GoM on Tuesday sat for only 20 minutes and cleared the Bill. Is it practically possible for anyone to review these many petitions in 20 minutes? It shows how the Centre is dealing with the bifurcation giving a raw deal to Seemandhra region. We will request our central leadership not to support the Bill if the changes we proposed are not made to it,” said BJP national disciplinary committee member, Kambhampati Haribabu here on Wednesday.

He added that the Centre was misusing the vote on account budget session which is supposed to transact business on government spending till the general elections, by trying to push around 39 crucial bills including the one related to state bifurcation.

 “Why are they in hurry now? What were they doing in the last two sessions? It was their MPs who have disturbed the House and now they are trying to blame BJP for their failure to set their house right,” he said and reiterated that BJP is for the bifurcation of the state but not in the manner UPA is going ahead.

BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi too found fault with the way  Centre is going ahead with the bifurcation at the last held party national council meet, Haribabu added.

“Give us mandate in 2014, we will form the government and then bifurcate the state smoothly. We will ensure justice to Seemandhra and the interests of the public in the region are protected. This is what Modi ji had also reiterated,” he said.

BJP Seemandhra leaders have suggested at least 10 changes that are to be made to the Bill related to revenue sharing, common capital, constitutional amendment, solid and time bound assurances on various infrastructure projects in Seemandhra and most importantly, issues related to construction of Polavaram project like inclusion of Badhrachalam division into Seemandhra, to change Polavaram project into multipurpose project than a mere irrigation project as mentioned in Bill.

The BJP leaders would also ask the party leadership to insist for voting on the Bill in both the houses of the Parliament. 

AAP misses target in Vizag

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Feb 4, 2014: After initial euphoria and enthusiasm the  Aam Admi Party (AAP) ‘magic’ seems to have faded in Vizag, which has many urban, middle class and young voters. The membership enrollment which was launched amidst much fanfare has disappointed the local AAP committee members.

When the membership drive was launched in the first week of January, around 1,000 persons were enrolled in just 2 days. Against the target of 1 lakh memberships by March only close to 10,000 enrolled until now. On field responses from even middle class voters is said to be in favour of conventional parties, admitted AAP local leaders.

 Now, that they have very less time, AAP local activists have reduced the enrollment target to 25,000 members by March.  City population pegs at 21 lakh. “Though there is good response to our party, locals are more interested in conventional parties. We will have to work really hard in Andhra Pradesh to convince them and bring them to our fold if we really want to see and bring change in the society,” said an AAP Vizag committee member.

AAP Vizag wing is also finding it difficult for volunteers to work on shift basis to establish and strengthen the party. At present there only 25 to 30 young volunteers who have formed as teams and taken up membership drive by visiting people.

The AAP Vizag team also planned to create impact by extensively using social media. But hardly there are any takers for the AAP Vizag page on Facebook which was launched on Jan 17. There are no debates, discussions on any local issues on the Facebook page. Mass emails, bulk SMSs, mapping of various zones using Google Maps, extensive use of Social Media like Facebook and Twitter was the strategy of AAP Vizag.

 Now they are banking on a proposed public meeting in the city to garner some support from locals. “We planned a public meeting in the second week of February, but due to some reasons we had to postpone it towards the month end. We are hopeful that the proposed meeting will act as a stimulus and boost AAP activities in the city,” said AAP local coordinator, Sistla Venugopal Rao, who is looking after enrollments.

Sea surge: Writing was on wall

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Feb 3, 2014: Visitors to the beach were left shell shocked when the footpath around the beach caved due to strong waves. In fact, residents of the apartments on the beach road ate spending sleepless nights due to the sudden surge in the sea.  

But the fact remains that it was not a sudden phenomenon and is the result of continuous negligence of the authorities. Despite knowing that sea erosion is a natural occurrence in any coastal city, the authorities failed to take up the log due beach nourishment activities.

Beach nourishment would have clearly avoided the panic moments now beach road residents are experiencing.

 Every year, the Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) does the dredging to clear its channel at Dolphin’s Nose through Dredging Corporation of India (DCI). The DCI which has expertise in dredging has been dumping the dredged sand along the coast near Coastal Battery and Varun Beach. The replenishment of sand along those beaches has prevented erosion.

 “DCI has been dredging around 2 lakh cubic meters near Dolphin’s Nose for VPT and the sand is dumped or replenished near Varun Beach. No body has approached us to do beach nourishment on large scale though we have expertise in doing the job effectively. Some millions of cubic meters needed to be dredged and dumped near the vulnerable areas along the beach road,” DCI, CMD, DK Mohanty told this correspondent.

Some experts pointed that the geo tubes and installing bunds are of temporary arrangement and there is an urgent need for a detailed study on the sea erosion issue involving various agencies for a long term solution.

They have also pointed that- deep-sea survey, bathymetric study and wave-pattern study, hydraulic and coastal studies, wave modelling and hydro-dynamic modelling to see the viability of beach nourishment has to be done.

“We understand that what we are doing now is a temporary arrangement and for the permanent measures and to find solutions we are sending a team to Pune to meet experts of Central Water Power and Research Station (CWPRS).  We will take up permanent measures after consulting the CWPRS experts,” GVMC Commissioner, MV Satyanrayana told this newspaper.

CWPRS has earlier prepared report on Dadar beach nourishment in Mumbai.  Vizagites have to wait for at least one more year even if the authorities entrust the job of beach nourishment along the beach road to the DCI. Sources in DCI said that dredging or beach nourishment can only be taken up during Dec-Jan- Feb and for that one has to wait till next year.

Vizag beaches topography is far more different than many coastal cities of the country. Vizag’s continental shelf breaks very near to the coast, at a distance of 50-70 meters and has a sudden steep descent into depths of about 200 meters unlike many other coastal
cities which have continental break at more than 130 meters from shore line and have a
very gradual descent of the slope till sea bed.