All issues considered to set up Andhra Pradesh capital, says panel member

Kadapa: All issues would be considered while selecting a place to set up a new capital for the residual state of Andhra Pradesh, a member of the Sivaramakrishnan Committee constituted for the purpose, said on Monday.

Addressing a huge gathering of public representatives, voluntary organisations, activists and officials, after receiving their memoranda at Kadapa today, Sivaramakrishnan Committee member and Director of the Indian Institute of Human Settlements, Aromar Revi, said that all political parties have unanimously given their opinions on the topic, on their party letter heads.

He said that the committee would consider all issues including the Sribhag Pact of 1937 as well as other issues related to the all-round development of Andhra Pradesh.

"Agricultural lands will not be considered for constructing the capital at any cost. So far no suitable place has been found for the new capital, Revi said.

He told that the committee has toured all districts and gathered opinions from various sections of society and considered sentiments of the people.

"We will submit our report, which will be scientific, rational and analytical, to the central as well as the state government soon," Revi said, adding that, the committee would face several "complications and challenges".

Explaining Rayalaseema's condition, he said that it is a really backward region in every aspect. The government must consider drought conditions and agriculture, as well as give priority to provide drinking water to the people, after which it should explore the possibility of providing water for at least one dry crop, he said.

He said that there are ample opportunities to develop the state. Infrastructure like road, rail and sea connectivity must be developed for all-round development, he said.