Visakhapatnam: Defence establishments are coming in the way of Andhra Pradesh , while undertaking development activities.
For instance in Vizag, Achyuthapuram, a probable site for the proposed Greenfield airport is being opposed by locals, and by the Eastern Naval Command. The Indian Navy’s first underground strategic naval base, Naval Alternative Operating Base is coming up close to that site.
The Naval Command has also reportedly objected to a proposed second major port at Nakkapalli due to the same reason. The Operating Base, which will have bunkers to house nuclear submarines and protected harbours for warships to escape the enemy eye, is spread in around 4,500 acres of Rambilli, Nakkapalli and Achyuthapuram mandals. A top official of the ENC had recently said that the facility, would be operational within five to six years and it’s a key establishment of the Indian Navy in terms of security on the eastern seaboard, especially in the wake of the country’s Look East policy.
“Defence establishments are critical and they should be given utmost priority, which will ensure security to the nation. In this case the airport should be built only after taking the views of the Indian Navy. There is so much of land available in and around Achyuthapuram that has been already acquired by the government for SEZ,” former Union Government Power Secretary, E.A.S. Sarma told this correspondent.
Vizag port is the only major port in the state though Andhra Pradesh has tremendous potential to handle foreign trade though sea due to its vast coast line of 996 kms. In order to tap foreign trade opportunities the state government has approached the Centre with a proposal for a second major port, when the Centre announced its maritime agenda for the next decade 2010-20.
Three places were shortlisted for the proposed port- Nakkapalli in Vizag district, Ramayapatnam in Prakasam district and Duggirajapatnam in Nellore district. A high-level central committee visited the three places and submitted a report stating that Nakkapalli is suitable for the port.
HRD minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao, who was, Ports and Infrastructure Minister, in 2012 had openly aired his resentment over the Navy’s objections towards the port.
