Visakhapatnam: AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said on Monday that a world-class consultant would be appointed to prepare a master plan for the all-round development of Vizag into a modern and smart city.
He added that the state government would make Vizag a logistics hub by building the best ports in South East Asia on the lines of Singapore and said that Tata’s airline and Silk Air have also evinced interest in launching their services from Vizag.
“The Metro Rail project will be completed along with the Vijayawada Metro. The tourism sector will be put on fast track. The two-lane Bheemili beach-road will be made four-lane in one year.
Vizag will also be made an IT, tourism and hardware hub. Works on the IT Signature Tower will begin very soon. Hereafter, I will visit Vizag frequently and focus on the city’s development,” he said after a review meeting with the district officials.
Mr Naidu further said he would be the chairman of VUDA by strengthening the urban development body, extending its jurisdiction.
He said that he had asked the officials to identify vacant lands in and around the city to set up housings for the needy. He added that these housing facilities would be on the lines of Singapore, ensuring that there is good resale value with all facilities and infrastructure.
Mr Naidu on Monday kick-started the 1-lakh tree plantation drive at MVP Colony to bring back the greenery of the city.
Later, he visited Kailasagiri along with ministers Ganta Srinivas Rao, Ch. Ayyanapatrudu, P. Narayana, Palle Raghunath Reddy, K. Mrunalini and K. Atchennaidu to take part in “Vanabhojanalu”. Isuzu Motors India has donated five trucks to the GVMC. Gangavaram Port and Shriram Properties also took part in the tree plantation drive.
Meanwhile Details of Hudhud victims to be linked to AAdhaar for compensation
AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who was in Vizag, as part of ‘Rejuvenating Vizag’ programme reviewed the progress of relief and reconstruction aspects post-Hudhud.
He said an action plan would be prepared very soon for reconstruction of schools, government buildings and other properties. He added that the Central team would be visiting Vizag on November 25, 26 and 27, to assess the damage.
He said the details of the Hudhud-affected would be synchronised with the Aadhaar cards and the compensation would be paid directly to their bank accounts opened by the government.
“Of the first phase relief amount of '1,000 crore announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Centre has so far released around Rs 400crore,” he said.
Mr Naidu said he had suggested to corporate houses like Reliance, who had come forward to donate to Hudhud victims, to adopt villages. The industry insurance claims will be reviewed again on December 1, added Mr Naidu.
