Vizag has potential to become global city: CM Naidu

Visakhapatnam: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu compared the present and previous governments, noting the shift from earlier land-grabbings to current rights, from demolition to patta distribution and from instilling fear to confidence.

Distributing conveyance deeds to 28,445 beneficiaries providing complete rights over their house site in Visakhapatnam on Saturday under the banner 'Pedalaku Pattabhishekam, Mee Illu Mee Hakku', the Chief Minister recalled that the state witnessed massive destruction under the previous government. He stated that he lost sleep every weekend starting from Friday because the YSRCP went on a demolition-spree during its regime.

According to him, the government regularised 399 acres of land across 11 mandals in Visakhapatnam, covering a total extent of 19.33 lakh sq. yards. The pattas confer rights over land with a registration value of approximately Rs.8,874 crore, while the market value is expected to be considerably higher.

Naidu mentioned that the impact of El Nino is creating drinking water issues in Visakhapatnam and its implications are present across states. He stated that he reviewed the drinking water situation soon after arriving in the city and assured that concrete measures would be considered to overcome the problem. The government will bring Godavari water to Visakhapatnam through the Polavaram project and offer a permanent solution to the city’s drinking water needs, the Chief Minister assured. Through river-linking initiatives, the state will focus on ensuring there is no shortage of water, the Chief Minister underlined.

Godavari water has already been brought to Anakapalli through the Polavaram Left Main Canal, and steps are being taken to link it with the Vamsadhara River. Also, the Veligonda project is being completed to provide water to Markapuram, Naidu reiterated.

Describing Visakhapatnam as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, the Chief Minister stressed that the city has all the potential to become a global city.

Naidu noted that Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport had given wings to the aspirations of North Andhra and stressed that the government had a responsibility to ensure that the poor also have a share in the benefits of Visakhapatnam’s development.

He directed officials to make Visakhapatnam cleaner and greener on the similar lines of Tirumala which has 89.4 per cent green cover. “Visakhapatnam will be unstoppable. no matter how hard the 'Goddali Party' tries to suppress it," the Chief Minister emphasised.

By distributing conveyance deeds, the Chief Minister mentioned that the government has put an end to decades of uncertainty for thousands of poor people suffering without claiming ownership rights so far. He advised beneficiaries not to sell their properties merely because land values have increased, underlined that the asset would provide them security and confidence and aid them lead a dignified life.

He described the distribution of pattas as more than a transfer of property rights and termed it as self-respect of the poor, their rights and their children’s future.

He stated that more than 5 lakh houses had been constructed in the last two years and another 5 lakh-plus houses would be completed by next March.

On the long-pending Panchagramalu issue, Chandrababu Naidu said the government would take steps to resolve it soon.

He mentioned that the long-pending Visakhapatnam Railway Zone had commenced operations and would soon be developed as the highest-earning zone in the country.

Chandrababu Naidu said the government is working to attract industries to the state, while some were creating obstacles and spreading misinformation regarding data centres. He assured that ensuring adequate drinking water for Visakhapatnam residents and water availability for industries would be the government's prime responsibility.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vasu Potnuru

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Potnuru Srinivasa Rao (Vasu Potnuru) is an experienced journalist specialised in politics, sports, crime, general topics and tribal stories. With 18 years of writing and reporting expertise, he contributes to The Hans India's editorial department as Principal Correspondent based in Visakhapatnam. Vasu Potnuru completed his Bachelor of Business Management. Earlier, he worked as a staff reporter in a leading Telugu vernacular. During free time, the journalist spends time listening to music, playing cricket and shuttle badminton. Vasu Potnuru, an accomplished writer, honed his expertise in various genres such as politics, crime, sports and general topics. He received an award from the HYBIZ Media Awards for the Best Rural Story in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Also, he bagged the Best Crime Reporter Award in Visakhapatnam. He serves in different unions of working journalists and contributes to service activities.

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