Chittoor gets 1st place in growth: ANU experts

Hyderabad: In Andhra Pradesh, out of 33 cities and towns, Chittoor and Madanapalle have recorded the top level of urban growth more than that surpasses even the major cities like Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. Also, few towns like Guntur recorded negative urban growth.

According to the experts of Acharya Nagarjuna University (ANU) presentation to the Chief Minister Chandrbabu Naidu, in the past 10 years, out of 33 urban agglomerations Chittoor recorded 74 per cent growth and Madanapally 67 per cent. The two are followed by Vijayawada with 60.2 per cent and Tirupati recording 51.54 per cent. Madanapalle with its propinquity to Bengaluru and being a hill station recorded a good growth rate, while Tirupathi being a pilgrim centre made the mark.

The experts opined that the growth is to be maintained at equilibrium at all places. They are of the opinion that the AP government should have a holistic urban planning and focus on integrated development of urban infrastructure and services.

The experts report also suggests that a focus is needed at major places like Guntur, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and many other such places which have slum areas.