AP capital to be built in VGTM zone

• This is contrary to earlier indications that the government proposed to take advantage of forest land in Nuzvid zone for the capital
• CM keeps harping on land pooling method, claiming it’s a win-win situation

Vijayawada: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday dropped hints that the capital city would be built in the zone under the Vijayawada-Guntur-Tenali-Mangalagiri (VGTM). This is contrary to his earlier proposal to take advantage of forest land in the Nuzvid for the capital city.

Naidu, while addressing a meeting after launching the Doordarshan's regional channel ‘Saptagiri', said he would spare no effort to set high standards in the venture to build the capital city. He sought the cooperation of the people to realise the dream of “golden Andhra Pradesh.” He assured the people that he would soon move to Vijayawada wherefrom he would discharge his official responsibilities. The government departments too would be shifted to the city in a phased manner, he said.

Naidu said “the Vijayawada, Guntur, Tenali and Mangalagiri region has the potential to be developed as a mega city.

The government will accordingly intensify its efforts to attract major investments in the region as it will give a boost to employment generation.”

He defended his government’s decision to locate the capital in the region of Vijayawada-Guntur-Tenali-Mangalagiri region. The land pooling method proposed by the government was a win-win situation, he said. It would help the government to attract mega investment.

The Chief Minister also received a donation of Rs 10 lakh from the representatives of the Eluru Town Hall, through their MP, Maganti Venkateswara Rao. The Chief Minister thanked the members for their contribution.