Countdown begins for People’s capital

Amaravati is set to emerge as the most hi-tech capital and will be a symbol of strength, hard work and unity of the people of the state. It will rise on the banks of the River Krishna, between the cities of Vijayawada and Guntur

Uddhandarayunipalem: The countdown for the world-class capital that would take shape when Prime Minister Narendra Modi would lay the foundation for the Andhra Pradesh capital on October 22 has begun.

Amaravati is set to emerge as the most hi-tech capital and will be a symbol of strength, hard work and unity of the people of the state. It will rise on the banks of the River Krishna, between the cities of Vijayawada and Guntur.

The development of Amaravati is based on the demographic analysis and economic drivers, providing “tailor-made solutions” to fit the local environment and culture.

Not only does this underline plenty of opportunities in the state but also meets the challenge to address the growing infrastructure and development needs of the country.

Amaravati, which will be the seat of the Andhra Pradesh government, promises to open new ventures for other nations to look towards the state and also to attract foreign investments.

It will also be a city where people from all over the world can live, work and play. Being centrally located, Amaravati is easily accessible to all regions across the state.

The Vijayawada-Guntur was chosen as the Capital Region after identifying the region suitable for competent administration, economic development and cultural integration.

The government proposes to make it a livable Indian city. The government has been making hectic round the clock arrangements for the foundation ceremony.

The green carpets are spread all over. The temporary roads have been laid and pandals erected to make the venue accessible for the general public as well.

The sprawling 750-acre area, including parking lots, is a different world now. A detailed traffic chart has also been released. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu personally reviewed all the arrangements, including the traffic arrangements.

The holy soil and holy water have reached the venue. The water and the soil would be mixed with the help of the machines and kept ready for the event where it would be used for the foundation ceremony, particularly in the yogasala.

The police forces have taken over the venue for security reasons. The gun-wielding cops are seen moving around. The road from Kanakadurgamma Varadhi to the Uddhandarayunipalem was totally in the control of the police who are keeping round the clock watch in different shifts.

Though the Prakasam Barrage is not closed for the public yet, this too is under the control of the police as it would be used by some VIPs who desire to reach the venue by road.

The helipads are ready for the Prime Minister and other VVIPs to reach the venue from the Gannavaram airport. The venue has two separate stages on two sides of the main dais.

The Ministers, MPs, MLAs, MLCs would occupy one dais while the other would be offered to the judges, ambassadors and other invitees.

There is one more dais where cultural programmes are conducted before and after the event. A good number of drama and film artists are being invited to entertain the gathering on the day.

Though the rich, fertile agriculture fields have disappeared, the government promises to ensure that the much of the existing greenery and water ways will be preserved.

Amaravati will possess a distinctive river front with lush open spaces for its citizens to enjoy. Innovative approaches are envisaged to turn the reservoirs, storm water detention ponds and canals into locales for public enjoyment even as they perform the critical functions of storing water and controlling flooding.