VISAKHAPATNAM: Andhra Pradesh govt had approved ‘master plan 2041‘, along with zoning development promotion regulations for Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) in Nov 2021. The plan delineated and designated the VMRDA area into various policy zones, reflecting their growth opportunities and interventions to guide future investments in infrastructure and services.
However, there have been long-standing allegations that the plan was altered to favour certain individuals and protect their lands. It was also alleged that major changes were made between the initial draft of the master plan and the final version, which seemingly only benefited a few individuals.
Furthermore, allegations surfaced about some leaders purchasing land in areas where master plan roads and other key projects were proposed, allegedly knowing about the plan before it was made public.
AP govt, in an official communique a few days ago, directed VMRDA to review the plan and address public objections. In addition to revisiting the earlier concerns, VMRDA will issue a new notification inviting public opinions, suggestions, and objections once again.
VMRDA metropolitan commissioner KS Viswanathan said the govt sanctioned ‘master plan 2041′ for VMRDA area in Nov 2021. “Subsequently, the state govt has now issued orders to revisit the sanctioned master plan in its entirety and submit a revised plan proposal. This process will be undertaken through a private consultant, appointed through e-tendering system. After finalisation of the consultant, we will invite objections and suggestions from the general public, all stakeholders, and relevant departments. Accordingly, the revised proposals will be submitted to the govt for consideration,” he said.
VMRDA chairperson Pranav Gopal said they would convene a meeting with all MLAs and people’s representatives of VMRDA area to gather their opinions and objections. “Subsequently, field visits will be conducted to directly seek public opinions,” added Pranav.
During the preparation of the master plan itself in 2021, VMRDA received 17,460 objections from the general public as well as officials from other departments such as irrigation, forestry, revenue, and others. Majority of the objections were related to the proposed master plan roads in the suburbs.
The urban body then conducted a joint inspection, involving revenue officials and other related departments.
The objections and suggestions were verified by field staff and cross-checked by the respective heads of the sections. However, complaints and objections continue to emerge periodically over the master plan, particularly from political leaders.
