The Hindu 27.12.2013
VGTMUDA takes up study of master plan in extended area
The Vijayawada, Guntur, Tenali, and Mangalagiri Urban Development Authority (VGTMUDA) has taken up a study on ‘Master Plan and Zonal Development Plans (2031)’ in the extended area under VGTMUDA limits in Krishna and Guntur districts.
Recently, the government extended the UDA limits from 5,108.90 sq km to 7,068.20 sq km, adding six more urban centres.
The study is aimed at providing infrastructure, roads, digitalisation of maps, transportation, regional connectivity, and survey on expansion opportunities for the next 18 years in the two districts, VGTMUDA Chairman Vanukuri Srinivas Reddy has said.
Speaking at an awareness meeting organised with Urban Development Authority and the line departments here on Thursday, he said the Master Plan was being prepared for 53 lakh population in 632 villages of 52 mandals in an area of 7,068 sq km.
The State government has assigned the job to Hyderabad-based Ms. Aarvee Associates, Architects, Engineers and Consultants Private Limited at a cost of Rs.6.7 crore.
The study would be completed in two years, he said.
Collector S. Suresh Kumar directed the officials to prepare the plan keeping in view of the people’s requirement and expansion in Guntur, Tenali, and Mangalagiri areas. The staff should strictly follow the norms and not damage the eco-system, he said.
Mr. Srinivas Reddy said the study had been divided into eight stages, including population growth, land utilisation, demand and gap of existing infrastructure, taking up surveys on base map images, and digitalisation of village and mandal maps considering traffic, rail, road and air linkages, assessment of heritage and conservation sites, and studying development strategies.
The consultancy would delineate the Master Plan after holding interactions with public, bureaucrats, NGOs, stakeholders, public representatives, and environmentalists, and submit it to the VGTMUDA in the prescribed period, said the Chairman.
Aarvee consultancy representative Ramesh gave a PowerPoint presentation on the proposed study.
VGTMUDA vice-chairman M. Rama Rao, District Industries Centre General Manager Naga Sundar, Housing PD Suresh Babu, officials from the APSIC, revenue, and other departments attended.
