The Hindu 02.03.2013
Merger of Bhimili, Anakapalle with GVMC opposed
Citing the experience of the earlier merger of 32
panchayats forming the GVMC, Union Minister of State for Commerce and
Industry D. Purandeswari has opposed the move to merge Bhimili and
Anakapalle municipalities with the GVMC.
In a letter
to the Chief Minister, she said after the formation of the GVMC, people
had hoped that there would be abundance of funds and all basic amenities
would be provided in the merged areas.
However,
contrarily, till date even drinking water and drainage facilities could
not be provided by the civic body, drawing severe criticism against the
GVMC, the party, and the government itself, she said.
“The
belief that merger would provide either added resource inflow or better
civic amenities in the merged areas is far-fetched,” she said in the
letter. She was reacting to the letter of the City Planning wing of the
GVMC urging her views on the merger.
Pointing out the
significance of Bheemunipantam, she said it was the second oldest
municipality in the country and merger with the GVMC would mean ignoring
the historic importance.
With the GVMC not being
able to even collect taxes to the fullest potential, none could be sure
whether it would be able to augment any additional resources by the
merger.
Ms. Purandeswari recalled that even Bhimili municipality had resolved against merger.
Site for market
In
a separate letter, the Ninister, citing the request of Vizag
Development Council, said since the present wholesale vegetable market
was situated in a congested and polluted area, 15 to 20 acres of land
should be allotted at Arilova for easy connectivity solving the
pollution problem.
In
a letter to the Chief Minister, Union Minister Purandeswari has
recalled that even Bhimili municipality had resolved against the merger