Date:27/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/27/stories/2008062754600600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Decks cleared for petro region

Santosh Patnaik

Special Development Authority formed to regulate transactions

VISAKHAPATNAM: Brushing aside concerns over environment and displacement, an exercise will be launched soon to scout for a consultant for preparing a comprehensive master plan for India’s first Petroleum, Chemical and Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR) proposed between Visakhapatnam and Kakinada.

The PCPIR Special Development Authority, which will operate from the office of VUDA here, will regulate transactions for buying and selling and constructions in an area of 1.50 lakh acres identified for the PCPIR as part of first phase of the coastal corridor.

Land transactions and constructions are prohibited in 110 revenue villages falling in 10 mandals in Visakhapatnam and East Godavari districts without clearance from the SDA. The mandals include Pedagantyada, Rambilli, Achyutapuram, Parawada, S. Rayavaram, Nakkapalli and Payakaraopeta in Visakhapatnam and Kakinada rural, Kothapalli and Thongadi in East Godavari district.

A notification issued on Wednesday vide GO Ms. No. 373 by the Department of Municipal Administration and Urban Development announced the formation of the SDA. The powers for approval of layout and building plans vested with the municipal administration and country planning are suspended with immediate effect. “Now, we will act as regulator in consultation with the AP Industrial Infrastructure Corporation, designated as the nodal agency for the PCPIR project as per PCPIR policy of the Central Government unveiled in May 2007,” a senior official of VUDA said. EoI will be sought soon for finalising a reputed consultant to prepare a comprehensive master plan for PCPIR on “scientific basis.” It will take care of social and environmental issues and harmonising overall development, the official said.

SEZs

Five Special Economic Zones will come up in the PCPIR area spread over 603.58 sq. km at Achyutapuram, Parawada, Rambilli, Nakkapalli, Kakinada.

According to APIIC CMD B.P. Acharya, the region is all set to become a petrochemical hub with a projected investment of Rs.3,43,000 crores in PCPIR. It is projected to attract Rs.2,16,000 crores in petroleum and petrochemical sector, Rs.52,000 crores in chemical, pharma and fertilizer sector, Rs.40,000 crores in external, housing and allied infrastructure. Regarding employment potential, APIIC projects would generate employment for 5.25 lakhs directly and 6.75 lakhs indirectly within next five to seven years.