Date:19/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/19/stories/2008071953960500.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

VUDA Vice-Chairman allays fears over PCPIR

R. Jagadeeswara Rao

Rules out socio-economic disturbances

The project will attract huge investment
Create job opportunity to over 10 lakh people

VISAKHAPATNAM: Allaying apprehensions that the proposed Petroleum, Chemical and Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR) between Kakinada and Visakhapatnam would result in disturbing the rhythm of life of people in 110 villages spread over 10 revenue mandals in the two districts of East Godavari and Visakhapatnam, Vice-Chairman of Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) V. Nagendra Vishnu, who is also Vice-Chairman of Special Development Authority (SDA) constituted for the execution of PCPRI, on Friday asserted that there would be no large-scale socio-economic disturbance because of the PCPIR.

‘First of its kind’

“PCPIRs are the exclusive hubs for chemical and petrochemical activities. They will attract large-scale investment,” Mr. Vishnu told The Hindu. He said that while preparing the master plan for the said project and developing infrastructure, issues like impact on the livelihood of people in the area, quality of life and environmental issues would be kept in mind. This project was the first of its kind in the country, and with an expected investment of Rs. 3 lakh crores, it would create employment opportunities for more than 10 lakh people. He said that the issue of acquisition of lands would arise as and when a particular project was proposed. If it was a private party, it would have to make arrangement on its own for acquisition of lands.

On recruitment of staff for the SDA, Mr. Vishnu said that there was no such proposal and the human resource requirement would be met by outsourcing, making use of consultancy services and going for turnkey projects. The SDA would function from the office of the VUDA with the support of its staff. Action for preparation of the master plan for the entire SDA would be undertaken by the VUDA in close coordination with the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation, integrating VUDA Master Plan.

Expansion plans

On the proposed expansion of VUDA activities, he said that the proposal was to expand its activities from Tuni in East Godavari district to Srikakulam town. A large number of layouts was coming in these parts and there was the need for planned development.

The exercise had been completed and the proposal was awaiting Government’s nod, he said.