Date:05/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/05/stories/2008110551460500.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

State in a fix over coastal corridor project

Santosh Patnaik

Opposition plans joint rally in city on November 8

No industry given go-ahead: Minister
Some 1.5 lakh acres earmarked

VISAKHAPATNAM: The State Government has found itself on a sticky wicket as the Opposition is getting ready for a joint offensive over coastal corridor issue.

Having claimed from the rooftops that the corridor project would change the face of entire coastal region, the government made a U-turn saying no final decision had been taken on the project following fears over displacement of several thousand fishermen and farmers.

Minister for Infrastructure M. Venkata Ramana Rao announced recently that the coastal corridor project was nothing but a four-lane road parallel to the highway along the coast and no industrial project had been given a go-ahead. He also claimed that not an inch of land had been acquired for the corridor.

This is contrary to the government website in which it was stated that an integrated coastal corridor is planned in two phases from Srikakulam and Nellore. It says the first phase in North Andhra covers 73 mandals in four districts for about 438 km length.

Finding the government on a weak point with elections round the corner, the Opposition has decided to take the issue to the people. A joint rally is planned in the city on November 8. “We will not leave till the government withdraws all the orders issued as of now, including GO Ms. No. 373 dated May 24, 2008, on setting up of Petroleum, Chemical and Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR) Special Development Authority,” says CPI State secretary K. Narayana.

Infrastructure Corporation of AP (INCAP), which is coordinating the project after signing an agreement with International Finance Corporation, an arm of World Bank, states that 1,50,000 acres has been earmarked for coastal corridor of which 66,600 acres is for processing area. Already 51,500 acres is under possession.

The PCPIR will be an important part of coastal corridor for which notified SEZs have 17,800 acres.

Land acquisition is either completed or in the process for an SEZ at Achyutapuram (5,500 acres), Brandix Apparel Park in the same area (1,000 acres), Ramky Pharma City (600 acres), Hetero Drugs SEZ at Nakkapalli (250 acres) and Kakinada SEZ (10,500 acres).