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The Andhra Pradesh government approved the 'Master Plan 2041' for the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) in November 2021. This plan outlined various zones for growth and infrastructure. However, the plan has faced long-standing accusations of favouring certain individuals and protecting their land. Allegations also suggest some political figures bought land in areas earmarked for future projects, knowing about the plan before its official release. The government has now directed VMRDA to revisit the plan, address public objections, and invite new suggestions and feedback.
The Andhra Pradesh government had approved the 'Master Plan 2041' for the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) in November 2021. The plan was designed to divide the VMRDA area into different policy zones, each reflecting its potential for growth and development. The aim was to guide future investments in infrastructure and services. Advertisement
However, there have been ongoing allegations that the plan was altered to benefit certain individuals, especially regarding land ownership. It has been claimed that significant changes were made between the initial draft and the final version of the plan, which appeared to favour a select few. Additionally, accusations have emerged that some political leaders purchased land in areas where roads and other important projects were later proposed, allegedly having insider knowledge of the plan before its official release.
In response to these concerns, the Andhra Pradesh government recently directed the VMRDA to review the master plan and address public objections. As part of this process, the VMRDA will issue a new notification seeking public opinions, suggestions, and objections once again.
KS Viswanathan, the VMRDA Metropolitan Commissioner, confirmed that the government had sanctioned the 'Master Plan 2041' for the area in November 2021. He added that the state government had now ordered a comprehensive review of the approved plan, with a revised proposal to be submitted. This process will involve appointing a private consultant through an e-tendering system. Once the consultant is finalised, the VMRDA will invite feedback from the public, stakeholders, and relevant departments. After considering all suggestions, the revised plan will be presented to the government for approval.
VMRDA Chairperson Pranav Gopal stated that they would organise a meeting with all MLAs and representatives from the VMRDA area to collect their views and objections. Following this, field visits will be arranged to directly engage with the public.
When the master plan was being prepared in 2021, VMRDA had already received a significant number of objections-17,460 in total-from the public and officials from various departments, including irrigation, forestry, and revenue. Most of these objections focused on the proposed roads in suburban areas. To address these concerns, VMRDA conducted joint inspections with revenue officials and other relevant departments. Despite these efforts, complaints and objections continue to surface, particularly from political figures.
The revision of the 'Master Plan 2041' for the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region comes as a response to public concerns and ongoing allegations about the plan's fairness. The government has directed VMRDA to address these objections and ensure a transparent process for the revised plan. With the involvement of the public, political leaders, and experts, the hope is to create a more equitable and well-informed master plan that serves the entire region's long-term development. As the review process progresses, it will be interesting to see how these revisions shape Visakhapatnam's future.
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