VGTM-UDA likely replaced with Capital Authority
VIJAYAWADA: The role of the Vijayawada, Guntur, Tenali and Mangalagiri - Urban Development Authority (VGTM-UDA) in the development of the capital city seems to be shrinking as the state government has decided to constitute a Regional Capital Development Authority (RCDA). Besides, it is also not bothered to consult UDA for any suggestions or clarifications though the capital region falls under purview of UDA.
For instance, the state government, which has first asked the VGTM-UDA to get the detailed project report (DPR) prepared on the metro rail project by inviting expressions of interest (EOIs) from various consultancies, preferred the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for the job of the DPR even as several firms have submitted their EOIs to the UDA.
On the other hand, urban development minister P Narayana announced that the government was planning to construct an outer ring road (ORR) connecting Tenali, Ibrahimpatnam, Vijayawada and Gannavaram in the capital region.
But the government has not consulted the UDA at any level before making these important announcements though the UDA-approved consultancy is going ahead with preparation of the master plan to create separate zones for industrial, agriculture and residential areas.
Against this background, senior UDA officials are apprehensive that the RCDA may eventually replace their organisation. 'We are also baffled over the government's decision to create a new authority. It is true that the state government is not giving priority to UDA with regard to capital development.
The government may be thinking that UDA cannot execute such major projects with its expertise. However, it should have consulted us to ensure that the government's plan does not clash with our own master plan,' said a senior official.
VGTM-UDA vice-chairperson P Usha Kumari has confirmed that UDA has not been consulted by the state government so far in connection with the development of the capital city. It may be recalled here that UDA's jurisdiction has expanded to 7,063 sq.km from 1,954 sq.km in 2012. It was formed in 1979.
Meanwhile, sources also said that there is a possibility of changing the name of UDA as the state government has not mentioned Guntur, Tenali and Mangalagiri at the time of announcement of the capital city.
News Posted: 16 September, 2014
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