The 5,573 sq. km stretch between Srikakulam and Kakinada termed as Vizag zone will turn into a beehive of activity if Sivaramakrishnan committee’s recommendations are accepted.
The committee, in its report, recommended relocation of most of 109 offices to Vizag besides establishing High Court in the city. It envisaged the establishment of fisheries commissionerate and all offices connected with maritime activity to Visakhapatnam – the largest city in Andhra Pradesh.
Though those batting for Vizag as capital of A.P. are mentally prepared for apparently losing the opportunity in the capital race, they by and large feel that the committee has done justice by acknowledging the importance of the city known worldwide for its natural splendour, sun-kissed beaches and green-capped hills.
Vizag occupied eighth rank in GDP contribution among the topmost cities of India last year with its share estimated at $26 billion. “It has bright prospects to become a true international city,” said Visakhapatnam Port Deputy Chairman and CII Vizag zone chairman G.V.L. Satya Kumar.
Industry representatives have welcomed the idea of not encouraging a super city and instead develop a capital on the lines of Brazilia and Bhubaneswar. “We have paid a heavy price by concentrating everything in Hyderabad and now the focus will be on decentralised development,” said Sarda Metals & Alloys Ltd Director Neeraj Sarda.
He said Vizag zone was recognised by many for its export potential, logistic advantage and location of several heavy industries. Hence, the city and its periphery should get the required infrastructure and focus to make it a major R&D and production centre.
While expressing his disappointment at not considering Vizag’s claim to become the capital, Vizag Development Council convener O. Naresh Kumar said: “We are happy at the recommendation to develop Vizag zone, which has potential to become one of the leading IT, pharma, tourism and petrochemical hub.”
He said with a major port and a minor port in the city and another minor port at Kakinada, an international airport in the city and shifting of important offices and conversion of the area into a high-tech zone, Brand Vizag was all set to get a major fillip.
