Selection of new capital city: terms of reference issued

The government has issued terms of reference for the committee to study the alternatives for a new capital for the State of Andhra Pradesh after bifurcation.

The committee will have to study alternatives for locating the new capital and evaluate their comparative suitability based on available data, site visits and consultations with the stakeholders, Central Government and the existing government of Andhra Pradesh and the successor State of Andhra Pradesh and submit its report before August 31, 2014.

The committee has to make appropriate recommendations based on availability of sufficient land, water and other essential natural resources with due regard to the possibility of de-reservation of degraded forest land.

It should also assess the potential for the planned growth for the estimated population with appropriate zoning regulations as well as the feasibility of accommodating large structures to house the Raj Bhavan, State legislature, Secretariat, High Court, Office buildings, guest houses, residential quarters, physical infrastructure like stadia, convention centres, hotels, hospitals, schools, colleges, educational and training institutions, places of recreation among other things.

Another important parameter is the potential for connectivity by rail, road and air with various districts of the successor State of Andhra Pradesh and the present common capital of Hyderabad and major cities of the region and possibility to develop rapid mass transit systems within the city.

Focus on symbiotic growth

The committee will have to assess the potential for developing a vibrant economic and social and cultural infrastructure for a symbiotic growth with other important cities in the region.

The committee while making its recommendations should consider allied issues such as the least possible dislocation to existing agriculture systems as well as ensure minimum resettlement of people and their habitations; preservation of local ecology including water bodies; vulnerability assessment from natural disasters like floods, cyclones and earthquakes; assess the scope for minimising the cost of construction and acquisition of land and ascertain the availability of raw materials, skills and unskilled labour etc., required for the construction of a new capital.