The State government’s proposal to transform the office premises of the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation into commercial and recreational space as part of the riverfront development plan is snowballing into controversy with the political parties and civil society groups opposing the decision.
After the recent demonstration by the CPI(M) and other Left parties which alleged that the government had put “Vijayawada on sale”, it was the turn of the Opposition YSRCP corporators, led by floor leader B. Punyaseela, to stage a protest on Thursday.
As part of the plan to develop the recreation and accommodation infrastructure for the vast riverfront which would be turned into a tourist spot, the government reportedly proposed to use the VMC office and council hall premises.
“The riverfront project includes corporation office land too,” a senior official of the VMC told The Hindu confirming that the main office and all wings had to be moved to a new building.
“However, the land or existing infrastructure will not be given to Tourism department as it is mistaken by many now. The number of floors on the existing buildings will be increased and developed into vertical green buildings. A convention centre will be built on the adjacent irrigation land. All the buildings and open spaces right from the RTC bus station to irrigation land will have seamless interconnectivity,” the official said.
Through the project the civic body could earn revenue, he said. The 9-acre Rajiv Gandhi Park adjacent to the decades old VMC office would also be a part of the project.
The construction of the new building beside the council hall had been stopped long ago owing to the riverfront project plan.
“We were asked by the State to halt construction of the new building and we did it. I have no further information about parting land for the riverfront project as alleged by the opposition,” Mayor Koneru Sridhar told The Hindu .
Construction of the G+9 building at a cost of ₹30 crore was the dream of Mr. Sridhar who hoped to increasing the VMC’s income during his regime by leasing out at least half the commercial space of the building.
The government has also suggested a new place for the civic body to establish its office, council hall and others.
It is learnt that the Chief Minister had suggested the VMC build a multi-storeyed building in place of the Municipal Guest House on M.G. Road. The guest house is spread in a small piece of land adjacent to Bandar Canal and the civic body was suggested to go for the multi-storeyed building that could accommodate all offices. The proposals are yet to be placed before the council for approval.
YSRC protest
All 15 corporators of the YSR Congress went on a day-long fast to register their protest. The corporators fasted from morning to evening at the Dharna Chowk under the leadership of floor leader Punyaseela.
YSR Congress Vijayawada East Assembly Constituency coordinator and former MLA Malladi Vishnu who came to express his solidarity said nearly ₹10 crore was spent for the new building that stood half finished. Now attempts were being made to shift the office to a new location.
This was just another scheme for the ruling Telugu Desam corporators to make money. The corporators were collecting huge amounts from people who were constructing houses and buildings, Mr. Vishnu alleged.
