Highlighting the potential for satellite townships in and around the city, Chief Secretary S.P. Tucker has said if builders come forward with proposals in the next few days the Government is ready to accord approval to 10 projects.
Terming affordable housing for those working in various industries in the city as growth engine for the economy, he said if builders came together to take up housing in at least 100 acres, the State government would extend its support.
At a meeting with representatives of builders on Saturday, he said the necessary land would be acquired and the projects should comprise, along with apartments, schools, medical facilities and commercial complexes. In and around the city 5,000 acres allotted to industry in the past had remained unutilised.
Mr. Tucker assured builders of approvals in 21 days and a list of beneficiaries. The projects should be completed in 12 to 18 months, he told them. But only if the EMI payable is equal to the rent the prospective buyers are paying now, they would be keen on having a house of their own, he said.
The Chief Secretary elaborated that the main aim of the townships envisaged was to provide housing close to the workplace.
Economic growth
For instance, those working in Achyutapuram industrial area, including women, were commuting 60 km to 70 km every day and if housing projects came there it would provide an opportunity to own a house. Such projects would act as centres for economic growth.
Mr. Tucker said at Achyutapuram a two lakh-house satellite township could be built. Nakkapalli had the potential to have one lakh to two lakh apartments. District Collector N. Yuvaraj, Municipal Commissioner Pravin Kumar and VUDA Vice-Chairman T. Baburao Naidu gave details of permissions given and apartments constructed during the last five years.
Representatives of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India, Visakhapatnam Apartment Builders’ Association and AP Real Estate Developers’ Association explained the problems they were facing in obtaining approvals, concessions on vacant land tax etc to the Chief Secretary.
