A socio-economic survey on the master plan for the Visakhapatnam - Kakinada Petroleum, Chemical, Petrochemical Investment Region (VK PCPIR) and an environment impact assessment study on the PCPIR have been launched in the district.
The VK PCPIR covers 603 sq km in 10 mandals of Visakhapatnam and East Godavari districts.
While the environment impact assessment (EIA) of PCPIR is taken up by EPTRI, the socio-economic survey on the preparation of the master plan is being done by a consultant selected after calling for international bidding.
The survey is taken up in 55 villages of three mandals of Rambilli, Achutapuram and Parawada mandals by a team of the consultant for the PCPIR master plan. Besides the team leader, it comprises the tahsildar, the PCPIR staff deputed by VUDA and a representative of APIIC. VUDA Vice-Chairman is the Vice-Chairman for PCPIR and VUDA is overseeing the preparation of the master plan.
The APIIC representative has been included as villagers seem to have complaints against the SEZs earlier set up by it, say sources.
The teams will go to the villages and at a meeting with village elders and the representatives of the various groups on their livelihood issues, employment generation and basic facilities like schools and hospitals.
“It is basically meant to create awareness among villages on the industries that would come up in the area, the increase in traffic, other changes it will bring about,” said sources. The villagers would be told about the development and feedback will be taken on what they want to be done.
The survey focuses on social infrastructure and the steps to be taken to improve the quality of life.
The survey has begun early this week.
It will be completed by December 15 in the 55 villages and will be taken up in another 55 aiming for completion by the month-end.
EPTRI study
The consultant has already submitted an inception report on land use, roads and traffic.
The EIA by EPTRI for three seasons will study the existing environment and the steps to be taken to protect it once industries are set up in PCPIR. It will cover CRZ norms, mangroves, water bodies, groundwater and population density, and buffer zones. It will send the report to the Ministry of Environment of Forests for approval after which the master plan will be prepared.
The public hearing on PCPIR is likely to be held in July.
