The VUDA Board meeting here on Tuesday resolved to send a proposal for the formation of Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Development Authority (VMDA).
“The decision has to be taken by the Cabinet and it is premature to spell out the details like increase in purview,” VUDA Chairman and Principal Secretary, Municipal Administration and Urban Development, R. Karikal Valaven, told reporters after a marathon meeting.
The meeting discussed the proposal for an international convention centre, for which INCAP had already floated tenders.
The proposal for construction of an IT tower in collaboration with the Software Technology Park of India had acquired importance in the changed circumstances and it would materialise, he said.
The board also discussed proposals for international-level development of infrastructure and social infrastructure. Decisions had been taken to enable VUDA to proceed with its Master Plan, particularly in view of the Visakhapatnam being selected for development as a Smart City with USTDA collaboration. Consensus on the plan of action for improving happiness index of people was evolved.
All new projects under public private partnership mode and others proposed but not started would be studied by INCAP for technical and financial feasibility, Mr Valaven said.
INCAP would also weigh the proposal for international schools proposed in 50 acres of site in Visakhapatnam and Tirupati for economic viability after which financial bids would be called. Earlier allotment of five acres each for two international schools would be cancelled.
The board discussed the proposal for affordable housing and the availability of land. The next board meeting would take up issues like how to go about it, identifying beneficiaries etc.
Mr. Valaven said that timelines were given for all the ongoing projects. The Harita housing project would be handed over to the allottees by September 1.
For the new Ravindra Bharati-like auditorium, funds would be provided from VUDA and the Culture Department. An in-principle decision was taken for a 14-km outer ring road for Srikakulam. Vacant Land Tax would be levied on market rate or government rate, whichever was higher, he said. VUDA Vice-Chairman T. Baburao Naidu said that the Telugu Heritage Centre atop Kailasagiri had been completed.
