Work on food court will continue: Ramanjaneyulu

‘Objections raised will be sent to the government'

February 24, 2012 02:36 pm | Updated 02:36 pm IST - VISAKHAPATNAM:

“Work on the food court on the Beach Road may continue, as it has government approval through GOs. But objections raised that it is against rules and any violation pointed out by the GVMC will be sent to the government,” Municipal Commissioner B. Ramanjaneyulu has said.

The GVMC held a meeting with various organisations on Thursday to know their objections to the construction of the food court on 1,453 square yards, comprising cellar, ground, and first floors.

Main objections

The main objections related to whether the GVMC had any right over the land given by a philanthropist to Andhra University, alleged CRZ violations, and contravention of the Master Plan.

Forum for Better Visakha convener E.A.S. Sarma, through his representative Ganjivarapu Srinivas, said the site was earmarked in the VUDA Master Plan as “Open space and recreation” and deviation from the Master Plan was prohibited under the AP Urban Areas (Development) Act, 1975. The alienation (of the land) was in violation of the CRZ and violates the AP High Court order of July 6, 2007, in a writ petition (8177/2007) that ordered removal of all structures that violated the CRZ.

Singamsetty Bhujanga Rao of the Forum for Sustainable Development pointed out that the Master Plan Road was of 40 m width and the proposed court fell within 40 m.

Praja Spandana president C.S. Rao contended that irrespective of Andhra University's objective in giving the land, the GVMC should protect environment on the Beach Road.

Efforts to develop the food court began after the government issued a GO allowing public-private participation in municipalities for augmenting resources in 2006, Mr. Ramanjaneyulu said.

After finalisation of bids in favour of Image One to set up Fun-n-Food village, the government issued GO Ms 37 dated January 9, 2007, giving permission for it and the corporation resolution followed.

However, when it came to light that the site was meant for Rajiv Smriti Bhavan, an alternative site was provided in 2008 and government issued another GO.

Allegations

After the plan approval by the corporation, there were allegations that it occupied more site than given. When finally work started last week, Ghantasala fans raised an objection, leading to GVMC Town Planning Department giving an endorsement.

Image One was also approaching the GVMC on its difficulties in continuing with the work.

He said the food park fell in CRZ II for which the State government was issuing permission through a committee. Several other buildings had come up on the 4.53 acres of site given to GVMC by Andhra University.

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