‘Capital city should be free of pollution’

October 21, 2015 12:00 am | Updated 06:06 am IST

VIJAYAWADA, ANDHRA PRADESH, 17/05/2014: Avanigadda TDP MLA elect Mandali Buddha Prasad. Photo: Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar

VIJAYAWADA, ANDHRA PRADESH, 17/05/2014: Avanigadda TDP MLA elect Mandali Buddha Prasad. Photo: Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar

We are at a historic juncture. It is an opportunity to build a well-planned city that is self-sufficient. The city should be free from pollution, and fulfil the needs of people for a long time. Basically, being Capital city built at Amaravati, it should reflect the traditions and culture that earned for Telugu people a distinct place in the world. “Hyderabad is a melting pot of diverse cultures whereas we have the chance to build a great city in close proximity to the small town of Amaravati which is known world over for its Buddhist heritage, and for the famous Pancharama temple, that is rooted in our cultural richness.

Deputy Speaker,

Andhra Pradesh Assembly

Opposed to land acquisition

A businessman turned politician, Alla Ramakrishna Reddy has been vocal in his opposition to the land pooling scheme in the fertile multi cropped region. He has even personally led farmers to sow in the fields defying prohibitory orders and made his intention clear from the beginning. “Neither me nor my party has been against the construction of the Capital. We have been only opposing the way in which fertile lands have been acquired leading to displacement and loss of livelihood. Our party has taken a clear stand on this issue. If we come back to power, we will return all lands forcibly taken away from farmers.

Mangalagiri MLA

It is all hype

The Chief Minister’s vision is fine. He is moving heaven and earth to give his dream a tangible shape. “I certainly wish that Amaravati should be a world – class city but at the same time do not hesitate to say that the entire thing has been hyped up. Where is the money? Moreover, it takes a gargantuan effort to build such a city. Let us wait and see.

Vijayawada West MLA

Clarity needed

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu should have clarity on the core and other areas of the new capital of Andhra Pradesh. Given financial constraints of the State, there is no guarantee of early completion of construction of the dreamy capital in the next few years. Unless funds flow from the Centre, there will be no use of engaging foreign experts in engineering and designs.

 Pamarru MLA

 First phase by 2018

Construction of the first phase of capital of Amaravati will be completed by 2018 given the efforts both by the State and timely support from the Central government. One has to realize that the capital will be constructed in a phased manner.

Excise and B.C. Welfare Minister

It’s a challenge

I am excited to be part of the construction of a Capital city. It is a challenge before us. There are bad and goods things in our lives. It is bad that we are sent out of Hyderabad. It is good to have the opportunity to construct a capital of our own. People across the State feel that they have ownership in Amaravati, which has a 2,500 year history. We are taking forward that history, culture and tradition. The whole essence of Capital city is ‘blue and green’. And, never before there was such a fascinating people’s Capital. The whole world would be awestruck with it. Amaravati will be bustling with activity as nine cities including justice city, sports city would come up there.

Irrigation Minister

All sections

should benefit

Not only land owners who have become willing partners in the capital project by pooling over 33,000 acres, but also tenant farmers and landless labourers. They have high hopes that their lives will become better once the capital construction begins. It’s my endeavour to see that all sections of society, more so those belonging to Scheduled Castes, should equally enjoy the fruits of development.

MLA, Tadikonda

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