A joint action committee (JAC), represented by two leaders from each political party, will be set up to discuss with the Union and state government to set up the proposed major port along with a shipyard at Nakkapalli in the district, according to minister for investments and infrastructure Ganta Srinivasa Rao.
The committee would mainly focus on clearing the Navy’s objections and doubts against the proposed major port at Nakkapalli and 24x7 flight operations from Visakhapatnam Airport, the minister said.
The minister convened an all-party meeting here on Monday to discuss the issue.
However, the TDP boycotted the meeting alleging that minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao was trying to get the port sanctioned in his native Prakasam district.
Speaking at the meeting, the minister said that the Indian Navy was opposing the proposal for 24x7 flight operations from its naval command INS Dega.
It had also raised an objection for setting up the proposed major port at Nakkapalli, he added.
“In view of the geographical, infrastructural and industrial development of the Visakhapatnam region, Nakkapalli is the most convenient place for setting up a major port and a shipyard.
The JAC will discuss the matter with the chief minister and the Union minister for defence,” Ganta Srinivasa Rao said.
The Union government has proposed to set up a major port along with a shipyard on the east coast.
An expert committee has identified three places Ramayampeta in Prakasam district, Nakkapalli in Visakhapatnam district and Duggarajupatnam in Nellore district.
However, after detailed technical reports and analyses have been submitted, the expert committee has felt that the Ramayampeta and Nakkapalli are the best places for the twin projects.
Representatives of all political parties assured the minister of a united struggle to get the port sanctioned at Nakkapalli.
The YSR Congress Party , CPM, CPI, BJP and Lok Satta leaders were present at the meeting