VIJAYAWADA: The long wait for dredging harbour and training centre at Antarvedi in East Godavari district seems to be coming to an end.
The Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) is keen on taking up the project as early as possible in the wake of AP chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, during his recent visit to Delhi to invite dignitaries for Krishna Pushkarams, expressing satisfaction over the work done thus far by the DCI which includes finalisation of designs for the project.
As it is a major project involving an investment of `1,800 crore, it is expected that it would drastically change the landscape of not only Sakhinetipalli and the nearby areas in East Godavari but also Narasapuram in West Godavari district.
“The work is progressing fast. Before long, the Prime Minister might kick off the work at the project site since it is being executed by DCI, a central PSU,” a knowledgeable source told ENS.
The people’s representatives are upbeat over the clearance given to the project since it might provide a good number of jobs to the local youths. “When a project of `1,800 crore is executed, it would trigger enormous economic activity in the area which would benefit the people living there,” one public representative said.
As soon an AP signed an MoU with DCI at Maritime India Summit -2016 in April, the state government has started the ball rolling in right earnest. Under instructions from the chief minister, East Godavari district administration has allotted 200 acres land for the project. After this, DCI officials visited the area where the harbour is to come up three to four times and found that it is quite suitable for the execution of the project.
There are quite a number of spin off benefits too for the both Godavari districts when the project is in place. If the DCI has to move its equipment to the project site, it would require a good road net work. It may have to lay a good road from Eethakota to Antarvedi for the purpose. This apart, the proposal for a road cum rail bridge, hanging fire for a long time, between Narsapuram in West Godavari and Sakhinetipalli in East Godavari over Vasista Godavari might become a reality, as DCI might help in its execution as it would be quite useful for them for the construction of the harbour.
“The harbour would be an important installation for India as it would facilitate movement of dredgers to wherever needed. It might be helpful in moving dredgers to South East Asian countries too,” sources said.