HYDERABAD: Amaravathi, the new capital city of Andhra Pradesh, will be “green” as well as “blue” — in other words, it will have water bodies aplenty and a lush green cover besides being a hub of economic activity. The master plan of the capital city, prepared by Singapore agencies, Surbana International Consultants and Jurong Consultants, focuses on the big dreams of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu — he wants the city to be eco-friendly, smart and right up there, with Singapore. Second Minister for Trade and Industry of Singapore S Eswaran along with his team submitted the capital blueprint, which is the second phase of the master plan, to Naidu here Monday. As per the blueprint, the capital, which will come up on the banks of river Krishna between Vijayawada and Guntur, will be a commercial hub for industries, complete with a Central Business District, commercial zones and industrial parks. In addition, it supports job creation in residential neighbourhoods so that people can work near home.
“The plan has laid out the infrastructure for delivering reliable supplies of electricity and water while managing solid waste and sewerage. Amaravathi will be an ultra-modern, smart and liveable city,” said the Chief Minister. The plan also envisages more of public transport. According to Naidu, Amaravathi’s residents will have non-motorised transport choices including an extensive network of walkways, cycle tracks and waterways.Recognising the unique value of Amaravathi’s location, the master plan recommends preservation of much of the existing greenery and waterways, while calling for recreational facilities such as a cricket stadium. In short, Amaravathi will possess a distinctive river front with lush open spaces. Innovative approaches are envisaged to turn reservoirs, storm water detention ponds and canals into beautiful locales even as they perform the critical functions of storing water and controlling flooding. The master plan also provides for affordable housing, easy access to amenities such as schools, healthcare services, markets, and shopping malls, libraries and a university, to make it a people’s capital. According to Naidu, the master plan protects existing religious and heritage sites.