VIJAYAWADA: To facilitate smooth shifting of government departments to the capital city of Amaravati, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu sought a report from the committee formed to oversee shifting of government employees.
At a review meeting of development works pertaining to CRDA at CM’s camp office on Wednesday, the committee headed by Jawahar Reddy, principal secretary (Panchayat Raj), and four other senior bureaucrats informed the CM that there are approximately 12,000 employees that need to be shifted immediately.
On being informed that Medha Towers has ready-to-occupy space for official purposes, the CM enquired about the status of denotifying Medha Towers as SEZ so that it can be used for government offices. Though availability of accommodation in Guntur was pointed out, the CM was keen on having the employees of the departments having buildings in the capital region accommodated in those offices and the departments with no offices in the capital region should scout for accommodation. He asked the officials to ensure smooth transition.
The Chief Minister also asked the officials to explore the possibility of operating special buses from Hyderabad to the capital region for employees. On being informed of high rentals quoted by builders in the capital region, he said builders should not exploit the situation and instead cooperate in developing the region.
In regard to the foundation stone laying ceremony for Amaravati on October 22, the CM asked CRDA to design and construct a pylon which will become a symbol of AP’s pride. He wanted them to explore possibilities of developing the site as a beautiful park. Stating that ground works for the capital will start that day, he wanted CRDA to focus on beautification of the region.
Stating that urban development has to happen on a massive scale, he said canal development, river beautification works should happen, roads and plantations should dot the city and wanted the officials to commence the works in that direction immediately. He asked the officials not just to focus on Amaravati but also on beautification of other cities and towns in the periphery of the new capital.
He was informed about the ongoing skill development training programmes and officials were asked to focus on demand-driven training. He asked the officials to involve Japanese too in capital city construction plans along with Singapore consultants. He also reviewed the works taken up for island protection and beautification, roads and airport expansion.