Development of Visakha agency will be my top priority: Collector

Development of Visakha agency will be my top priority: Collector

VISAKHAPATNAM: EVEN as the City of Destiny is taking giant leaps of development, there is still a lot to be done in the tribal hamlets in the Visakhapatnam agency, former GVMC commissioner Pravin Kumar after taking charge as the district collector said on Monday. Having spent a considerable time in two key posts in the district earlier-the joint collector and then municipal commissioner-Pravin Kumar, in an exclusive interview with Express listed out his plans and priorities. Excerpts from the interview.

Joint collector, GVMC chief and finally district collector in just two years. What would you say about it?

Vizag is now being given a top priority by the state government and working here in three key capacities is of course a great opportunity for me. I thank the government for giving me this opportunity. I will take it as a challenge and serve the people.

What are your priority areas?

The city has witnessed a lot of development in the last few years. Many industries are eager to invest here. But, development in the agency area and other parts of the district is also important. Providing all basic facilities like healthcare, education, drinking water, irrigation and etc across the strict, with a special focus in the agency areas will be my priority. Special attention will be given to tourism projects, double digit growth and smart city initiatives.

Visakhapatnam district has topped AP in the GDP chart. What are your plans to take it forward?

The city has attracted lot of investments in the CII partnership summit this year. We will have BRICS meet in September and CII summit next year. I see lot of scope for investments in the coming days. We will provide ease of doing business to the investors. We will ensure that land acquisitions are done smoothly, with good compensation to the land owners. Environmental issues will also be duly addressed.

You have worked for more than two and a half years in Vizag. What do you think are the major challenges?

It’s the time we must see more opportunities than challenges. Being a collector, I will be a bridge between the government and people, and ensure that the development trickles down to the unprivileged sections too.

You are known as a tech savvy administrator. How will you utilise technology to make the administration more people-centric?

We will update technologies to make the most of them to bring in pace, coordination and accountability to administration. My goal is to bring the entire administration under one roof. I want everybody-from officers to employees- to use the technology in the best possible way.

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