Palla Srinivasa Rao on Tuesday conducted a detailed review meeting with senior officials at the Visakhapatnam Collectorate, focusing on transforming Gajuwaka into a major IT and industrial growth hub while also addressing long-pending rehabilitation and civic issues affecting thousands of families.
The nearly two-hour meeting was attended by the District Collector, Deputy Collector, and officials from multiple departments. Discussions covered a wide range of issues including IT expansion, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant rehabilitation matters, Gangavaram Port compensation, Pharma City rehabilitation, VMRDA projects, and civic infrastructure problems under GVMC limits.
During the meeting, Palla Srinivasa Rao stressed the importance of creating a long-term development roadmap that balances industrial growth with social justice for displaced communities. He said Andhra Pradesh is witnessing rapid momentum in the technology sector under the leadership of IT Minister Nara Lokesh, and Gajuwaka should also emerge as a major destination for IT and knowledge-based industries.
As part of this vision, the MLA proposed developing nearly 400 acres of government land on Yarada hill along with another 175 acres near Aganampudi into dedicated IT and industrial zones. According to him, nearly 600 acres of technology-driven development could generate significant employment opportunities for local youth and accelerate economic activity in the region. He asked officials to conduct feasibility studies and prepare a long-term action plan for IT ecosystem development.
A major part of the discussions focused on unresolved rehabilitation issues related to the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. Palla Srinivasa Rao expressed concern that several promises made to families displaced during land acquisition decades ago are still pending. He highlighted the long-standing boundary dispute between the Steel Plant and Sanivada areas and called for a permanent administrative solution.
The MLA directed officials to prepare detailed records regarding house-site pattas already issued, pending allotments, land encroachments, and eligible beneficiaries still awaiting rehabilitation. He also sought complete information on pending employment claims registered with the Steel Plant land acquisition employment office.
Issues related to Vimal Vidyalaya were also discussed during the review meeting.
The meeting further reviewed pending concerns linked to Gangavaram Port rehabilitation. Palla Srinivasa Rao asked officials to provide clarity on the proposed jetty project, feasibility reports, and timelines for the commencement of works. He also requested detailed reports on compensation and livelihood support provided to nearly 400 affected beneficiaries under rehabilitation packages.
Pointing out that delays have increased hardships for displaced families, the MLA urged officials to speed up pending compensation claims and subsistence allowance payments.
The review also covered pending VMRDA development works and APIIC-related issues connected to Pharma City. Palla Srinivasa Rao stated that around 300 displaced families from Pharma City colonies are still waiting for house pattas despite struggling for more than 20 years. While calling for strict verification to remove ineligible claims, he insisted that genuine beneficiaries should not continue suffering due to administrative delays. Officials reportedly assured that additional land allocation proposals would be taken up with the government if required.
The MLA also highlighted several civic problems under the jurisdiction of Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, including drinking water shortages, poor roads, drainage problems, and sanitation issues. He urged authorities to examine the possibility of regularising settlements located near stormwater drains and minor water bodies, where nearly 6,000 families have reportedly been residing for over 30 years.
According to him, legal uncertainties and prolonged procedural delays have left thousands of residents without clarity regarding their housing rights. He said eligible occupants should be given legal regularisation and secure housing rights without further delay.
Palla Srinivasa Rao also expressed concern over alleged harassment of economically weaker families constructing houses in Gajuwaka. He alleged that certain individuals operating under the guise of media activity were creating unnecessary obstacles for poor residents. He urged GVMC and Town Planning officials to remain alert and take appropriate action wherever required.
The MLA further sought complete details regarding lands earmarked for libraries that are currently under litigation and asked officials to provide clarity on the government's stand on those issues.
Reiterating that governance must remain citizen-centric, Palla Srinivasa Rao directed officials to improve coordination between departments and ensure faster resolution of public grievances. He stated that employment generation, IT-driven growth, and justice for displaced communities would remain among his top priorities for Gajuwaka's development.
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