NITI Aayog Pushes R&R, Faster Tourism Projects
NITI Aayog Member V. Bala Subramanyam has called for proper Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) measures for families displaced by industrial projects in the Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER). He also urged the State government to expedite tourism projects to strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s brand image.
Reviewing the VER programme at the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) office on Monday, Mr. Bala said industrial investments must be accompanied by adequate R&R measures for affected families.
He stressed the need for a long-term strategy to ensure drinking water security and protect heritage sites. He said infrastructure projects should be designed to meet the needs of all sections of society, including persons with disabilities.
Mr. Bala also suggested involving institutions such as IIT Tirupati in offering specialised courses in project management and legal frameworks. He commended the State government for its contribution to national development programmes and capacity-building initiatives.
VER Chief Executive Officer N. Yuvraj briefed the meeting on the region’s three-tier governance structure, comprising the State-level Steering Committee, the Executive Committee and the Implementation Committee. He said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had reviewed the programme on several occasions.
Mr. Yuvraj highlighted key projects, including the Mittal steel plant and its R&R mechanism, and the Visakhapatnam Bay City project, which is expected to boost coastal economic activity.
GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg outlined the progress of major urban infrastructure projects, including underground drainage networks, Central Business District development, slum redevelopment, measures to address drinking water scarcity and the proposed Visakhapatnam Metro Rail project.
District Tourism Officer Madhavi Lata said the AP Home Stay scheme was gaining popularity.
NITI Aayog Programme Director Kishore, Visakhapatnam Port Deputy Chairman Roshini Aparanji, and representatives of trade bodies, petroleum companies, ports, the hospitality sector, banking and steel manufacturing attended the meeting.