Ever since Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated in 2014, there has been a constant buzz about the state’s new capital, Amaravati.
Visuals from a video made by the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority shows the progress made on the Kondaveeti Vaagu Lift Work project, the Seed Access Road, Arterial Road N9, Arterial Road E10, the construction of the Secretariat and Assembly in Velagapudi, as well as educational institutions such as SRM University and VIT University in Neerukonda and Nelapadu, AIIMS in Mangalagiri, and various residential quarters.
The video also lists the various initiatives taken by the government such as various integrated universities, healthcare projects and government offices in Amaravati. The economic development initiatives include the Indo-UK Institute of Health, which has been provided 150 acres and is expected to employ 10,000 people, a temple by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, central schools and more.
The video has received appreciation on social media for the development of the city and the foresight of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
"It is necessary for the leader to make general public understand that the works of such scale and spread can't be completed in a short time. I feel proud to see you in position at thus crucial turning point for the newly carved out state. You will succeed and your name goes into history as the builder new Andhra Pradesh," wrote one user.
The Amaravati Assembly was in the news recently for the futuristic design choices it asked the citizens to pick from, before finalizing on the ‘tower design’. The 250-metre-high structure, designed by British architectural firm Norman Foster and Partners, includes a four-storeyed main building, and is expected to be up and ready in roughly two years.
The Kondaveeti Vaagu project, part of Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s initiative to make the state drought-free, was supposed to see the construction of 16 pumps. The scheme, which aims to keep the capital safe from floods, has been roundly criticised by the fisher community due to the threat of eviction. It is estimated to cost Rs 237 crore.
The Seed Access Road to connect Vijayawada to Amaravati is also facing its set of problems. Environmentalists allege that the Seed Access Road is being built on the floodplains of the Krishna River, and that the National Green Tribunal should impose a fine on it.