Opposition to start agitation against mega projects

Visakhapatnam: While the government is in happy mood with the grand success of CIIs Partnership Summit-2018 and concluding the three-day mega event, the Opposition parties raising curtains to start massive agitation against the Andhra Pradesh government’s mega move to construct International Convention Centre, Five Star Hotel and world class shopping mall at APIIC grounds at an estimated cost of Rs 2,000 crore.

The state government had signed an agreement with the Dubai-based LuLu group to construct the mega project in an extent of 14 acres of land including CMR group’s property of 3.5 acres.

The government acquired the CMR group’s property (presently Viswapriay Function hall) on the beach front and offered 1:1.5 acres of land in some selected prime areas.

However, there were some serious allegations allegedly made by the CPM, CPI, YSRCP, Lok Satta and the people organisations against the deal. The opposition parties alleged that the government with a vested interests mortgaging the huge public wealth to LuLu group.

Farmer’s union secretary E A S Sarma also raised objections about the land parcels offered to the CMR Group and alleged that the government offered lands to the CMR Group were some urban lands spotted under the ULC.

All the opposition parties formed as Joint Action Committee and announced that they would oppose the project. The opposition parties also alleged that there was a hidden agreement with LuLu group and the government with amidst security arrangements secretly laid foundation stone for the project.

CPM leader Ch Narsinga Rao, CPI leader J V Satyanarayana Murthy and others said that they would launch a massive protest till the government roll back on the project. The opposition parties are also planning to knock the doors of High Court to file a PIL on the mega construction.

The government was spending huge amount on the temporary arrangements at the same place (APIIC grounds) and conducted the three-day CIIs Partnership Summit.

“In fact, the land which is located on the beach front should be protected and not allowed for any construction of permanent structure. It is a public property and the government should maintain the land as vacant and as a lung space for the feature needs,” Gudivada Amarnath, YSR Congress Party leader demanded.