No change in functioning of VMRDA after upgradation

Visakhapatnam: The officials said that though the Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) has been upgraded as Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA), there will not be many changes in the present functioning of the VUDA and there is no direct impact on the people.

The government upgraded the VUDA as VMRDA and on Wednesday appointed present Vice-Chairman P Basanth Kumar as Metropolitan Commissioner. As many as 1,340 villages spread in 50 mandals in East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam are now come under the purview of the VMRDA. All the key officials of municipal administration, revenue, finance, commissioner of VMRDA, Collectors of the four districts and director of town and country planning are the members in the board.  

“The VMRDA will deal with the planning to attend the future challenges of the urban needs. At present, there will not any big changes in the administration and planning. However, the government will endorse more powers to deal with the land acquisitions, settlements with the farmers and creation of urban assets”, according to an IAS officer.  

The VMRDA should generate funds for its proposed development projects. However, the VUDA governing body had worked under the direct supervision of the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Authority but VMRDA will be an autonomous body and it will take its decision, the IAS officer added.