We want a real people's capital Amaravati

The State Government is making all-out efforts to organise the foundation stone laying ceremony of the people’s capital Amaravati on a grand scale as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is invited for the event scheduled for October 22.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is determined to build Amaravati as a world class city with state-of-the-art infrastructure. The Hans India talks to a cross section of people to elicit their views on the dream capital.

G Spoorthi Srinivas, an art teacher and entrepreneur, said: ``The new capital of AP should be like Mumbai. There should be place for all kinds of development. It should offer tremendous growth opportunities to all sections of people.

Tourism should be promoted extensively during construction of the dream capital. Heritage sites in the capital region should be developed to attract foreign tourists. Leisure activity should also be promoted in a big way. The new capital should reflect the rich culture and heritage of Telugu people.’’

Yasaswi Peddi, volunteer for an NGO, said: ``The interests of the poor and underprivileged should be well protected in the capital city. The State Government should see that Amaravati reflects the aspirations of people. It should be truly a people’s capital without posing any risk to the bright future of children and youth.

The privileged and affluent should contribute to the welfare of children and empowerment of youth. Mere focus on creation of a state-of-the-art infrastructure in the new capital without human resource development would not be an ideal growth model.’’

B Shilpa, a youngster, said: ``The young generation has high hopes on the new capital. Amaravati should live up to their expectations in employment generation and provision of opportunities for career growth. Young entrepreneurs should be encouraged to give shape to their innovative ideas. The new capital should facilitate the growth of service sector. The State Government should ensure that the dreams of people come true in the form of mega capital Amaravati.’’

Monica J, a technical writer in a Hyderabad-based MNC, said: ``Emphasis should be laid on provision of alternative employment to the families of farmers who offered their lands for the construction of State capital. Industrial development should be promoted in a big way to generate employment for local people. The State Government should ensure the well-being of small and marginal farmers and agricultural labourers whose livelihood was affected with the acquisition of their lands for the construction of AP capital.’’