Considering the 'human' angle will precede the formation of a Technical Committee into the proposal for the development of an integrated museum complex and underground driveway and parking on the Beach Road, according to VUDA Vice-Chairman P. Basanth Kumar.
A detailed presentation of the designs was made to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu during his recent visit to the city and he asked them to 'go ahead' but suggested that a detailed presentation be made to MLAs and MLCs. The Tourism Secretary will also be invited to the presentation. The Tourism Department is footing the ₹30 crore for the complex integrating the Submarine and TU 142, including the proposed 'hoisting' of a decommissioned Sea Harrier.
The underground parking cost is expected to be met from the Smart City project funds.
Mr. Basanth Kumar said since a certain stretch of road was to be free of traffic as per the design the issue of accommodating /relocating hundreds of hawkers ought to be addressed.
The yet-to -be appointed Technical Committee will go into environmental aspects since the driveway and parking would go to a depth of 15 feet. The entire project cost is estimated at ₹ 60 crore.
Relief to staff
The Vice-Chairman said bringing to an end a protracted legal battle that went up to the Supreme Court and attracted the high court's contempt notice to high level officials, services of 17 VUDA staff working since 1992, were regularised. Though some of them have been doing the work of assistant executive engineers, assistant engineers and even deputed to CRDA they remained technically as work inspectors in spite of being qualified since there were no sanctioned posts at the time of their joining. The legal battle had been going on since 2004.
With the Principal Secretary and the Government taking a decision, nine have been appointed as assistant engineers, nine as work inspectors and one as junior assistant with prospective effect, he said. This entitles them to a regular pay-scale and other statutory benefits.