With the suggestion from Chief Minister N.Chandrababu Naidu, District Collector K. Dhananjaya Reddy is keen on the construction of Outer Ring Road and beautification of Srikakulam to ensure a new look for the district headquarters.
The Chief Minister, who came to Srikakulam on December 22, reportedly directed the district administration to speed up the works in spite of the objections from a few public representatives. The proposal, which was mooted five years ago, has been shelved with the objection from many public representatives who feared about people’s agitation and its political consequences.
The district administration, which has successfully completed the land acquisition for Vamsadhara Project and Kovvada atomic power plan, is hopeful to complete the acquisition for ORR in a hassle-free manner. The administration feels that the property owners would come forward on their own for acquisition as they would get decent compensation and with the enhancement of value for their remaining portion of the property.
As per the original plan, the proposed ring road would cover Ponnada Bridge-Collectorate-Kunikipeta-Khazipeta- Arasavalli-National Highway and Navabharat Junction. The total stretch would be around 12 km. The officials estimated that around ₹150 crore would be needed for the proposed project. However, the government is keen to spend up to ₹500 crore for ORR and beautification of the entire Srikakulam which was upgraded as corporation two years ago.
Mr.Dhananjaya Reddy told The Hindu that district headquarters would have a beautiful look with the proposed ORR. “Currently, we are focussing on widening of all the internal roads, including Srikakulam-Amadalavalasa Road and Navabharat Junction-Day and Night junction. There is a positive response from the property owners in the two streteches. It is really a good sign for the development of the town,” he added.
“Fortunately, Nagavali River flows within Srikakulam town. All along the river, wonderful parks have been planned. The ongoing Nagavali river front is going to be completed very soon. It will be a big gift for the people of entire Srikakulam as it ensures recreation,” he said. “The government wants overall and planned development of Srikakulam,” he said.