Amaravati is capital of AP, it has master plan, says Centre

Vijayawada: The Union housing and urban affairs ministry has recognised Amaravati as the capital of Andhra Pradesh and affirmed that the city is having an active master plan for its development.

 MP Javed Ali Khan posed a question citing the fact that 39 per cent of the state capitals do not have active master plans even as this was essential for urban governance and long-term city development. He sought details of the measures being taken to ensure effective city planning for state capitals.

Central minister of state for housing and urban affairs, Kaushal Kishore, stated in his written reply in Parliament on Monday that as per the information compiled by the Centre, 26 state capital cities have approved master plans. “Amaravati is the Capital of Andhra Pradesh and it has a Master Plan,” he has stated.

The minister clarified that two capitals --namely Kohima of Nagaland and Agartala of Tripura -- do not have master plans. State capital cities that are not having master plans are also trying to formulate the same under the sub scheme, he said.

Kaushal Kishore said the ministry of housing and urban affairs has launched a sub scheme on formulation of GIS-based master plans for 500 AMRUT cities (at present 461 AMRUT cities are on board); and, as on date, Rs 408.94 crore has been approved and  Rs 192.25 crore released under the sub scheme.

He said the draft GIS-based master plans have been prepared for 330 towns, out of which the final GIS-based master plans have been notified for 180 towns.