The foundation stone for “Vijayasiri”, the waterfront development project of the Vijayawada-Guntur-Tenali-Mangalagiri Urban Development Authority (UDA) in Bhavanipuram was laid by MLC Ilapuram Venkaiah here on Saturday.

The UDA has prepared a plan to develop and beautify 6.5 acres of land near the Pushkar Ghat area at an estimated cost of Rs. 40 crore.

Vijayawada MP Lagadapati Rajagopal, Vijayawada Central MLA Malladi Vishnu and Vijayawada East MLA Vellampalli Srinivas participated in the programme.

Minister for Municipal Administration M. Mahidar Reddy, who was supposed to lay the stone, was conspicuous by his absence.

The Minister reportedly gave dates to UDA officials for the programme and postponed his visit half a dozen times.

The UDA officials however went ahead with the programme under pressure from those who donated land for the development of the project. About 25 people donated 40 per cent of the land required for development of the project.

The Minister for Secondary Education K.Parthasarathi also failed to turn up.

Addressing the media after the function the Vijayawada MP said that UDA was also approaching the Centre for funds. A multi-storeyed recreation centre with an aquarium would be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore on a private public partnership basis.

ROPE WAY

A rope way and suspended bridge to Bhavani Island have also been proposed.

WATER SPORTS

On completion of the project water sports like parasailing, water scooters and jet skis would also be introduced, Mr Rajagopal said.

About various clearances required for the project Mr Rajagopal said UDA was not going to wait for them as further delay might result in the donors taking back their lands.

The MP was however confident that the UDA waterfront project was “viable” and that the Centre would grant funds for it.

UDA vice-chairman G.S.R.K.R.Vijay Kumar and other UDA officials were present.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Special Correspondent / July 08th, 2012