Over the last few years cities like Visakhapatnam have been promoted as hot destinations for development, investment and tourism. There has been a lot of talk of  investment worth millions being planned in this beautiful port city and yet we seem to be far away from the actual development or for that matter the actual investment is taking place.

It is very important to look at such issues with a little more care and sensitivity as it not only deals with mere development and growth of the city but also has a direct impact on the people, culture and the social fabric of the city.

I would like to look at these proposed phases of development and all such ideas related in three ways:

1. A critical and pragmatic evaluation of all that has happened till date and that have been proposed in the recent past.
2. Analysing the carrying capacity [CC] of a given region or city by considering all those factors which make the city a complete living organism and not issues of investment and profits thereof.

3. Considering the above mentioned factor of CC prepare a plan for development and most importantly stick to it. Though it is good to have a plan, it is more important to have good planning.

Visakhapatnam has witnessed many projects being planned or proposed in the recent past. Take an example of the present VPEZ-cum-SEZ. Why is it that a majority of the land is still vacant and why is the government not able to promote it among the interested investors and business houses who need such places. What about the Pharma cities and Bio-tech cities etc which have been proposed without much foresight and planning?

Why can't we cancel the allotment of those who have not started using the allotted pieces of land be it in VPEZ or the resorts project on the beach road.

What we require is a solid plan to implement, market and monitor these projects and make them happen so that it makes sense to expand further to newer areas. As of now, it appears that the whole exercise of grounding new projects is only to satisfy a few land sharks who in the name of IT, tourism development and all such so called development projects only want to keep their land stocks in good and healthy condition. Remember the impact each such announcement of new projects makes on the real estate market. It is anybody's guess to figure out who ultimately benefits from such projects. Suddenly someone out there in Hyderabad decides where the future airport of Visakhapatnam should be located, while the VUDA master plans proposes it somewhere else.

We need a fair and just audit of all development projects that are proposed in and around our city and come with a clear statement reflecting the true status of each project and on how much they have been able to take off to benefit the local economy.

Coming to the recent announcement of IT parks in the city. There is no doubt that there are many big and small IT companies that are showing interest in this city. There is no denying the fact that local entrepreneurs need to be encouraged and supported by way of giving them suitable infrastructure. But the million dollar question is: At what cost? 

Definitely not at the cost of our rich architectural and cultural heritage. Not at the cost of the green hills that have made this part of the country one of the most beautiful and unique place in the world. Not at the cost of those dozens of water bodies which dot the landscape of our city and are an integral part of the ecosystem of the region. Not at the cost of polluting the sea and coastline which has been a constant source of inspiration and recreation for ages to Vizagites.

These are the very assets which attract many from all over the country. In order keep the attraction alive we need to protect these assets and not ruin them.

When we look at it from a planning point of view, is it necessary that one has to compromise on all such above mentioned issues and look for available land on hill tops, in heritage areas and eco sensitive zones? 

First of all, who decides the location for such development? What happens to all those planning, development and monitoring bodies like the VUDA and the Municipal Corporation etc.? Are they relevant any longer, when they turn a blind eye to such ghastly acts of butchering Vizag.

On one account, huge public money is spent on preparing huge master plans with the help of big consultants who advise these bodies to keep the hills out of development zone and maintain them as green belts and conserve the forest area. On one hand, the master plan talks of protecting the heritage monuments, areas and zones while on the other the VUDA promotes projects that will be not only be spoiling and affecting the whole region but also be violating commitment of the Master Plan. This of course will be a big misuse of the public money which goes out from every common man's pocket.

What we need is a commitment to  simple and yet effective development models which are people-centric in the true sense and not meant to mislead people. What we need is a simple and honest administrative system where the issues of development are tackled with required sensitivity and solutions are offered which make the people and the environment its the focus. We do not want managers who can convince us one way or the other by citing some Govt. rules and Government Orders which [are in their true essence meant to help people and not] suppress their genuine needs. 

Mere change of some survey numbers does not mean that the development around a heritage site will not affect it. Similarly by not looking into the problem of water-logging at the airport and passing it off as yet another administrative issue, will not solve the problem. What about those hundreds of drains which have been illegally [and in some cases legally too] occupied and choke the free flow of water during the rainy season and create a flood-like situation?

If we think these are not important issues, then why have a master plan? 

We need to be a little more humane, a little more humble about our existence, a little less greedy and above all have concern for the fellow-beings on this earth. They have as much right to good things in life like the rivers, the mountains the jungles, the fresh air and the water and sea and the sea view as few of us privileged ones think is our right.

The end piece: We are all custodians of our land and not the owners. We need to preserve it and its beauty in a holistic way for future generations and not spoil it by our acts of short-sightedness and for a few momentary gains.

Save the Hills! Save the Heritage Sites! Save Visakhapatnam!

The author is a well known practising architect and regularly writes on many issues related to architecture, development, heritage and environment. Your feedback will be highly appreciated on smg@smg.co.in. All photographs courtesy the author.

An avowed crusader against graft, Dr A Rajendra Krishna has weathered several departmental storms in the form of frequent transfers, suspension and assault etc. to continue his drive against corruption.

An employee of the State Public sector undertaking, he had suggested and even formulated procedural manuals based on ethical principles to stem the rot and to plug leakage of revenue and improve the overall performance of the organisation. Though he was dubbed a lunatic at his office, the State government recognised his work and awarded him a gold medal in 1997. The Andhra University too awarded him a doctorate for his thesis on TQM techniques.

Rajendra Krishna has been campaigning against corruption by organising rallies, holding seminars and distributing pamphlets every year during the Anti-Corruption Week (from the 3rd of December to the 9th of December), with the help of Rotary International District 3020. He has even prepared a questionnaire to get feed back from the public on corruption.

The crusade has also gone online (http://www.VizagCityOnline.com/ethics) to enable people to browse through the feedback from the public on Dr Rajendra Krishna's drive against corruption.

To view a detailed presentation on Ethical values, Fight against Corruption, Whistle Blowing and to send to us your valuable feedback/suggestions, please Click Here.