Amaravati to be developed as economic powerhouse: AP Governor

Andhra Pradesh's new capital Amaravati would be developed as an economic powerhouse that would ensure prosperity of the state, Governor E S L Narasimhan said today.
"We are confident of building a world-class capital, which would play the role of an economic powerhouse to lead the entire state into prosperity," the Governor said in his customary address to the joint session of Andhra Legislature on the opening day of the Budget session.
Several renowned companies from within and outside the country are evincing interest to start their ventures in the new capital, he said.
"The government is thankful to farmers of the region for the confidence reposed by them in the leadership and coming forward to voluntarily pool their land for building the capital city," the Governor said.

Commending the support of the the Singapore government in providing a master plan for the capital city free-of-cost, he said selection of best architectural firms and preparation of an architecture plan is under process.
He said the AP government is planning to develop an expressway between Amaravati and Bengaluru via Anantapuramu and connecting Kurnool and Kadapa so as to enable quickest possible connectivity from Rayalaseema to the new capital.

His 30-minute address was marred by occasional jeers from Opposition YSR Congress.
He also spoke about the government's aim to make AP drought-proof through a holistic approach of developing, conserving and utilising surface and ground water resources.

"The Government has put in place attractive policies in land, water, power, governance and labour to ensure inflow of investments. While the state has been ranked second in the country in ease of doing business, business delegations from Japan, China, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia and other countries visited AP to explore opportunities," he said.
At the Sunrise AP Investment Meet in January, the Government signed 328 MoUs for investments worth Rs 4.67 lakh crore, he added.
While Visakhapatnam and Kakinada have been chosen for development as Smart Cities by the Centre this year, temple town Tirupati would be selected next year, he said.

A massive programme, Panta Sanjeevini, has been taken up to provide irrigation during drought spells by constructing 8.75 lakh farm ponds and use of rain guns, the Governor said.
Legislative Council Chairman A Chakrapani, Assembly Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Leader of Opposition Y S Jaganmohan Reddy were present.
The YSRC members sported black scarves around their necks protesting the "purchase of MLAs" by the ruling TDP.