VMC begins road widening works.

The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has begun demolition of properties from K.L. Rao Headwater Works to Kummaripalem stretch as part of road widening works. The government is proposing to construct a flyover from Bhavanipuram to Rajiv Gandhi Park near the VMC to ease traffic congestion at Indrakeeladri.

Though there was no stiff resistance from the residents, a few were confused about their future as their petty shops were removed.

The government paid “hefty compensation” to the residents for parting their lands. The government paid as much as Rs. 53,000 per sq.yard to them. The residents, who lost more than 70 per cent of their land, were given a house at Jakkampudi and compensation also, said local Corporator Ummadi Venateswara Rao (Chanti).

VMC City Planner P. Pradeep Kumar said government properties had been demolished to kick-start the process. 'Up to eight private buildings were removed. They were paid compensation. As many as 108 houses will have to be demolished as part of the road widening plans. It would take a week to complete the process,' he said.

Meanwhile, District Collector Babu A inspected the ongoing works. He asked Electricity Department officials to shift the electrical tower lines in coordination with the Irrigation Department. The shifting of lines should not affect the Prakasam Barrage, he said.

Mr. Babu said the VMC should take utmost care in shifting the drinking water pipelines. Tower lines and pipelines shfting and and demolition works should be taken up simultaneously, he said.

The government is contemplating completing the flyover construction before July next year to facilitate the smooth conduct of the Krishna Pushkaram, scheduled to commence on August 12 next year.

THE HINDU