Bhimavaram - Vizianagaram - National Highway Proposal

http://www.sakshi.com/news/district/highway-between-bhimavaram-vizianagaram-296800

Canal Top Solar Power Plant - Bhimavaram

Solar Power Plant - Losari Main Canal:

The first canal top solar power plant of Andhra Pradesh has come up on Losari irrigation channel, near Yanamadurru village and 7 km from Bhimavaram town and will soon become operational.

Works on the one mW power plant began two years back across the Losari canal and will supply solar power to about 10 villages in Bhimavaram Mandal.

The construction has been taken up on the retaining walls of eight-meter width Losari canal. The canal-top project is being synchronised with Eastern Power Distribution Company (EPDCL) Limited’s 33/11 KV electrical substation in Gollavanitippa village.

As part of the delta modernisation, the Losari canal has developed from Undi main canal to Losari branch canal. The Losari canal will join the Upputeru near Gollavanitippa village. The retaining walls constructed during modernisation have now been utilised for the setting up of the plant.

The project taken up by NREDCAP was contracted to BHEL.  The 400 kV power generation capacity power panels have been erected so far on a stretch of one km on the canal.  Almost 70 per cent construction works have been completed. 

NREDP District Manager D V Prasad told The Hans India that “The solar power plant is in its final stage. By this month ending the project will be completed”.  He said that so far 40 per cent power has been supplied to the 33/11 KV substation at Gollavanitippa.

“We are planning to open the power plant in the first week of July. Solar power will reduce the burden on the power grid, he added. NREDCAP will get Rs 6.60 per unit through this plant.

Bhimavaram qualified under AMRUT scheme

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT):

The purpose of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) is to (i) ensure that every household has access to a tap with assured supply of water and a sewerage connection; (ii) increase the amenity value of cities by developing greenery and well maintained open spaces (e.g. parks); and (iii) reduce pollution by switching to public transport or constructing facilities for non-motorized transport (e.g. walking and cycling). All these outcomes are valued by citizens, particularly women, and indicators and standards have been prescribed by the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) in the form of Service Level Benchmarks (SLBs). 

Five hundred cities will be taken up under AMRUT.  The category of cities that will be covered in the AMRUT is given below: i. All Cities and Towns with a population of over one lakh with notified Municipalities, including Cantonment Boards (Civilian areas), ii. All Capital Cities/Towns of States/ UTs, not covered in above , iii. All Cities/ Towns classified as Heritage Cities by MoUD under the HRIDAY Scheme, iv. Thirteen Cities and Towns on the stem of the main rivers with a population above 75,000 and less than 1 lakh, and v. Ten Cities from hill states, islands and tourist destinations (not more than one from each State). 

Cities qualified for AMRUT in Andhra Pradesh and comprehensive plan:

The Andhra Pradesh government has proposed a comprehension action plan under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) for 31 cities and towns of the state at an estimated cost of Rs 28,756.30 crore.

The plan is aimed at ensuring basic infrastructure relating to water supply, sewerage and septage management, drainage, urban transport and green spaces and parks during the next five years in these cities and towns.

An official press release said that, for the current financial year (2015-16), the State Government has sought approval of the Ministry of Urban Development for its State Level Annual Action Plan (SAAP) involving central assistance of Rs. 673.12 crore for water supply projects and development of parks.

The State’s SAAP is based on city level plans formulated after assessing the gaps in basic infrastructure and investments to be made to meet the norms prescribed for urban areas.

The release said the extent of coverage of urban households with water supply connections in AMRUT cities and towns in Andhra Pradesh ranged from 7.50% in Tenali to 78.80% in Rajahmundry. On the whole, 50.22% of all urban households in the Mission cities have water connections at present.

Cities with below 30% coverage include Tenali (7.50%), Madanapalle (20%), Chittor(21%) and Vizianagaram(30%).

Cities with coverage between 31% and 50% include Srikakulam (58%), Bhimavaram(43.60%), Kakinada(49.36%), Vijayawada(48.75%), Gudivada (48%), Machilipatnam(50%), Tirupati(45%), Ongole (49%), Nellore(45%), Proddatur(45%), Tadipatri(42.50%), Hindupur(37%), Guntakal (47%), Anantapur (45%), Kurnool (45.94%) and Adoni (43%).

Cities with coverage between 51% and 75% coverage include Visakhapatnam (61%), Tadepallegudem(57.37%), Eluru (66.31%), Chilakaluripeta (51%), Narsaraopeta (61.46%), Kadapa(52%), Dharmavaram(69%) and Nandyal (50.85%).

Rajahmundry has more 78% of households with water supply connections, the release said.

The per capita water supply ranged from 20 liters per capita per day (lpcd) in Madanapalle to 145 lpcd in Vijayawada as against the norm for urban areas of 135 lpcd. On an average, water supply in AMRUT cities in Andhra Pradesh at present is 104 lpcd.

Cities with water supply of less than 50 lpcd include Madanapalle-20 lpcd, Chittor(48) and Tadipatri (49). Cities with water supply between 50 and 100 lpcd include Vizianagaram (70), Bhimavaram(88), Tadepallegudem(78), Gudivada (95), Machilipatnam (68), Chilakaluripeta(99), Guntur(100), Ongole (88), Proddatur(73), Hindupur(56), Nandyal(73) and Kurnool (80 lpcd).

Cities with water supply between 101 and 134 lpcd include Srikakulam(115 lpcd), Vizag(109), Kakinada (108), Narsaraopeta (126), Tirupati(114), Nellore(126), Kadapa (116), Guntakal(107), Dharmavaram(114), Adoni(104). 

Eluru, Rajahmundry, Tenali, Anantapur (135 lpcd each) and Vijayawada (145 lpcd) are among the cities with water supply of 135 lpcd and more, the release said.

The State Government reported that sewerage network services are available only in six Mission cities. These include: 10% in Guntur, 18% in Proddatur, 19.56% in Vizag, 49% in Kadapa, 70% in Vijayawada and 79% in Tadipatri. It has proposed to bridge the gaps in respect of these infrastructure areas progressively over the next five years.

The State Government projected a cost of Rs. 6,117.24 crore for ensuring universal coverage of urban households in Mission cities in respect of water supply and Rs.10,888 crore for providing sewerage networks and septage management over the next five years.

To provide adequate drainage facilities in the Mission cities in the state, the State Government has proposed construction of outfall drains, major and minor drains besides rejuvenation of existing drains covering a total length of 6,753 km at an estimated cost of Rs. 6,814.85 crore.

Regarding improving urban transport, the State Government has proposed development of 336.50 kms of pathways at a cost of Rs.178.10 crore, 232 km of cycle tracks at a cost of Rs.11.50 crore, 215 kms of BRTS (Bus Rapid Transport Systems) corridors at a cost of Rs.702 crore and procurement of 710 buses at a cost of Rs.376 crore. Total investments proposed in urban transport sector over the next five years is Rs.1998.88 crore.

Development of green spaces and parks will be undertaken at a cost of Rs. 120 crore under the Atal Mission.

Capacity building of urban local bodies will be taken up at a cost of Rs. 120 crore. Administrative and Other Expenses during the Mission period till 2019 is estimated to be Rs. 2,614 crore.

The State Government reported that as required under AMRUT Guidelines, Operation & Maintenance costs of infrastructure assets to be created will be included in the Detailed Project Reports and operation and maintenance (O&M) costs will be borne by the urban local bodies through user charges including tariff rationalization, reduction of quantum of water being supplied without any collection of charges, energy conservation and efficiency improvement and improvement of systems efficiency by adopting ICT.

The Andhra Pradesh Government has assured the Urban Development Ministry that the mandated 11 urban sector reforms will be implemented in 6 to 36 months. This includes e-governance, Municipal Tax and Fee improvement, improvement in levy and collection of user charges and credit rating of urban local bodies.

The Andhra Pradesh Urban Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation (AUFIDC) has been designated as the financial intermediary for mobilization of required resources. The State Government has set up Andhra Pradesh Greening and Beautification Corporation for taking up greening projects.

Under Atal Mission, the Central Government provides assistance up to 50% of projects for cities with a population of up to 10 lakhs and one third of project cost for cities with population of above 10 lakhs. In Andhra Pradesh, only Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada have population of over 10 lakhs each, the release added

Cryogenic (Liquid Nitrogen) food freezing facility in Bhimavaram

Cryogenic food freezing facility in Bhimavaram:

In a positive sign for foreign investment in the state, Andhra Pradesh state government has approved an Air separation unit (ASU) by The Linde Group subsidiary Linde India.

While clearing the investment a few months ago, the location was not previously finalized(4th May 2016). Now the location has been finalized, the food processing industry will benefit, a government official said. Coming up at the food lab and learning center in Bhinavaram, West Godavari district, the plant will cater to the local food processing industry in particular, according to local reports.

Linde India will set up a facility that will provide liquid nitrogen -196ºC to freeze shrimps, which help food associations and exporters. Andhra Pradesh is the top state in fisheries production in India.

The Linde Group has well documented expertise in Cryogenic food freezing, and Gas world reported in August(2015) that the group was understood to be interested in investing in the seafood industry in Andhra Pradesh southeast India.

The company is also said to be interested in setting up a further plant, a lab and an academy that will train the personnel required for supporting food processing.

News published - 

• http://www.gasworld.com/linde-india-asu-approved/2010675.article 
• http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/linde-india-to-invest-rs-500-cr-in-ap/article8556049.ece

Doubling and electrification of Vijayawada - Bhimavaram - Nidadavole & Bhimavaram - Narsapur railway lines

Project:

Doubling and electrification of Vijayawada - Bhimavaram - Nidadavole & Bhimavaram - Narsapur railway lines.

Details:

It is making of a new Railway line almost parallel to the existing line including electrification of the existing line & proposed line. This work is a 1433 crore project for a total length of 221 Kms. It involves Execution of about 20 lakh Cum of Earth work, about 20 Lakh Cum of Blanketing, Execution of 28 Major Bridges, 715 Nos of minor bridges, 51 station buildings, construction of 304 nos of staff quarters, development of station yards, platforms, shelters etc. The work also involves acquisition of about 50 acres of land.

Package–1: Construction of Roadbed, Major and Minor Bridges, Track Linking (Excluding supply of Rails and PSC sleepers), General Electrical, Traction and Signal & Telecommunication works (Outdoor) in connection with Doubling with Railway Electrification of Vijayawada - Bhimavaram Section From Km.0.00 to 51.50 between Vijayawada and Moturu Stations (Including Gudivada & Moturu yards) on Vijayawada division of South Central Railway.

Package–2: Construction of Roadbed, Major and Minor Bridges, Track Linking (Excluding supply of Rails and PSC sleepers), General Electrical, Traction and Signal & Telecommunication works (Outdoor) in connection with Doubling with Railway Electrification of Gudivada –Bhimavaram Section From Km.51.50 to Km.105.00 between Moturu & Bhimavaram Town stations (Excluding Moturu & Bhimavarm Town yards) on Vijayawada division of South Central Railway.

Package–3: Construction of Roadbed, Major and Minor Bridges, Track Linking (Excluding supply of Rails and PSC sleepers), General Electrical, Traction and Signal & Telecommunication works (Outdoor) in connection with Doubling with Railway Electrification of Gudivada – Nidadavole Section From Km.105.00 to 154.75 between Bhimavaram Town and Nidadavole Stations (Including Bhimavarm Town, Bhimavaram Junction & Nidadavole Junction yards) on Vijayawada division of South Central Railway.

Benefits:

Acts as supplement for Vijayawada - Vishakapatnam main railway line  which is already being excessively utilized. Eases the traffic and allows to operate additional Passenger/Freight trains.

Boost  to Economy - This project benefits regional areas in a big way. Bhimavaram region tops in producing Aqua products in the country,  Palakole region is famous for its Coconut products and Narsapur region is famous for its Lace products and Tanuku region produces Sugarcane. Also this regions is often referred as "Rice bowl of India". 

Completion of this project helps all these regions to export their products to new markets with cheaper transportation charges.

Project Status:

Date	Activity
2011-12	1. Union Ministry of Railways sanctioned the project as part of Union budget 2011-12 2. It's a joint venture between Rail Vikas Nigma Limited (RVNL) and State Govt of Andhra Pradesh. 3. RVNL & State Govt of A.P shares 50% of total cost each.
April 2013	Minister of State for Railways Kotla Suryaprakash Reddy had laid foundation stone for the first project
May 2013	RVNL issued 120 crores INR for this project (out of 570 crores of its share)
May 2015	State Govt of A.P sanctioned 120 crores INR
Feb 2016	75 crores INR allotted in 2016-17 railway budget

Here is Youtube link (external source)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P56Tf8678d4

Mega Aqua Food Park in Bhimavaram

Mega Aqua Food Park in Bhimavaram:

Aimed at encouraging the food-processing sector, the union government had in August last year approved a proposal to set up 12 mega food parks across the country during the 12th five-year plan period that ends in March 2017 involving an allocation of over Rs 1,700 crore.

Director of Godavari Mega Aqua Food Park, U. Jogi Anand Varma, said the company expects to attract at least 30 fish and prawn processing units to come up in their food park where they are investing around Rs 120 crore on the physical infrastructure. "Bhimavaram is an ideal location for setting up units for value-added aqua products for both domestic and export markets. We expect these 30 processing units to invest around Rs 800 crore over the next 18-24 months."

Andhra Pradesh's principal secretary for food processing JSV Prasad said that the proposed Aqua food park is expected to be ready by end of 2015.

Godavari Mega Aqua Food Park Private Limited - Company Details:  

Godavari Mega Aqua Food Park Private Limited is a Private Company incorporated on 19 December 2012. It is classified as Indian Non-Government Company and is registered at Registrar of Companies, Hyderabad. Its authorized share capital is Rs. 275,000,000 and its paid up capital is Rs. 50,000,000.It is involved in Agricultural and animal husbandry service activities, except veterinary activities.[This class includes specialized activities, on a fee or contract basis, mostly performed on the farm.]

Godavari Mega Aqua Food Park Private Limited's Annual General Meeting (AGM) was last held on 15 May 2014 and as per records from Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), its balance sheet was last filed on 31 March 2014.

Directors of Godavari Mega Aqua Food Park Private Limited are Cheruku Vada Sri Ranga Nadha Raju, Uddaraju Krishna Prasad, Ananda Kiran Uddaraju, Srilaxmi Devi Uddaraju and Niraj Kumar Gayagi.

Godavari Mega Aqua Food Park Private Limited's Corporate Identification Number is (CIN) U01403AP2012PTC084927 and its registration number is 84927. Its Email address is anandagroup@gmail.com and its registered address is 27-01-5/2 , Backside of Blue Star, J.P. Road,, Bhimavaram - 534202, Andhra Pradesh INDIA. Current status of Godavari Mega Aqua Food Park Private Limited is - Active.

Aqua University in Bhimavaram

*** Article from Eeenadu Daily News Paper 09th September 2015 edition ***

Aqua University in Bhimavaram:

Defective seed supplied by some of the unauthorised hatcheries is posing a serious threat to the culture of vannamei shrimp in Andhra Pradesh, and it is imperative that the State Government take the requisite steps for supply of quality seed, according to many aqua farmers who participated in the Aqua Aquaria 2015.

Most of the farmers' representatives, including K. Narayana, Member of Parliament from Machilipatnam and himself an aqua farmer, said as there were no quarantive facilities in the State the brood stock was being imported from the USA through Chennai port. Therefore, on a priority basis, quarantine facilities should be set up and also brood stock multiplication centres for supply of quality seed. Otherwise, they said, vannamei shrimp culture would face the same problems as the monodon (tiger shrimp) faced some years ago in the State.

The farmers also said the applications for digging new aqua ponds were not being cleared speedily and there were too many procedural hassles. They should be addressed. 

The seafood industry representatives wanted fisheries colleges and also a university in the State, as there was a huge dearth of skilled personnel in the sector. Uddaraju Ananda Raju (UAR) Foundation of Ananda Group of Companies is planning to start the AP Fisheries and Ocean University in West Godavari district soon. The new university, proposed under Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) would be constructed in about 150 acres. Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), an international institute of higher learning in Bangkok, has agreed to transfer the technology and help in establishing Andhra Pradesh Fisheries and Ocean University.