Visakhapatnam, a bustling port and industrial city known for its diverse culture, has recently gained attention as the new capital of Andhra Pradesh, according to the announcement by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's government. This decision signals the abandonment of plans to develop Amaravati on the Krishna river as the capital city. This change in capital comes nine years after the creation of Telangana, which was given Hyderabad as its capital when it was carved out of Andhra Pradesh.
More About This Development:
At the International Diplomatic Alliance meeting in Delhi, CM Jagan invited investors to visit Visakhapatnam and experience the ease of doing business in Andhra Pradesh. However, this announcement conflicts with the Andhra Pradesh High Court's ruling from March of last year, which stated that the state government must develop Amaravati as the sole capital and deemed the proposal to establish three capitals as illegal. The court's verdict also stated that the state legislature did not have the authority to shift, divide, or create multiple capitals. The state government has since challenged the High Court's order by filing a petition in the Supreme Court.
A Rich History of Visakhapatnam:
- The history of Visakhapatnam dates back to ancient times when it had trade relationships with the Middle East and Rome. The city became a settlement for a branch of the East India Company in 1682. The Visakhapatnam Port was officially opened by Lord Willingdon, the then Viceroy and Governor General of India on December 19, 1933. Visakhapatnam gained national attention when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi laid the foundation stone for a Steel Plant, which was later dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao in 1992 after it started production. Today, it is the home of the Eastern Naval Command headquarters.
Significance of This Development:
According to a study by Andhra University, Visakhapatnam's population is expected to increase to 30 lakh by 2035, up from 23.5 lakh in 2021. The city boasts essential infrastructure, including an international airport, road connectivity, and a port, making it suitable for the role of a capital.
Jagan's announcement of Visakhapatnam as the new state capital has received mixed reactions from the city's residents. However, G.V. Satyanarayana, former Chairman of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI) Visakhapatnam chapter, has praised the decision and believes the real estate industry in the city will thrive once the capital is established.