APTDC to privatise Pitchukalanka, Mir Alam Tank

The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) is planning to privatise Pitchukalanka area near Rajahmundry and Mir Alam Tank near Hyderabad. The corporation will be inviting bids from private parties in August this year.

Speaking to Business Standard, T V N Rao, managing director of APTDC, said, "We have acquired land in Pitchukalanka which is on the banks of river Godavari and are planning to privatise this area."

The corporation has outlined the kind of development that it would like the private parties to undertake in the area, which includes constructing a water-front resort and a complex for water-sports, among others.

"This is likely to involve an investment of Rs 10 crore," he added. The corporation will be inviting bids for this purpose in the middle of next month.

Besides, APTDC is also looking at privatising Mir Alam Tank, a large reservoir adjacent to Nehru Zoological Park. The corporation had tried to privatise this area in 2002 also but did not receive any response from the private parties because of issues regarding polluted water in the tank.

"Now, however, the quality of water has improved which has led to some interest from private parties," Rao said. APTDC has acquired three islands besides water rights in that area and will be inviting bids from private parties for its development at the end of August this year.

The water in Mir Alam Tank had been reported to be highly polluted because of industries in the nearby industrial belt pumping their effluents downstream. Besides, domestic sewage is also known to be dumped in that area. The corporation now is, however, confident of roping in private participation for its development.

APTDC, which at present has more than 50 projects on hand, is also developing Puttaparthi as a major tourist centre to display Andhra art and culture.

"At an investment of Rs 1.6 crore, we are setting up a handicrafts centre, restaurant, hotel with 12-room accommodation and a tourist information centre. This should be ready by the end of August this year," Rao said.

To highlight the literary works of Vemana, an Andhra poet, the corporation is also setting up an amphitheatre besides beautifying his samadhi in Anantapur district.

"The project worth Rs 2 crore will start next month and will be ready by mid-2006," he added.

In Anantagiri, on the way to Araku Valley, the corporation is planning to develop 30 cottages, a conference facility, banquet hall and a base for adventure sports like trekking. Involving an investment of Rs 3.5 crore, this project is likely to be ready by October this year.

Besides, APTDC is also developing a Rs 4-crore, 54-room accommodation facility at Araku Valley, the work for which has already been grounded and it is expected to be ready in February 2006.