The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region, 1721 sq. kms. in area includes 5 urban centres namely Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Ankapalli, Bheemunipatnam and Gajuwaka and also a large rural area with 287 villages. The region is under tremendous change due to rapid industrialisation and development.

VUDA has prepared the Master Plan for 2021 basing on the past experience and proposed developments in the region like Gangavaram Port, SEZ, Pharmacity, Industrial Developments, Tourism Developments etc., The Master Plan proposed now is distinct, (1) it is flexible with a provision to review and revise for every five years, (2) The land use map has been updated using the latest technology by procuring IKNOSS (1m x 1m resolution) and IRS-ID and plan liss - 3 imageries (i.e., Base Plans, existing land use plans, digitized maps) and (3) The stake holders, experts & public representations & Fishermen associations etc., are involved in plan formulation discussions.

The Zonal development plans for various areas have been prepared within the overall framework of Master Plan containing the site plan and land use plan for the development of the roads, housing, schools, recreation, hospitals, industries, business, markets, public works and utilities, public buildings, open spaces etc. The projected population of 34.49 Lakhs by 2021 is distributed spatially on the basis of the proposed economic activities in the region. For the purpose of an integrated development of the region, growth centers, growth points and service villages are identified. The ever-growing need for housing is a critical issue. The total housing requirement in VMR for the additional population for horizon year 2021 is 2.94 lakhs. Eight new towns proposed would accommodate approximately 1.25 lakh new housing units. It is suggested continued focus on heritage areas (Vizag Old Town, Dutch Heritage buildings in Bheemunipatnam, Buddhist archaeological sites and surrounding areas).

The main focus in the region is on the Visakhapatnam Urban Agglomeration that contains a major share of the region's population and economic activities including a number of large and medium industries with their activities centered around the port. The Eastern Naval Command, Naval Dockyard and Division Naval Head Quarters of the South Eastern Railway accompanied by scores of small and medium ancillary industries, business, trade and commerce have contributed to the fast growth of Visakhapatnam Urban Region. The VMR is growing at a considerable rate and that VISION 2020 will lead to a further concentration of activities ultimately resulting in population growth and urban expansion.

The Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) prepared a Master Plan for Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region (VMR) and obtained sanction from the State government of Andhra Pradesh in 1989 for the same. This plan was prepared, for the period upto the year 2001. The Master Plans for the urban centres are obligatory and statutory in function as per the provision contained under the Section 8(2) of the Andhra Pradesh Urban Areas (Development) Act, 1975 and Rule 12(h) of the Urban Development Areas (Hyderabad), 1997. As per the provision of the aforesaid acts, the Development Authority has to revise the Master Plan.

The total exercise for the preparation of Master Plan for VMR and zonal plans for 5 urban centres keeping 2021 in perspective would be completed in 18 months starting from February 2002. For the preparation of this plan Consulting Engineering Services Private Limited, New Delhi a well-known consultancy organisation in the field of urban planning has been selected and the job assigned to them through a bidding process, which was approved by the Government in G. O. Ms. No. 547 M. A., dated 5-11-2001 with the consultancy charges of Rs.73.50 lakhs.

The Master Plan 2021 after detailed study of the present conditions for transportation, physical and social infrastructure, housing etc., would provide for the following :

• Future growth in a planned manner.

• Broad land use pattern considering the potential growth and emerging needs of the area.

• Facilitate commercial, industrial, residential, tourism, recreational and other investments.

• Provide quality urban infrastructure in all the urban centres and also appropriately in the rural areas for improved quality of life.

• Suggest environmental and ecological measures for avoiding the harmful impact of the inappropriate location of industries.

• Evolve effective implementation and financial strategy.