With the Andhra Pradesh and the Telugu people world over, debating on the capital issue, it is better one should go into the details of the issue, particularly from the point of view of the Sivaramakrishnan Committee.
The committee was constituted by the Central government after the bifurcation of the State.
The committee, which included experts in various fields, was asked to study the possibilities of recommending the capital location for the residuary state.
The committee had toured all the 13 districts, mostly held public hearing in all the major towns.
After the tour and consultations, the committee had made its recommendations and submitted a detailed report to the government.
The committee had specifically opposed the location of the capital in the Vijayawada-Guntur region due to the fertile soil and agriculture activity.
It also mentioned that the construction cost in this area would be too high and it would render people jobless and have adverse social impact.
The committee had two proposals for the capital location. The first priority was Nuzvid in Krishna district and the second was Donakonda in Prakasam district.
The committee had special considerations for Nuzvid as it has abundant government land, which was not so fertile, a single crop upland area.
He felt that the capital near Nuzvid, consists of Nuzvid, Agiripalli, Musunuru and Bapulapadu mandal, was the committees first choice.
The reasons given were, besides availability of the government lands, the area was close to Vijayawada on one side and Eluru on the other, besides Nuzvid town as the base.
The committee felt that those who come to the capital from northern districts can stay at Eluru and southern districts at Vijayawada. Those who desires to stay in the capital can also stay in Nuzvid if required.
The cities of Eluru and Vijayawada could be connected with metro rail or local trains passing through Nuzvid. The cities of Eluru and Vijayawada could take the traffic rush of the capital, the committee felt.
The second option, Donakonda, was favoured because of the availability of government land and airport, but felt that development of a city on its own in an isolated place was not advisable.
Thus, Nuzvid with Eluru on north and Vijayawada on south, was felt as the best place with two cities and Nuzvid town.