Andhra Pradesh Pulling All Stops to Make Amaravati 'World Class' Capital

Hyderabad: Historians, film industry art directors, renowned architects and archaeological experts have come together to shape the new capital of Andhra Pradesh, Amaravati, into a world class capital that will reflect the cultural heritage of the Telugu state.

From structures reflecting ancient kingdoms or highlighting Buddhist heritage of the region in the city, the members of the expert committee discussed on the designs and construction details of structures in nine sub cities of Amaravati.

The committee headed by Dr Parakala Prabhakar will prepare designs of the capital and submit to master architect Norman Foster company. Of three final designs, one of them will be chosen to be executed.

A retired professor of Sri Venkateswara University, Kirankant Chowdary, said, "The structure in the capital should reflect ancient kingdoms including Satavahanas, Ikshvakas, Salankayanas and Buddhists."

Tirupati Sri Venkatswara Museum director V Ranganayakulu said, "The government offices should reflect the ancient 'manduva logili' structures for free flow of air and sunlight. The buildings should be given historical names."

Cine architect Anand Sai said, "The entire city should be in one colour for more attraction."

Director of cultural affairs, Vijaybhaskar, said, "The structures should reflect the history of Kalinga kingdom. He said Kalinga kingdom spread over Ganga to Godavari rivers. But the history confined to three districts at present."

The capital region will be divided into nine sub cities, namely, finance city, sports city, government city, knowledge city, health city, electronic city, tourism city, justice city and media city.

Chief Minister Chadrababu Naidu has asked the sports city to be developed in Amaravati by 2019 to organize the national games.

Naidu wants Amaravati, to reflect diverse and affluent culture and tradition of Andhra Pradesh, along with innovative designs for key structures. Calling Amaravati as the peoples' capital, he wants that public advice must be taken into consideration while building of the capital.