A.P. government sets up Port Proximal Area Development Authorities for sea ports

The government issued an order for the constitution of a Port Proximal Area Development Authority (PPADA) for each seaport under the control of AP Maritime Board (APMB) in exercise of the powers conferred under Section.15 (2) of APMB Act of 2018.  

It was mentioned in the G.O.MS No.15, issued on Thursday (October 30) that the PPADAs will exercise control over an area up to 10 kilometres measured outward towards the land side from the port’s limits but not exceeding beyond its exclusivity limits along the shore as defined under the respective concession agreements.

The PPADAs will have the APMB Chairman as the Chairman and the Port Officer concerned as the member convener. APMB CEO, Collectors of the respective districts, general managers of the District Industries Centres, superintending engineers of the R&B and Water Resources Departments and DISCOMs (operational circle), the Divisional Railway Manager concerned, NHAI Regional Officer, district panchayat officers, vice-chairpersons of the urban development authorities, municipal commissioners and APMB executive engineers (Marine) as the members.

The PPADAs are tasked with preparing master plans for the respective areas and submit the same to the State government for notification.

The local authorities must seek prior approvals from the PPADAs if the sanctions for development/buildings are not in accordance with the notified master plans (of the PPADAs).