Visakhapatnam: The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) has approved a proposal to establish a health city on 7.68 acres near Parawada and Atchuthapuram, key industrial hubs in the region. This initiative aims to provide immediate medical care during industrial accidents, reducing the need for victims to travel 40-50 km to Visakhapatnam for treatment.
The industrial zones of Anakapalli district house 271 red-category industries, including 129 pharmaceutical plants, pesticide factories, and power plants, which have seen multiple accidents over the years. With nearly 100 fatalities in a decade due to fires, explosions, and toxic leaks, the health city will address critical gaps in emergency healthcare.
VMRDA Chairperson Pranav Gopal, marking 100 days in office, highlighted ongoing development projects worth Rs 189 crore, including affordable housing layouts, parks, and a beach erosion prevention project in collaboration with the central government. Other major initiatives include a glass bridge, a helicopter museum, and master-plan roads improving connectivity to the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport.
