Visakhapatnam Zilla Parishad Launches Major Drive to Protect Valuable Assets
The combined administration of the Visakhapatnam Zilla Parishad has shifted its operational focus toward a critical mission: safeguarding its extensive portfolio of assets, estimated to be worth approximately Rs 1,000 crore, from potential encroachments. This decisive move comes in the wake of the recent district reorganization, which has necessitated a thorough reassessment of property boundaries and ownership records.
Comprehensive Asset Protection Initiative Underway
Following the completion of an ongoing land resurvey, the Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer (CEO), P Narayana Murthy, has taken proactive steps by formally writing to the collectors of the three newly formed districts—Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, and Alluri Sitarama Raju. The primary objective is to ensure the protection of these valuable public assets, which include more than 250 ZP high schools, numerous guest houses, and various other properties.
The majority of these assets are situated on government land, with a smaller portion having been generously donated by private individuals over the years. However, a concerning issue has emerged: more than 12 properties are reportedly partially occupied or claimed by private individuals, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
Strategic Directions and Legal Verification
To address these encroachment threats effectively, CEO P Narayana Murthy has issued clear directives to the relevant authorities. These instructions mandate a comprehensive verification process, including:
- Examining and confirming the precise boundaries of all Zilla Parishad assets.
- Conducting thorough checks to identify any existing encroachments.
- Reviewing mutation details to ensure proper legal documentation and ownership records.
In a detailed statement, Murthy explained, "We have submitted the complete details of our schools and other assets to the Revenue Divisional Officers (RDOs) through the district collectors. Our specific request is to ensure that all assets are officially registered in the name of the Zilla Parishad. This is particularly crucial for donated lands, as some were never formally transferred in the official records, leaving them vulnerable to disputes."
Notable Disputes and Asset Distribution
Among the approximately 12 sites currently under dispute, one prominent case involves the Dosuru ZP High School located in the Atchutapuram mandal. Here, litigation has been initiated by two of the three heirs of the original donor, who are contesting ownership of the vacant land surrounding the school.
The Zilla Parishad's asset portfolio is geographically diverse, spread across the three districts. Key facilities include:
- Alluri Sitarama Raju District: Guest houses in Paderu, Chintapalli, and Araku.
- Anakapalli District: Five guest houses in Paravada, Yalamanchili, Anakapalli, Narsipatnam, and Payakaraopeta.
- Visakhapatnam District: Guest houses in Padmanabham, Anandapuram, and Bheemili, along with the DPRC building in Pendurthi.
Extended Protection for Mandal-Level Schools
In a parallel effort to fortify educational infrastructure, Zilla Parishad authorities have also instructed the Mandal Parishad Development Officers (MPDOs) to collaborate closely with tahsildars. This coordination aims to safeguard the assets of nearly 900 Mandal Praja Parishad (MPP) schools, ensuring that these vital community resources remain secure and fully functional for future generations.
This comprehensive asset protection drive underscores the Zilla Parishad's commitment to preserving public property and maintaining the integrity of its extensive educational and administrative network across the reorganized districts of Visakhapatnam.
