The Government of Andhra Pradesh has issued an order constituting Port Proximal Area Development Authorities (PPADAs) for each seaport under the control of the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board (APMB), under the powers conferred by Section 15(2) of the APMB Act, 2018.
According to G.O. MS No. 15, issued on October 30, each PPADA will exercise control over an area extending up to 10 kilometres landward from the port limits, without exceeding the port’s exclusivity boundaries along the shoreline as defined in the respective concession agreements.
Each PPADA will be chaired by the APMB Chairman, with the concerned Port Officer serving as the member convener. Other members will include the APMB CEO, District Collectors, General Managers of District Industries Centres, Superintending Engineers from the R&B, Water Resources Departments and DISCOMs, the Divisional Railway Manager, Regional Officer of NHAI, District Panchayat Officers, Vice-Chairpersons of Urban Development Authorities, Municipal Commissioners, and APMB Executive Engineers (Marine).
The authorities are tasked with preparing master plans for their respective port proximal areas and submitting them to the State Government for notification. Furthermore, local authorities will be required to obtain prior approval from the respective PPADAs for any development or building sanctions that are not in conformity with the notified master plans.
The move aims to ensure coordinated planning and integrated development of areas surrounding Andhra Pradesh’s ports, aligning regional growth with the State’s maritime and industrial infrastructure objectives.