The Godavari Urban Development Authority (GUDA) has two municipal corporations, five municipalities, one nagar panchayat and 362 gram panchayats in 29 mandals within its jurisdiction and covers 2,749 sq kms. The Godavari Urban Development Authority was formed via a government order by the Andhra Pradesh government in 2017. The very next year, the jurisdiction of GUDA was expanded. In this article, we will discuss the powers, functions and responsibilities of the GUDA whose office is in Kakinada.
GUDA: Administrative powers
- GUDA is responsible for execution of any development or scheme, where the funds may be used from the Development Fund, either partially or fully.
- Coordination with the Andhra Pradesh Transmission Corporation (APTC), the Southern Power Distribution Company Ltd (SPDC), the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC), the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), Roads and Buildings Department, Housing Corporation, Housing Board, Infrastructure Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Ltd and other similar bodies for GUDA plan approval.
- Delegation of powers for the execution of projects that has got GUDA approval.
- Fast-track projects and issues, such as project delays or problems encountered pertaining to utilisation of funds. GUDA also works towards problems raised by the committee.
- Enter into contracts, agreements or arrangements from time to time.
- Sanction and recruitment of staff for the Godavari Urban Development Authority, with government’s nod.
- GUDA hold meetings at regular intervals.
Read all about Andhra Pradesh property and land registration
GUDA: Development and regulation-related tasks
Besides the above-mentioned, the GUDA development plan 2021 also undertakes area level plans, development of infrastructure and common amenities for the public, environment conservation, transport-related developments and also reviews and approves action plans of different departments and agencies. GUDA development plan 2021 includes monitoring and implementation of affordable housing policies, as well as work towards development and creation of job opportunities.
GUDA: Financial responsibility
Investments that are environment-friendly, levy and collection of fees towards development works, management of the Development Fund and its allocation, come under the financial duties of the GUDA.
GUDA: Land-related tasks undertaken
Acquisition of land through rehabilitation and resettlement are undertaken by the GUDA. Additionally, land acquisition can happen through purchase, exchange, gift, lease mortgage, and negotiated settlements, as well. Godavari Urban Development Authority land acquisition may be required for a host of reasons – for example, public use, civic centres, office complexes, township development and infrastructure development.
Another important function of the GUDA is to take up land pooling and town planning schemes. Similarly, when land acquisition takes place, the GUDA also needs to provide rehabilitation alternatives for the displaced.
See also: All about the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA)
GUDA plan approval layouts
To ensure that you are investing in an authority-approved layout, make sure you visit the GUDA’s official website. Here is how you can check the same:
Step 1: On the official website of GUDA login or click here.
Step 2: On the home page, you will see the icon named ‘Approved layouts’. Click on it to view the list of GUDA plan approvals. These include ones approved manually, DT and CP-approved layouts approved through APDPMS, DTCPO-approved layouts and RDTP-approved layouts.
Unapproved layouts and unauthorised constructions in GUDA jurisdiction
To avoid investing in an unapproved, illegal plot, check the GUDA website for clarity. On the homepage, you will see an icon labelled ‘Unapproved layouts’. Click on it to see a list of such layouts and avoid heading for these.
From time to time, the GUDA also publishes a list of unauthorised layouts or non-layouts that are identified by the Vigilance and Enforcement Department.
Latest development works undertaken by GUDA
| Development of island at Achampet Junction, Kakinada (2nd Call) |
| Construction of platform for erection of TTLA Airframe (HPT-32) in NTR Beach park at Kakinada |
| Forming approach pathway to aircraft platform in NTR Beach park at Kakinada |
| Construction of precast compound wall around site for aircraft museum at NTR Beach park at Kakinada |
| Modification of the chairman’s chamber in the zonal office, GUDA, at Rajamahendravaram |
| Providing digital display boards for GUDA circle at Lalacheruvu Junction at Rajamahendravaram |
How to regularise layouts through the LRS Scheme 2020?
The Layout Regularisation Scheme (LRS) is a mandatory disclosure scheme, through which unapproved plots/ layouts are brought into the planning fold and thereby, provided with basic facilities for better quality of life for the citizens. To regularise your layout, simply follow these steps. Note that applicants can apply directly by registering on the LRS Portal or through the website of the Directorate of Town and Country Planning.
Step 1: Log on to the official website or DTCP website.
Step 2: Go to Online Services and proceed to LRS Application Form Service
Step 3: Enter the applicant’s details.
Step 4: Enter the details of the layout.
Step 5: Upload all the required documents.
Different mandals under GUDA
- Rajamahendravaram Urban Mandal
- Kakinada Urban Mandal
- Rajamahendravaram Rural Mandal
- Rajanagaram Mandal
- Korukonda Mandal
- Rangampeta Mandal
- Gandepalli Mandal
- Peddapuram Mandal
- Samalkot Mandal
- Kakinada Mandal
- Pedapudi Mandal
- Karapa Mandal
- Tallarevu Mandal
- Pithapuram Mandal
- Gollaprolu Mandal
- U Kothapalli Mandal
- Jaggampeta Mandal
- Kirlampudi Mandal
- Yeleswaram Mandal
- Prathipadu Mandal
- Sankhavaram Mandal
- Thondangi Mandal
- Atreyapuram Mandal
- Kadiam Mandal
- Seethanagaram Mandal
- Biccavolu Mandal
- Anaparthi Mandal
- Mandapeta Mandal
- Tuni Mandal
- Ramachandrapuram Mandal
- Ravulapalem Mandal
FAQs
When was the purview of GUDA expanded?
In 2018, the purview of GUDA was expanded from 2,183 sq kms to 2,740.3 sq kms. Villages from Tuni and Ramachandrapuram municipalities were merged into it. The number of villages that came under the urban body, thus, increased from 280 to 354.
How do I contact GUDA?
You can contact the vice-chairman of the GUDA, A Raveendranath, at 884 2344122 or write to them at gudakkd@gmail.com. This is information as of January, 2021.
When was the GUDA formed?
The Godavari Urban Development Authority was established in 2017.
(Additional inputs: Sneha Sharon Mammen)