In a bid to propel Visakhapatnam into a global powerhouse of commerce and innovation, M Sribharat, the alliance candidate for the Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha seat, has laid out an ambitious blueprint for the city’s development, drawing parallels with the remarkable transformation of Singapore.
In an exclusive interview with The Pioneer, Sribharat articulated his commitment to serving the people of Visakhapatnam, emphasising the imperative of setting audacious goals for the region’s progress. Inspired by Singapore’s success story under the leadership of Lee Hsien Long, Sribharat envisions mirroring a similar trajectory for Visakhapatnam, focusing on propelling the city into a global hub of commerce, tourism, and employment.
Addressing the challenges faced by the Visakhapatnam steel plant, Sribharat pledged to explore solutions to revive the struggling facility, drawing parallels with past interventions that rejuvenated the plant’s operations. He advocated for strategic initiatives to bolster heavy industries, foster innovation, and expand employment avenues, particularly in sectors like pharmaceuticals and fisheries.
Acknowledging the stagnation in attracting major IT companies to Visakhapatnam, Sribharat lambasted the incumbent government’s inertia and vowed to prioritise efforts to lure leading firms to the city. He emphasized the critical importance of nurturing local talent through collaborative partnerships with educational institutions, aiming to catalyse the growth of the IT sector and stem the brain drain plaguing the city.
In addressing pressing environmental concerns, Sribharat pledged to tackle pollution stemming from the Visakhapatnam port head-on. Proposing measures to curtail coal imports and explore sustainable alternatives, he underscored the potential of tourism as a driver of economic growth, advocating for initiatives to harness the city’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions to entice international visitors.
Moreover, Sribharat expressed grave concern over the escalating drug-related issues afflicting the city, calling for decisive action to combat the supply and transportation of narcotics. Stressing the imperative of coordinated efforts at both state and central levels, he highlighted the pivotal role of public participation in shaping Visakhapatnam’s future.
Reflecting on his political journey, Sribharat reiterated his steadfast dedication to public service and urged residents to exercise their democratic right in the upcoming elections. Pledging to spearhead a spirited campaign to garner support for alliance candidates, he affirmed his unwavering commitment to realizing Visakhapatnam’s full potential as a beacon of progress and prosperity.