₹8,022-crore development push for Rayalaseema, says Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM
The Andhra Pradesh government has undertaken development works worth nearly ₹8,022 crore in the Rayalaseema region, according to Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan. The projects, implemented by the Panchayat Raj & Rural Development (PR & RD) Department, focus on rural infrastructure, water conservation, and agricultural support.
In a press release on Sunday, Mr. Kalyan said the total investment includes ₹4,523 crore for more than 23,000 road works, including black-topped and cement concrete roads, covering a total length of 5,238 km. These works are aimed at improving connectivity across the region.
Under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar & Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), steps have been taken to support horticulture on 62,000 acres, benefiting 28,000 farmers. The initiative is part of a broader effort to boost rural livelihoods and agricultural productivity.
The Deputy CM highlighted that construction of farm ponds has brought an additional 50,000 acres under cultivation across Rayalaseema. A total of 41,614 farm ponds have been built at a cost of about ₹167 crore, and another 29,902 have been sanctioned in the next phase.
More than ₹200 crore has been spent on cultivating horticultural crops across nearly 62,000 acres in two phases. The government is also focusing on improving groundwater levels through the construction of farm ponds and soak pits, he said.
Other ongoing works include water conservation, drinking water supply, employment generation, construction of cattle sheds for dairy farmers, and sanitation. Three mega drinking water supply schemes are being implemented under the Jal Jeevan Mission and Amarajeevi Jaladhara.
Addressing the issue of wild elephants, Mr. Kalyan said a training camp has been set up in the Palamaner constituency, where trained ‘Kunki’ elephants are sheltered. The elephants have completed 15 operations, helping reduce human-elephant conflicts by 75% in the area.
The figures and claims mentioned in the press release are as stated by the government and have not been independently verified. Rayalaseema, comprising the districts of Anantapur, Chittoor, Kadapa, and Kurnool, has historically faced water scarcity and infrastructural challenges.
