Rayalaseema villages get a major development push

Metro India News | AMARAVATI 

The Andhra Pradesh government is stepping up efforts to transform rural Rayalaseema through a multi-pronged development strategy focusing on roads, water conservation, drinking water, agriculture, livelihoods and environmental restoration.

Under a special vision for the region pursued by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, more than Rs 8,022 crore worth of development works have been taken up across Rayalaseema over the past two years. The initiative aims to address the region’s longstanding challenges while creating stronger rural infrastructure and livelihood opportunities. A major thrust has been placed on water conservation. More than 41,600 farm ponds were constructed in the first phase at a cost of Rs 166.46 crore, exceeding the original target of 40,837 ponds. A further 29,902 ponds have been sanctioned under the second phase. Together, the projects have reportedly brought more than 50,000 additional acres under cultivation and generated an estimated Rs 55 crore in additional income for farmers.

The government is also promoting horticulture as a major source of rural income. Through the rural employment guarantee programme, more than 62,000 acres have been brought under fruit orchards, flower cultivation and drumstick plantations, benefiting over 28,000 farmers. The initiative has an investment of more than Rs 200 crore and is expected to generate annual incomes of Rs 80,000 to Rs 1 lakh per acre for beneficiaries. For livestock farmers, nearly 15,000 mini Gokulams, or individual cattle sheds, have been constructed, with another 3,000 under progress. More than Rs 170 crore has been spent on these facilities.

Drinking water remains another key priority. Projects worth Rs 2,782 crore are progressing under Jal Jeevan Mission and Amarajeevi Jaladhara. The Pulivendula and Dhone multi-village water schemes are being revived, while the Rs 2,370-crore Chittoor Mega Water Grid is expected to serve more than 2.5 million people over the coming decades. Road connectivity has received a major allocation of Rs 4,523 crore for over 23,000 works, including thousands of kilometres of BT and CC roads. Drainage, compost pits and groundwater recharge structures are also being developed across villages. Environmental initiatives include 13 urban forests, while a Kunkie elephant camp at Musalamadugu has helped reduce human-elephant conflicts, according to officials. The government says the combined focus on infrastructure, water security, agriculture, livelihoods and environmental protection is aimed at creating a more resilient and prosperous Rayalaseema.