The village infrastructure project taken up by the Krishna district administration has been progressing at a swift pace without any hurdles, thanks to the funds sanctioned under the Central government-sponsored Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme (MGNREGA).
“There are no hurdles and no dearth of funds thanks to NREGA. Last year also, Krishna district was the biggest beneficiary of the scheme with implementation of works worth ₹400 crore,” said Krishna district Collector B. Lakshmikantham. “The entire village infrastructure project will be completed in a couple of months. Works are in progress for the construction of CC roads in a stretch of around 600 km, 150 anganwadi buildings, 100 gram panchayat buildings, underground drainage system, avenue plantation along 1000-km stretch, horticulture plantation in about 1,000 acres of land, desiltation of village tanks, check dams and construction of rain water harvesting structures,” said he said.
The focus of the officials is on execution of the works in a time-bound manner and on ensuring that all sectors-- primary, secondary and tertiary- get equal importance.
Industrial parks
Referring to the proposed industrial park at Veerapanenigudem, he said 175 Micro, Small and Medium Entreprises (MSMEs) would come up at this place. “NRIs are coming forward to set up units here,” he said.
At Mallevalli, he said 1,000 acres had been handed over to investors and that the officials had to acquire land for construction of road.
Ashok Leyland, one of the largest commercial vehicle manufacturers, plans to set up a bus plant here. “The company plans to invest ₹250 crore initially in the unit which will be operational in next six months, generating over 2,500 skilled employment,” he said, adding that some 1,000-odd units were expected to be established along Veerapanenigudem, Mallevalli and Gannavaram.
Land has been identified for the project and 234 acres have already been handed over to the departments concerned. “Of this, 70 acres is suitable for housing purpose and tenders have been called for six acres to start economic activities,” the Collector said.
Economic City
He said 70 acres of land was identified in Nunna area for construction of 8,000 houses. Another 8,000 houses will come up at Jakkampudi besides 12,000 houses in the outer ring road area. “Works at Nunna and Jakkampudi will start immediately,” he said.
Chief Minister is keen that the lands available along the outer ring road be put to use and the project be completed in 15 months, he said.