Debate over Naidu’s promises made to Kurnool

Many feel fund-starved government may not be able to fulfil them. But TDP leaders say promises are practical and will be honoured

An intense debate is going on among various circles over promises held out to the people of Kurnool on Independence Day by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Doubts persisted in the minds of cynical that the promises were hallow and the government, which was in neck deep financial troubles would not be able to fulfil them. On the other hand, the staunch supporters of TDP say the promises are practical and will be honoured in toto.

An impartial view suggests that most of the promises did not entail financial burden but only the government’s commitment was required. The Chief Minister promised 20 sops for the district which include industrial park on 30,000 acres, smart city status for Kurnool, textile hub at Adoni-Yemmiganur, seed research station at Nandyal, Deemed Agriculture University at Mahanandi, Urdu University at Kurnool, IIIT near Kurnool, Rayalaseema Institute of Medical Sciences at Kurnool, Mining College at Dhone, Solar park, Wind power park, veterinary research station at Bavanasi, reservoir at Gundrevula across Tungabhadra at Gundrevula to impound 20 tmcft, lift irrigation scheme on Vedavathi river to draw 10 tmcft for Aluru, railway coach midlife rehabilitation project at Kurnool, cricket stadium, four lane road from Peapuly to Krishnapatnam, National Highway connecting the new capital, tourism promotion in Nallamala and Rollapadu bird sanctuary and Airport at Orvakal.

According analysts, the government need not allocate any resources for many of the projects except streamlining the government policies.

Only the Gundrevula reservoir needs inter-State permission and a whopping amount as the reservoir is to be shared by Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The submergence also occurs in both states. Even though the combined Andhra Pradesh initiated the survey for the project, its completion would be considered a big success. The project would stabilise, KC canal, tailend areas of TB Low Level Canal, RDS canal in Telangana and offer fresh water for industries.

The Vedavathi Lift Irrigation scheme does not invite inter-State dispute but needs a huge amount for completion.

Some of the education projects like IIIT, Railway Coach workshop, road network, Urdu University, RIMS, Cricket Stadium, would have financial support from the centre either fully or partially.

Establishment of Deemed Agriculture university, Seed Research Station at Nandyal and veterinary research centre at Banavasi required only paper sanctioning as the long-standing institutions had full-fledged infrastructure for up-gradation.

The industrial park, solar and wind power parks, Airport and Textile Hub would be funded by investors if a congenial atmosphere was created.

Rayayalaseema JAC leader V. Janardhan Reddy said they welcomed the sops but would also fight for their implementation.

The activists consider the package a good bargain for capital.