Call to focus on development of North Andhra region

Roundtable seeks more funds for irrigation projects in the region

Former Vice-Chancellor of Dravidian University K.S. Chalam speaking in Uttrandhra Charcha Vedika at Palasa on Sunday.

Several public representatives, advocates, doctors and others expressed serious concern over the backwardness of North Andhra region, consisting of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam district. They sought the attention of both the Union and the State governments for the speedy development of the backward area which had abundant natural and human resources.

A roundtable conference ‘Uttrandhra Charcha Vedika’ was held in Palasa of Srikakulam district on Sunday. Former Vice-Chancellor of Dravidian University K.S. Chalam and convenor of the Vedika and senior doctor D. Jeeviteswara Rao strongly urged the Union government to sanction railway zone for Visakhapatnam immediately as it would spur economic activity in all the three districts. They also sought more funds for the irrigation projects as three districts had many rivers which might ensure speedy development of rural areas.

Study sought

“Only eight lakh acres of land has irrigation facility and over 40 lakh acres dependent on rains. It is the root cause for poverty in rural areas. It made many farmers to migrate to other places along with labourers,” said Dr. Jeeviteswara Rao. Mr. Chalam sought a detailed study over the backwardness of the region. He has also sought huge funds for the rapid industrialisation of the region.

Senior CPI leaders J.V. Satyanarayana Murthy, Chapara Sundarlal, Ch.Venkata Ramana and others said that the State government had failed to step up pressure on the Union government for the Special Category Status which would be the lifeline for the entire State. “Many industrialists would set up their units in North Andhra region too if SCS was sanctioned. The locals would get jobs. Unfortunately, public representatives failed to convince the Union government over the issue,” said Mr. Satyanarayana.

Senior advocate Boddepalli Mohana Rao said that per capita income of Srikakulam people was very low with lack of opportunities and economic activity. Palasa Declaration was passed unanimously in the meeting.

It had expressed concern over the dominance of leaders of other regions in these two districts.