Mumbai, Sept. 4 -- Deputy Chief Minister and Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Pawan Kalyan secured an additional Rs 1 billion (bn) for development works in villages along the Godavari river basin ahead of the Godavari Pushkarams. The ministerial office said the funds will be used to improve rural roads and provide safe drinking water facilities in seven assembly constituencies across Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema, West Godavari and Polavaram areas. The allocation aims to support access for devotees and strengthen village infrastructure.
Of the fresh allocation, Rs 900 million (900 mn) will be utilised by the Panchayat Raj department for 111 road works, covering nearly 141 km of cement concrete and bituminous macadam roads. A further Rs 100 million (100 mn) has been sanctioned through the Rural Water Supply department to ensure drinking water facilities for those attending the Pushkarams. The funding mix balances transport upgrades with potable water provision.
Road development works are planned in Rajolu, P Gannavaram, Ramachandrapuram, Rampachodavaram, Achanta, Narsapur and Palakollu constituencies, with priority on routes connecting villages to Pushkar ghats. Internal village roads will be upgraded where required to improve last mile connectivity and to manage increased footfall during the festival. Project schedules will be coordinated by the Panchayat Raj and Rural Water Supply departments to align work with festival timings.
The government stated the objective is to ensure benefits of the Pushkarams are not confined to major centres such as Rajamahendravaram and to distribute improvements across the basin. Officials will monitor completion of road and water works to support safe attendance and to leave durable infrastructure gains for local communities. The measures form part of broader efforts to prepare rural areas for the increased seasonal movement.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.