Mumbai, July 28 -- The long-awaited road project connecting Y Ramavaram and Gurthedu in Polavaram district is poised to move forward as mandatory forest clearance is expected within a week, according to district officials. The development aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to nearly 100 remote villages and to transform access for tribal communities. The proposed alignment via Pillala Putta will serve Gurthedu, Kanivada, Pathakota, Dharagadda and Boddagandi village panchayats.
At present residents of the remote hamlets either trek nearly 30 km through forest terrain to reach Y Ramavaram or detour about 150 km via Maredumilli, Rampachodavaram, Gangavaram and Addateegala, causing severe hardship and isolation. The project has remained pending since 2016 largely because the mandatory forest clearance had not been obtained. Momentum for the proposal increased following the formation of Polavaram district and the creation of Gurthedu mandal.
The District Collector K Dinesh Kumar recently reviewed the status of the pending forest clearance and officials reported that all formalities required for clearance have been completed and the final report will be submitted to higher authorities. The Sub-Divisional Forest Officer Subba Reddy was cited as confirming the completion of the required procedures. The Roads and Buildings Department (R&B Department) has completed a re-survey of the proposed road alignment and stands ready to initiate work. The Deputy Executive Engineer Bhavani indicated that construction will commence soon after the sanction is issued.
If the clearance is granted construction is expected to proceed rapidly with the aim of delivering reliable connectivity and easing access to health, education and markets for tribal populations. Officials said the project will shorten travel times and reduce dependence on long detours and arduous treks through forest areas. Work timelines and funding details will be announced by the authorities once formal approvals are in hand.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.