Former Minister and Uttarandhra Charcha Vedika convener Konathala Ramakrishna asked both the Union and State governments to jointly take steps for the establishment of a Regional Development Board exclusively for the North Andhra region.
Mr. Ramakrishna, who was in Vizianagaram to attend a few local functions, sought a fund of ₹15,000 crore for the development of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts and told The Hindu that he would mobilise the support of the people over the issue by organising a series of meetings in the three districts, beginning from February.
Water woes in focus
“The three districts have many rivers and witness 1,050 mm rainfall every year. But a major portion of the region does not have sufficient water resources. The proposed Uttrandhra Sujala Sravanti which draws Godavari water for irrigation and drinking needs of the region should also be constructed on a war footing. An exclusive Regional Development Board will lead to completion of existing irrigation projects including Sujala Sravanti scheme,” he said.
Mr. Ramakrishna, who was elected from the Anakapalle Lok Sabha constituency twice and later worked as a Minister from 2004-09, said the Central government’s support was needed for such boards since it had extended financial assistance to many boards of North Andhra region and other parts of the country.
“The Central government cannot ignore the backwardnesss of North Andhra and Rayalaseema regions. It should take immediate steps for their development by sanctioning funds in its annual budget. The AP government should also step up pressure on the government for appointment of a board for North Andhra apart from Rayalaseema region,” he said.
‘Centre should act’
Mr. Ramakrishna strongly condemned the Centre for taking back the sanctioned amount of ₹350 crore for two regions. “It is absolutely unfair. The Union government, which is supposed to sanction more funds, is putting many hurdles in the sanctioning of ₹50 crore each for the seven districts of two regions,” he said.
Mr. Ramakrishna sought cooperation of all political parties for the establishment of a separate railway zone in Visakhapatnam.
“Odisha too has not raised any objections as it has also been assured separate divisions for a few important stations. The Central government cannot ignore the demand of lakhs of people from the region. Our Charcha Vedika’s Railway tour has witnessed a huge response on this issue. We will plan another agitation very soon,” he said.
Mr. Ramakrishna suggested that all political parties prepare an exclusive manifesto ocused on the North Andhra region in order to meet the aspirations of the people living in backward areas.