Metro India News | AMARAVATI

In a significant push towards transforming Nidadavolu into a model urban centre, Andhra Pradesh Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh announced an ambitious development initiative worth Rs.105.80 crore. During a high-level meeting with municipal officials on Saturday, the minister unveiled a slew of projects aimed at beautification, infrastructure upgrades, public safety, and civic amenities, promising a “new look for Nidadavolu” within a short span.

Minister Durgesh, who has taken a proactive role in urban development since the coalition government assumed office, revealed that 240 development works are underway using Rs.15.75 crore from the municipality’s general funds. Of these, 187 projects amounting to Rs.8.12 crore have already been completed. Emphasizing his commitment, the minister said Nidadavolu will not just be a place people say they love—it will become a city they can truly take pride in.

Starting June 1, the municipality will roll out the “Good Morning Nidadavolu” initiative. Under this programme, the minister, along with the municipal chairman, former MLAs, and local leaders, will tour neighborhoods weekly to directly address unresolved civic issues. “Development must reach urban and rural areas in equal measure,” Durgesh asserted, pledging sustained efforts to resolve problems on the ground.

Key infrastructure upgrades include supplying Godavari water to the town through the AMRUT 2.0 scheme with an outlay of Rs.83.82 crore. Additionally, Rs.5.96 crore has been allocated to improve water supply in NTR Nagar, and Rs.82 lakh is earmarked for providing drinking water to TIDCO housing units. The minister also criticized the previous government for diverting crucial funds meant for water projects under AMRUT and Jal Jeevan Mission.

Minister Durgesh disclosed that 250 CCTV cameras would soon be installed across the town to deter crime and ensure public safety. Though CCTV installations typically fall outside CSR funding criteria, the minister secured support from ONGC and GAIL under special appeals.

Striving to make Nidadavolu a “zero-waste town,” Minister Durgesh outlined a comprehensive waste management plan. With awareness campaigns, modern waste collection, and sanitation mechanisms, the administration aims to set new standards in cleanliness and environmental protection.

In another urban initiative, Rs.2.50 crore has been sanctioned for the development of a modern market yard, and drainage upgrades are planned to manage rainwater during natural calamities. Efforts are underway to fully develop the Malgudi Cheruvu tank at a cost of Rs.4.53 crore with the help of the Green Corporation. In the healthcare sector, the government plans to upgrade the existing 30-bed hospital into a 100-bed modern facility.

Minister Durgesh emphasized that the town is undergoing a transformation and thanked all local leaders who joined the coalition with the intent of contributing to this development. “The face of Nidadavolu will change in the coming days,” he said with confidence.