No major work in Andhra Pradesh

Rajahmundry: Only minor works are currently being taken up by the AP government for the upcoming Godavari Pushkaralu.

Works like improving the existing bathing ghats, recarpeting roads and sprucing up temples along the Godavari are currently underway and no major works are being carried out.

The state government had decided to take up 2,638 works at a cost of Rs 1,266 crore. Of them tenders have been issued for 2,501 works at a cost of Rs 1,122 crore.

Tenders for 1,694 works at a cost of Rs 686 crore have been accepted and of them, 1,062 works are in progress at a cost of Rs 478 crore.

Though the authorities in Godavari districts have recommended works worth hundreds of crores to give a facelift to the towns and villages located along the river, the state government has permitted only important works due to financial constraints.

While CM N. Chandrababu Naidu had announced constructing a convention centre in Rajahmundry at a cost of Rs 4 crores, it has failed to take off till date.

Supply of purified drinking water, provision of accommodation, toilets, and sanitation are going to be major challenges for the administration.

Though the AP government has asked the Centre to allot Rs 950 crores for the mega event, no money has been forthcoming so far.

Minister for endowments P. Manikyala Rao, meanwhile, said they were going to organise the Godavari Pushkaralu at a cost of Rs 1,500 crore by providing all the requisite amenities and added that all the works were expected to finish by June 15.