Tirupati: People of Chittoor and Nellore districts have ushered in a new era by electing a fresh batch of MLAs in the recent Assembly elections. As these representatives prepare to take charge, the Deccan Chronicle spoke to some of them to understand their priorities and vision for the development of their respective constituencies.
In Nellore district, Dr. Ponguru Narayana of the Telugu Desam (TD), who was elected from Nellore City, highlighted the need for urban renewal. "Improving the pathetic condition of roads, drainage systems and civic amenities in my constituency will be the top priority," he stated.
Dr. Narayana also has dreams for Nellore, "With a focus on civic infrastructure upgrade, new investment in industries and education, skill development centres and boosting healthcare facilities, we will make Nellore a world-class city".
Agriculture and aquaculture uplift is on the mind of Vemireddy Prashanthi Reddy, the TD's elected representative from Kovur. "From ensuring better prices to reducing input costs, improving finance and technology access - we will revolutionize the agriculture and aquaculture sectors," she affirmed.
Improving infrastructure in villages is also Prashanthi's goal. "Improving basic infrastructure in villages, developing village community centres, a marketing committee for agri and aqua produce, setting up more schools and colleges, skill development centres and working to improve educational infrastructure will be my key areas of work," she said.
In Chittoor district, N. Amarnath Reddy of TD, elected from Palamaner, said solving the water crisis in the region tops his agenda. "Sericulture is the main occupation here apart from dairy, groundnut and paddy cultivation. Of particular significance is the Gangana Sirasu project, pivotal for interlinking with the Koundinya project, yet plagued by ongoing delays. Providing drinking and irrigation water to our parched region has been delayed for too long. Now, expediting this will be my utmost priority," he stated.
Reddy also said, completion of the international market committee, along with infrastructure developments such as road networks and community facilities, will be his priority. Prioritizing healthcare, Pulivarthi Nani of the TD, who won from Chandragiri, said, "We will upgrade the area hospital to a super-specialty facility with a multi-specialty hospital, unified diagnostics lab, and upgraded emergency services.
" Agriculture being the backbone, Nani added, "I will work to ensure remunerative prices for farm produce, reduce input costs through subsidy support, and improve market linkages".
