Tirupati: The latest AP budget has made substantial allocations to Tirupati and Chittoor districts across various sectors, including irrigation, industry and education. This funding appears strategic, as several key projects have been delayed or underfunded in recent years. The boost to infrastructure is also expected to support economic growth in the region.
One of the major concerns addressed in the budget is water scarcity plaguing the drought-prone region. Over Rs 5,300 crore have been allocated for reviving three stalled irrigation projects to alleviate water shortages faced by local farmers, boosting agricultural productivity.
A significant allocation of Rs 879.24 crore has been made to the Telugu Ganga project, with Rs 66 crore specifically earmarked for the Somasila-Swarnamukhi link canal, which had struggled previously for funds. This project is expected to improve water availability for agriculture in Tirupati and Nellore districts.
The Galeru-Nagari Sujala Sravanthi project, another long-pending scheme, has received Rs 2,438.94 crore, the highest allocation in recent years, making farmers hopeful. Additionally, the Handri-Neeva project, considered vital for the Chittoor district, has been allotted Rs 2,014.23 crore. This is expected to bring relief to areas, such as Piler and Palamaner, which had previously been overlooked.
The state government has approved Rs 97 crore for dredging the Pulicat Lake. This is expected to boost fish population, supporting livelihoods of fishermen, apart from restoring the lake’s ecosystem.
On the industrial front, the NDA alliance government has allocated Rs 210 crore for developing the Chennai-Visakhapatnam Industrial Corridor. This is expected to attract investments and drive economic growth in the region.
Municipal Corporation of Tirupati has received Rs 350 crore to upgrade its urban infrastructure and services. Of this, Rs 20 crore have been earmarked for Smart City initiatives, Rs 100 crore for wastewater recycling under Swachh Bharat Mission and Rs 75.94 crore for solid waste management, which will bolster waste collection and disposal.
The budget has earmarked nearly Rs 500 crore for higher education institutions across Tirupati and Chittoor districts. Sri Venkateswara University has received a significant boost of Rs 226.39 crore to upgrade its facilities and research capabilities. S.V. Veterinary University has been allotted Rs 171.72 crore, Sri Padmavati Mahila Viswa Vidyalayam Rs 72.34 crore, Dravidian University in Kuppam Rs 27.91 crore and IIIT at Sri City Rs 19.52 crore.
