‘Seaports and airports crucial for AP’

Municipal Administration Minister P Narayana has emphasised the necessity of establishing seaports and airports to drive the state’s development. Speaking at the District Review Committee (DRC) meeting in Nellore on Sunday, chaired by Minority Welfare Minister NM Farooq, Narayana highlighted efforts to expedite the setting up of an airport in Dagadarthi.
Narayana noted that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is committed to attracting industries to Andhra Pradesh. The Minister also informed that the district Superintendent of Police has been directed to set up traffic signals in Nellore, while discussions with NH officials are underway for flyovers at Chinthareddypalem and Kanuparthipadu intersections.
District in-charge Minister NM Farooq stated that the meeting reviewed key departments’ performance and underscored the district Collector’s responsibility in implementing the decisions. Farooq praised the Chief Minister’s focus on the ‘Super Six’ schemes, which aim to provide financial support to the underprivileged, calling it a “people’s government.”
District Collector Anand provided updates on various ongoing projects, including MGNREGA, RWS, and Jal Jeevan initiatives. He shared that Rs 80 crore per constituency has been allocated for MGNREGA works and Rs 43 crore sanctioned by the 15th Finance Commission. The Collector added that protected drinking water projects are underway and will be handed over to local Panchayats.
MLA Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy appealed for the construction of three bridges at the Telugu Ganga office, Erugalamma crossroads, and Pottepalem Kaluju. He also shared that 562 acres of land were acquired for an Industrial Park in Amancharla, with Rs 50 crore paid to farmers. Ministers Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, MLAs Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy, Nageswara Rao, Krishna Reddy, and others also attended.
An unexpected moment unfolded as MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy expressed displeasure over not being formally invited to the meeting with a flower bouquet, a protocol extended to the Ministers. The MP left the meeting, stating, “This is not the way to treat someone in my position.” Despite Endowment Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy’s efforts to bring him back, Reddy declined, voicing his disappointment.
In response, Minister Narayana apologised to the MP and instructed the Collector to prevent such oversights in the future. Minister Farooq also expressed regret over the incident, affirming that steps would be taken to ensure respectful treatment of all attendees at official events.
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