Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said Nellore district is poised to become a national growth engine through ports, industries and infrastructure, while reaffirming the NDA government's commitment to welfare.
Nellore: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday said the NDA government is committed to improving the lives of the poor while transforming Nellore district into one of India's leading centres for economic growth and wealth creation.
Addressing a public meeting during the Pedala Sevalo programme at Punnapavaripalem in Gudur constituency, the Chief Minister said balanced regional development remains the government's priority, with Visakhapatnam, Amaravati and Tirupati serving as the state's three major growth centres.
He said Nellore district is well-positioned to emerge as a national logistics and industrial hub with projects such as Ramayapatnam Port, Krishnapatnam Port and the proposed shipbuilding centre at Dugarajapatnam. He added that BPCL is investing nearly Rs.1 lakh crore in a refinery at Ramayapatnam, while the IFFCO Kisan SEZ is expected to attract major industries. Gudur has already secured 27 industries, and a Mega Furniture Park is also planned, he said.
Recalling the government's decision to restore Gudur to Nellore district, Naidu said the move reflected public aspirations after what he described as an unscientific district reorganisation by the previous government. Saidapuram and Kalavayipuram mandals were also merged back into Nellore district, he noted.
Highlighting the coalition government's welfare initiatives, the Chief Minister said pensions are being distributed on the first day of every month to beneficiaries across 28 categories, including senior citizens, widows and persons with disabilities. He said the government remains committed to welfare while rebuilding the state's economy and governance.
Naidu said digital governance initiatives such as Mana Mitra WhatsApp Governance are making citizen services more accessible. He also highlighted the One Family-One Entrepreneur initiative, aimed at encouraging women entrepreneurs through self-help groups and improved access to institutional credit.
The Chief Minister said irrigation remains a top priority, with Rs.24,000 crore already spent on 36 priority irrigation projects. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to completing the Veligonda Project, stating that Rs.900 crore has been allocated for rehabilitation and resettlement, of which Rs.300 crore has already been released. The first phase of the project, estimated at Rs.2,500 crore, will benefit Prakasam, Markapuram, Nellore, Kadapa and neighbouring districts.
Referring to the impact of El Niño, Naidu said timely water conservation had helped maintain reservoir storage at around 65 per cent. He also outlined plans for river interlinking, including the Godavari-Cauvery link, and stressed the need to expand ethanol production using crops such as maize to reduce dependence on imported fuel.
The Chief Minister further announced that the foundation stone for the Rayalaseema Steel Plant in Kadapa would be laid on July 3, with commercial production targeted by 2028.
Naidu also condemned abusive social media posts targeting Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan's family and criticised derogatory remarks directed at Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, stating that abuse against women was unacceptable. He urged the public to reject divisive politics and continue supporting the NDA government's agenda of development, welfare and good governance.
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