Telangana to Restore Kaleshwaram Barrages as per NDSA Report: Minister Uttam

Oct 08, 2025 | 693 Views

Hyderabad, October 7: Telangana Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy said that the restoration of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme’s Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages is being carried out strictly in line with the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) report. Chairing a high-level review meeting with senior officials at the Secretariat, the minister emphasized that the Congress government places top priority on completing pending irrigation projects across the state. He revealed that national institutions and expert agencies have been engaged to supervise the restoration works, with a leading IIT expected to act as the chief technical partner in collaboration with the state’s Chief Design Organisation (CDO). The IIT team will handle structural designs, testing, and rehabilitation planning. Preliminary testing was completed before the monsoon, and the full restoration design is expected within a year. “The entire rehabilitation process will strictly adhere to NDSA recommendations, with weekly progress reviews to ensure transparency and accountability,” the minister said. Uttam Kumar Reddy also reviewed major irrigation projects including the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Pranahita–Chevella Sujala Sravanthi, Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel, and Sammakka–Sarakka project. The government is committed to completing the 43-km SLBC tunnel by December 2027, which will channel Krishna River waters to drought-prone regions. He added that technical and administrative hurdles are being resolved to ensure steady progress under strict supervision. The minister further mentioned that proposals for Sitammasagar, Modikuntavagu, Chanaka–Korata, and Chinna Kaleshwaram have been submitted for approval under the PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), and that the Devadula project is nearing full operational capacity. He directed officials to finalize all revised estimates within the month and expedite compensation for land acquisition. “The government’s focus is on scientific, transparent, and accountable water management,” Uttam Kumar Reddy stated.

Visakhapatnam Steel Plant Capacity Surges to 79% with Govt Support

Oct 07, 2025 | 728 Views

Amaravati, October 6: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu emphasized the state government’s commitment to the strengthening and protection of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP). Reviewing the plant’s performance, he highlighted the significant progress achieved in the past year through central assistance and state government support, calling it a welcome development for the industry and the state’s economy. Over the last year, measures taken by management, employees, and both central and state governments have helped VSP improve production capacity utilization from 25% in September last year to 79% this September. CM Chandrababu directed officials to further boost output and achieve 92.5% capacity utilization by the end of the third quarter, emphasizing coordinated efforts across all departments. The CM acknowledged that after assuming office, the coalition government successfully secured Rs. 11,440 crore in central assistance for the plant’s revival, most of which has already been released and utilized to strengthen and modernize operations. He instructed regular quarterly and monthly reviews at the plant and chief secretary level to monitor performance and progress. Chandrababu Naidu assured the plant authorities of full support from the state government for its revival and to restore its former glory. Officials present at the review included Principal Secretary K. Vijayanand, RINL CMD Ajit Kumar Saxena, Ministry of Steel Joint Secretary Abhijit Narendra, and Director GVN Prasad.

Lokesh Invites Trafigura to Invest in Port-Based Infra in Andhra Pradesh

Oct 07, 2025 | 690 Views

Mumbai: Andhra Pradesh Minister for IT, Electronics, and Education Nara Lokesh met Sachin Gupta, CEO of Trafigura India, a global leader in logistics, oil, minerals, and food exports. During the meeting, Lokesh urged Trafigura to explore investment opportunities in port-based infrastructure, cold storage, and export facilities across Andhra Pradesh. Trafigura, which recorded $243.2 billion in business operations in FY 2024–25, had earlier signed a $1.4 billion LNG supply deal with Indian Oil Corporation in April. The company already exports coal, zinc, and aluminum through the Visakhapatnam Port and operates in multiple sectors including oil, petroleum transport, metals, minerals, gas, renewable energy, and logistics. Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s strong export potential, Lokesh noted that the state contributes 70% of India’s shrimp production and is a leading rice producer. He invited Trafigura to set up modern warehousing facilities at Visakhapatnam and Kakinada ports, participate in the renewable energy trade, and consider establishing an LNG regasification terminal to support gas-based power generation. With 82.62 million tonnes of cargo handled by Visakhapatnam Port this year, Lokesh also proposed the creation of a commodity trading desk in Vizag to boost the region’s logistics and export ecosystem.

Ex-Minister Ambati Rambabu’s Daughter Srija Ties Knot in USA

Oct 06, 2025 | 703 Views

Illinois, USA: YSRCP senior leader and former minister Ambati Rambabu’s elder daughter Dr. Srija entered a new chapter in her life with a grand wedding ceremony in the United States. She tied the knot with software engineer Harsha in a traditional Hindu ceremony held at the Mahalakshmi Temple in Illinois, following Telugu customs and rituals. The wedding was attended by close relatives and friends in person, while many well-wishers from India joined virtually to shower blessings on the couple. Ambati Rambabu shared that a formal wedding reception will soon be organized in Andhra Pradesh to celebrate the occasion with extended family and supporters. Dr. Srija, who completed her higher studies in the US, is currently pursuing a fellowship in Endocrinology at the University of Illinois. Her husband Harsha is employed as a software engineer with Deutsche Bank in the US. Hailing from Tanuku in West Godavari district, Harsha belongs to the Kamma community. The event marked a beautiful blend of tradition and modern celebration, strengthening family ties across continents.

CM Naidu Pushes Agri Growth, FPOs & Dairy Clusters

Oct 06, 2025 | 697 Views

Amaravati, October 4, 2025: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu emphasized the need to fully leverage the Central Government’s Purvodaya Scheme for strengthening allied agriculture sectors in the state. Reviewing developmental plans with senior officials at the camp office, the CM directed departments to prepare strategies for growth in horticulture, micro-irrigation, fisheries, aquaculture, and food processing, ensuring both economic advancement and improved living standards for dependent communities. He stressed on crop diversification, identifying high-demand national and international products, and guiding farmers towards export-oriented cultivation. Highlighting the importance of linking farmers with industries, the CM said this would protect farmers from market losses and boost income. He instructed officials to promote Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) with central government’s financial support and to organize joint workshops for horticulture farmers and food processing industries. Certification, traceability, and enhanced logistics were identified as key factors in strengthening the supply chain. Plans were also discussed to set up an Aqua Culture University and double aquaculture production. On the livestock front, Chandrababu directed officials to focus on cluster-based cattle sheds and suggested that their management and maintenance be entrusted to DWCRA groups. He also emphasized integrating milk production units, chilling centers, fodder banks, and biogas plants, ensuring higher milk yield, healthier livestock, and disease control. Additionally, the CM underlined that every Rythu Seva Kendra should provide farmer awareness on crop patterns across its jurisdiction. He also confirmed that the state is setting up MSME parks in all 175 constituencies, with dedicated food processing zones to promote rural industries. The review meeting was attended by Minister Atchannaidu and senior officials from multiple departments.