Tribal areas development: Andhra seeks CSR funds to build infra in Vizag

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh government has approached public and private sector companies for funds under CSR initiative to complete mega road and other infrastructure projects in tribal pockets of Visakhapatnam district.

Visakhapatnam district collector (DC) Dr. A Mallikarjuna Rao and project officer (PO) of ITDA, Paderu R Gopalakrishna held a meeting with the representatives of public and private sector companies on Tuesday evening and discussed the funding.

"The response has been overwhelming and the companies expressed their willingness to contribute liberally for the road and infrastructure,'' the PO said.

Around 70 companies participated in the meeting which include Gangavaram Port, HPCL, IOCL, Visakhapatnam Port Trust, Divi's Lab, and Reddy's Lab, and others.

The representatives of these companies assured that they would come back with their offers within a week's time, the PO said.

The PO said the infrastructure project has been categorized into road connectivity, drinking water, electrification, and internet and mobile connectivity. Paderu Connect-2025 is estimated to cost Rs 735 crore.

He said part of the project would be funded by the central government under various schemes.

Around 3,200 kilometers of roads will be built in 1638 villages. Regarding internet and mobile connectivity, 130 towers would be installed. They include 10 Jio-Reliance towers. The work has already started and will be completed in three months.

Around 30 villages need electricity and 310 villages vie for drinking water schemes.

"We won't be needing CSR funds for drinking water, electrification, and mobile phone and internet connectivity which we can generate internally. We have already prepared Mandal and habitation-wise estimates. We hope to commence works by end of this month," Gopalakrishna said.

Collector Mallikarjuina Rao said the days of carrying pregnant women on dollies were over.

"After completion of the roads, we will be rendering better healthcare to the tribal population," the collector said.