Donakonda Inches Closer to Defence Manufacturing Map

Tirupati: Donakonda is moving closer to finding a place on the country’s defence manufacturing map, with Bharat Dynamics Limited exploring the establishment of its proposed project at the industrial park in Prakasam district.

A team from the Defence Research and Development Organisation, along with district collector Raja Babu inspected the site at Donakonda Industrial Park in Darsi constituency on Friday.

BDL, a defence public sector undertaking under the defence ministry, is involved in the manufacture of missile systems, underwater weapons and allied defence equipment. The proposed project assumes significance as Andhra Pradesh has been looking to attract investments in defence and aerospace-related industries.

The visit was aimed at assessing the facilities and requirements for setting up the proposed unit.

District officials briefed the DRDO team on the availability of land, existing infrastructure, transport connectivity, water and power supply facilities and scope for future expansion. The DRDO team later held a meeting with the district administration at the Donakonda MPDO office.

Donakonda, which has large land parcels earmarked for industrial development, has been projected as a potential manufacturing destination due to its scope for expansion and development of allied industries. Collector Raja Babu said coordination among various departments would be ensured to complete the required processes.

The project, once established, would give a push to industrial activity in Donakonda and generate direct employment to around 500 people and create indirect livelihood opportunities for nearly 2,000 others, the collector said.

Addanki RDO Vijaya Jyothi, APIIC GM Madan Mohan Rao, industries department GM Srinivasa Rao, district land survey officer Ghouse Basha and others were present.