Investments will Reverse Migration in North Andhra: CM Naidu Announces Plans for Another Airport in Palasa

Visakhapatnam: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday declared that migration would reverse in north Andhra, as his government is making all out efforts to bring in huge investments to the region. Addressing a public meeting during the ‘Swarnandhra-Swachhandhra’ programme at Tamrapalli in Narasannapeta constituency of Srikakulam district, the CM said his government is committed to balanced development across North Andhra, Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra.

He asserted that the long-pending Neradi Barrage project would be grounded in November and completed within three years after securing necessary clearances from the centre. He outlined an irrigation calendar for major projects in North Andhra, including Madduvalasa Stage-II, Hiramandalam Lift Irrigation Scheme, Vamsadhara Phase-II, Thotapalli distributaries and Janjavathi reservoir works. All these works have been targeted for completion by 2027.

Highlighting the government’s investment push, Naidu said agreements worth ₹23 lakh crore had been signed in the last 23 months, which are expected to generate around 24 lakh jobs. He pointed out that major companies, including Reliance, TCS, Cognizant, ArcelorMittal and Renew Power, are investing in North Andhra.

The Chief Minister said Bhogapuram Airport would be inaugurated in July this year. At the same time, he announced plans for another airport in Palasa. He said the Mulapeta Port, expected to begin operations this year, would transform the economic landscape of North Andhra.

Focusing on sanitation, Naidu underlined that the state government had launched the “Operation Clean Sweep” campaign under the Swachhandhra initiative. He claimed that 121 lakh metric tonnes of waste has already been cleared. He said 100 per cent of the legacy waste will be cleared by June. The CM pointed out that the government is establishing waste-to-energy plants, compressed biogas units, and integrated waste processing facilities across Andhra Pradesh. He said the state plans to increase green cover from the current 31.33 per cent to 50 per cent by 2047. Criticising the previous regime, the Chief Minister alleged that North Andhra’s development had been stalled due to destructive politics and fake propaganda. He urged people to remain vigilant against misinformation and divisive politics.

Calling upon citizens to support the nation during difficult global conditions, Naidu asked people to reduce unnecessary spending, prefer public transport, promote natural farming, and encourage “Made in Andhra” and “Made in India” products. He urged people to choose tourism destinations within Andhra Pradesh, instead of travelling abroad.