Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan Open Wooden Bridge as Part of Ecotourism in Araku
The wooden bridge, built at a cost of ₹19 lakh will be an additional attraction for tourists visiting the Araku region.
Vishakapatnam: AP Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, who holds the Forest and Environment portfolio, inaugurated a wooden bridge at the Sunkarametta Coffee Estates in Araku mandal in Alluri Sitarama Raju district on Tuesday. The wooden bridge, built at a cost of ₹19 lakh will be an additional attraction for tourists visiting the Araku region.
Speaking on the occasion, Pawan Kalyan emphasised that the coalition government is committed to the development of agency areas. He said ₹1,000 crore are being invested on roads in the area, with ₹400 crore being already allocated.
Subsequently, the Deputy CM visited the Kurudi village and performed Abhishekam at the Sri Bhramaramba Sametha Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple. He proposed to start a pilot project for joint farming in Kurudi village, where the community could organically cultivate medicinal plants, fruits and flowers.
Pawan Kalyan assured government support to the project through the National Employment Guarantee Scheme. He underlined development of tourism in a sustainable manner, drawing inspiration from Kerala’s cultural tourism model. “Development must protect nature and traditions while providing employment,” he observed.
The Deputy Chief Minister announced a personal contribution of ₹5 lakh for the development of Kurudi village. He outlined plans to generate employment through natural farming and tourism initiatives in the village.
Pawan Kalyan participated in a Rachhabanda programme in Kuridi village, where he heard about the problems being faced by the tribal communities. He criticised the previous YSRC government for its handling of the volunteer system. He charged that the previous government deceived youth by misrepresenting volunteer roles as government jobs without formal appointments or clear sources for payment of salaries.
The Deputy CM said at the first cabinet meeting of the coalition government, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and minister Nara Lokesh confirmed that there are no official records of appointing volunteers. “The YSRC cheated youth in the name of volunteer jobs,” he stated.
Pawan Kalyan outlined plans to address malnutrition and sickle cell anaemia in agency villages. He promised to provide better nutritional supplements through Anganwadis. He committed to providing scanning facilities and radiologists for better healthcare in Paderu in coordination with the district collector.
The Deputy Chief Minister underlined that he is deeply connected to tribal communities. “I am not a born tribal, but I have the tribal mentality. Cries and pains of the children in forests always touch my heart,” he remarked.
Andhra Pradesh Forest Development Corporation chairman R.V. Sujaya Krishna Ranga Rao was present.
On the occasion, Pawan Kalyan unveiled promotional materials for Araku Delight Coffee brand, apart from Sunkarametta eco-tourism posters and brochures.
