Connecting the villages on the islands through a high-level bridge over the Krishna River

A high-level review meeting was held at the Deputy Chief Minister’s camp office in Mangalgiri on Wednesday , where Krishna district’s cyclone-affected areas, ongoing infrastructure projects, and development priorities were discussed. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, with participation from MP Vallabhaneni Balashowry, MLA Mandali Buddha Prasad, district officials, senior engineers, and heads of agriculture, irrigation, Panchayati Raj, and rural development departments.

Cyclone Damage and Tenant Farmer Relief

It was noted that the recent cyclone caused severe crop damage in coastal villages across Krishna district, particularly in Avanigadda constituency. The extent of crop loss was instructed to be assessed immediately, with special attention to tenant (Kaulu) farmers, who are considered highly vulnerable due to their lack of land ownership.

Officials reported that over 60,000 tenant farmers in Krishna district currently hold CCC (Crop Cutting Certificate) cards, making them eligible for compensation, while additional unregistered tenant farmers are expected to exist. He was instructed that all affected tenant farmers be identified, and that relief measures be provided without procedural delays to ensure equitable assistance.

Outfall Sluices and Flooding Concerns

The non-functional outfall sluices in Nagayalanka and Koduru mandals were highlighted as a major cause of flooding and saline water intrusion into agricultural lands. Due to neglect and minimal maintenance by previous administrations, approximately 5,000 acres of farmland have been impacted.

The repair and reconstruction of seven outfall sluices in the constituency were mandated, with an estimated cost of ₹50 crore. The funding for this work is planned to be allocated from national disaster management funds, and designs are to be made durable to protect farmers from future flooding and salinity damage.

Edurumondi Bridge and Island Connectivity

The longstanding demand of approximately 20,000 residents of Edurumondi Islands for a high-level bridge over the Krishna River was reaffirmed. Funding of ₹109 crore from NABARD has already been approved. Local MLAs indicated that alignment changes may increase the construction cost by ₹60 crore, which is expected to be met through state government funds and the SASCI scheme.

The Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan instructed that the bridge construction be completed within the stipulated timeline to provide uninterrupted connectivity for the island residents.

Road Construction and Forest Clearances

Construction of the Edurumondi–Gollamand road was discussed. The project has been funded with ₹13.88 crore by the Panchayati Raj Department, and tenders have been finalized. Some road segments fall on forest department land, causing delays due to pending forest clearances.

Deputy CM Kalyan instructed that forest officials and the district collector inspect the sites on priority and that approvals be expedited to ensure timely completion of the roads, which are critical for island connectivity and local development.

Temple and Pilgrimage Access at Hamsaladevi

It was noted that the Hamsaladevi pilgrimage site, at the confluence of the Krishna River and the Bay of Bengal, holds significant religious importance for Hindu devotees. Reports of a nominal fee being collected by forest authorities for access were highlighted as a matter of concern.

The Deputy CM advised that alternative measures be explored to ensure that religious sentiments are respected and that devotees are not inconvenienced.

The meeting concluded with instructions that:

• Crop loss assessments are fast-tracked and all affected tenant farmers are provided relief.

• Outfall sluices are repaired and maintained to prevent future flooding and salinity intrusion.

• Infrastructure projects, including bridges and roads, proceed without delay, with forest clearances expedited.

• Access to sacred sites is facilitated in a manner sensitive to religious sentiments.

Officials from the state Roads and Buildings Department, Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, Agriculture, Irrigation, and Forest Departments were instructed to coordinate closely to implement these measures effectively.