The Konaseema district, one of 13 newly-created districts in the State, is destined for prosperity given its rich natural resources, feel residents.
Spread across 2,083 sq km, with 22 mandals and a total population of 17.19 lakh, Konaseema is a land of coconuts that flourishes amidst the central and eastern delta of the Godavari. It is also famed for its scenic coastline and underground oil reserves, which locals feel will give the new district a head start over its newly-formed counterparts in the race for development.
Apart from drawing a large number of tourists, the region is also attracting investments in the oil and natural gas exploration sector. Giants like Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), and Reliance have already set up exploration activities in the district.
Long battle
Social Welfare Minister Pinipe Viswaroop, while inaugurating the new Collectorate here, said the formation of the new district has been a dream come true for people of the region. “With the creation of Konaseema district headquartered at Amalapuram, a long-pending dream has been realised. The Kotipalli-Narsapur railway lane will be commissioned by 2024 and it will be our growth engine,” Mr. Viswaroop said. The new Collectorate is functioning out of the District Rural Development Authority (DRDA) building here.
“We have the presence of every giant engaged in oil and natural gas exploration. The scenic beauty is no less than that of Kerala,” the Minister added. Konaseema’s new Collector Himanshu Shukla said that all ongoing projects would be commissioned at the earliest.
In his address to public representatives and officials, Backward Classes Welfare Minister Ch. Venu Gopala Krishna appealed to them to come out with an action plan to revive coconut cultivation, which he said would give a boost to the development of the district.
Amalapuram MP Ch. Anuradha and public representatives promised support to the district authorities and new SP K.S.S.S. Subba Reddy.
