Andhra Pradesh: Government plans plantation, tank cleaning drives

AMARAVATI: In a welcome initiative, the state government has decided to take up plantation and cleaning of drinking water tanks on a massive scale to mark the celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The district administrations have been directed to take up the silt removal activities from the local tanks through NREGS on a big scale. The state government has identified the tanks to be renovated across the state as part of the programme.
NREGS NTR district project director Sunitha said they have initiated the programme as per the directive from the state and Central government. “We will also take up strengthening of the tank bunds as part of the programme,” said Sunitha while taking part in the planation activity in Chegireddipadu village of G Konduru mandal on Saturday. She said they would remove the silt in the tanks under Amrit Sarovar scheme with NREGS funds. She said removal of the silt and strengthening of the bunds will help improve the storage of the tanks.
NREGS additional project director C Raghavendra said they would also take up beautification of the tanks by planting saplings along the bunds. He said beautification of the tanks would help the precious assets from getting encroached by the locals. He added the villagers should take the responsibility of protecting the plants and make them grow into trees. He said big trees along the tank bund would act as natural compound wall besides giving the locals to enjoy the environment. He said construction of small walking tracks wherever it is possible would keep the villagers healthy. YSRC leader Nellore Leela Srinivas, MPP Vemulakonda Lakshmi Tirupathamma, MPDO Anuradha, Sarpanch Nellore Sridevi, and Garlapati Venkata Rao were also present.