Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, during his visit to Kurnool district, unveiled an ambitious roadmap for the development of Rayalaseema. He said the region would be transformed into a “Land of Gems” through major infrastructure and industrial projects. The Chief Minister assured that the Vedavathi Project would be completed soon and that water would be lifted from the Handri-Neeva project to improve irrigation.
Naidu announced several key initiatives, including renaming Jonnagiri as “Swarnagiri” in recognition of its gold mining activity. He said Rayalaseema Steels would become operational by March 2028 and revealed plans to establish a fighter aircraft manufacturing facility in Puttaparthi. He also pledged to develop Rayalaseema into a ₹1 lakh crore horticulture hub and reiterated that the Polavaram Project would be completed this year and dedicated to the nation by March 2027.
The Chief Minister expressed concern over the state’s financial and water challenges, stating that the Iran conflict had affected gas and fuel supplies, leading to a decline in state revenue. He also noted that rainfall had dropped by 51 percent due to the El Niño effect, causing severe depletion of groundwater levels. In view of the situation, he advised farmers to avoid paddy cultivation this season and instead grow drought-resistant crops, fruits, and vegetables.
