Pawan Kalyan Pushes Faster Road Development for 625 Tribal Villages in AP
With Rs 1,005 crore funding from PM-JANMAN and MGNREGS, AP government pushes for faster construction of critical roads in remote tribal areas, ensuring timely forest clearances and sustainable development
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Environment, Forest, and Science & Technology, K. Pawan Kalyan, has urged officials to expedite the construction of new roads connecting 625 tribal habitations across the state under the government’s flagship ‘Adavi Thalli Bata’ programme.
Speaking to officials via teleconference on Sunday, Mr. Pawan Kalyan underscored the importance of stringent monitoring and regular progress updates to ensure that these critical infrastructure projects are completed within stipulated timelines.
“Road connectivity in tribal areas is being developed in tandem with the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), utilising funds from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) along with sub-plan allocations totalling nearly ₹1,005 crore,” he said. The Deputy CM emphasised that these financial commitments reflect the government’s strong focus on uplifting tribal communities through improved accessibility.
Highlighting the formidable challenges faced in executing such projects in difficult terrains, Mr. Pawan Kalyan noted, “Since these roads link remote and often inaccessible tribal habitations, priority must be accorded to their expeditious completion to bridge developmental gaps.”
Officials apprised the Deputy CM about the technical complexities involved, particularly in road laying for hill-top villages which requires extensive rock-breaking operations and strict safety protocols due to steep and fragile terrain. Of the total 128 roads passing through reserve forest areas, forest clearances have been granted for 98, paving the way for unhindered progress. Currently, 186 road works are underway across tribal areas, while tenders for 20 additional projects are in the final stages.
Reiterating the government’s unwavering commitment to tribal welfare, the Deputy CM highlighted the collaborative funding mechanism, stating, “The Central government has sanctioned ₹556 crore under PM-JANMAN, supplemented by continuous fund flows from MGNREGS, to ensure that no tribal habitation remains disconnected.”
He further urged district officials, engineers, and forest department personnel to work in close coordination to overcome procedural hurdles swiftly. “Funds are being mobilised on an ongoing basis, and all necessary forest clearances will be accorded following detailed deliberations and compliance with environmental safeguards,” he assured.
The ‘Adavi Thalli Bata’ initiative aims not only to enhance physical connectivity but also to catalyse socio-economic development by integrating tribal communities into mainstream growth. Improved road access is expected to facilitate better delivery of essential services such as healthcare, education, and markets, thus fostering inclusive development in Andhra Pradesh’s remote tribal regions.
As the government moves ahead with this ambitious plan, the focus remains on balancing infrastructure growth with ecological preservation, ensuring that the development journey is sustainable and beneficial for the tribal populace.