Rural development and tribal welfare gathered momentum in 2025: Deputy CM Pawan

Sanitation efforts included the rollout of Swachh Ratham vehicles for waste exchange and the introduction of magic drains in villages.

Among the key initiatives was the successful completion of Palle Panduga 1.0, which delivered over 4,000 km of roads and more than one lakh farm ponds. (Photo | Express)

VIJAYAWADA: Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has described 2025 as a year of major progress in rural development, tribal welfare, and environmental conservation under his portfolios of Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, Forests, and Environment.

Among the key initiatives was the successful completion of Palle Panduga 1.0, which delivered over 4,000 km of roads and more than one lakh farm ponds.

Building on this success, Palle Panduga 2.0 was launched in November with an outlay of Rs 6,787 crore, funding 53,382 projects across 13,326 gram panchayats. The programme focuses on expanded road networks, drainage systems, and improved facilities for farmers.

In tribal regions, the Adavi Thalli Bata programme advanced road connectivity to 625 remote villages with an investment of ₹1,005 crore, aiming to eliminate doli-dependent habitations.

Drinking water access also improved through the Amarajeevi Jaladhara water grid projects, costing Rs 7,910 crore across five districts. Designed to serve 1.21 crore people over the next 30 years, the scheme was named in honor of freedom fighter Potti Sriramulu.

Environmental and wildlife protection gained momentum with kumki elephant training camps and the use of AI technology to mitigate human-elephant conflicts. The government also launched Project HANUMAN, dedicated to monitoring, rescuing, and rehabilitating injured animals.

Administrative reforms boosted employee morale, with record promotions for over 10,000 staff, abolition of the cluster system to enhance panchayat autonomy, and expanded training programmes. Sanitation efforts included the rollout of Swachh Ratham vehicles for waste exchange and the introduction of magic drains in villages.

Deputy CM Kalyan emphasised rapid issue resolution, often sanctioning funds on-site during tours and virtual interactions, fulfilling pre-election promises.

Backed by Central support under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, these initiatives have accelerated rural Andhra’s progress while safeguarding the environment.