Amit Shah Announces Rs 3 Lakh Crore in Investments for Andhra Pradesh

Vijayawada, Jan 19 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that Andhra Pradesh experienced considerable challenges due to man-made disasters from 2019 to 2024. He stated on Sunday that the Central Government has facilitated investments and assistance exceeding Rs 3 lakh crore for the state in just the past six months.

During the 20th Raising Day ceremony of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Vijayawada, Shah commended Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for advancing the state through effective administrative, financial, and developmental policies. He acknowledged that Prime Minister Modi has ensured comprehensive support for the state.

Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation for various projects valued at around Rs 220 crore, which include the National South Campus of the Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), the 10th Battalion of the NDRF, and the Regional Response Centre at Supaul Campus.

Additionally, he virtually initiated the construction of a new 'Integrated Shooting Range' at the National Police Academy in Hyderabad and inaugurated the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory building in Tirupati.

Shah noted that when natural disasters occur, the NDRF is there to assist, while the Modi government responds to man-made calamities. He remarked on the setbacks experienced by Andhra Pradesh under the rule of the YSR Congress Party between 2019 and 2024, which hindered the state's potential.

To compensate for the developmental deficits of that period, Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Naidu are propelling Andhra Pradesh's growth at triple the pace. Shah referenced the recent Cabinet approval for Rs 11,000 crore for the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, aimed at ensuring its sustainability and maintaining its status as a source of pride for Andhra Pradesh.

In the last six months, Shah indicated that PM Modi has expedited efforts to fulfill Chandrababu Naidu's vision for Amaravati as the state capital, allocating Rs 27,000 crore through HUDCO and the World Bank. He highlighted the laying of the foundation for a new railway zone, with water from Polavaram, a vital resource for Andhra Pradesh, expected to reach every area of the state by 2028.

Shah also mentioned the initiation of the AIIMS hospital project, costing Rs 1,600 crore, and plans to invest Rs 2 lakh crore to transform Visakhapatnam into a green hydrogen hub. He underscored that highway and infrastructure projects worth about Rs 1.2 lakh crore have been approved for Andhra Pradesh.

The Union Home Minister pointed out that significant strides have been made in disaster management through the NIDM over the last decade. He stressed the need for seamless collaboration among various entities, from Gram Panchayats to the Government of India, to ensure effective disaster management.

Shah credited Prime Minister Modi for revolutionizing the approach to disaster management, shifting from a relief-centric to a rescue-centric model, aiming for zero casualties during disasters while minimizing losses.

He affirmed that the NDRF has established a reputation as a credible organization both domestically and internationally in a short span. Shah highlighted the NDRF's success in achieving zero casualties during two major storms in the past two years.

His remarks included the NDRF's commendable efforts in nations such as Nepal, Indonesia, Turkey, Myanmar, and Vietnam, which have been recognized by their leaders. The Home Minister emphasized that the NDRF's implementation of NDMA policies has positioned India as a global leader in disaster management today.

Present at the event were Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Union Minister of Civil Aviation K. Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Home Secretary Govind Mohan, and NDRF Director General Piyush Anand.