Srikakulam agency to get improved roads

Srikakulam: With an aim to improve transportation network in Agency areas, both the Centre and state governments have jointly planned to construct new roads in tribal and Agency areas. As part of it, road connectivity plan in Left wing extremists affected areas (RCP-LWEA) was proposed in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari and Guntur districts.

In total, 309 roads were proposed in LWEA areas to improve transportation network and to prevent Left wing extremists’ activities in Agency areas in the state. Under the plan, in Srikakulam 100 roads will be laid followed by Vizianagaram 57, Visakhapatnam 45, East Godavari 18, West Godavari 27 and Guntur 62.

In Srikakulam the roads will be constructed in 11 mandals where extremists’ activities are prevailed previously. These roads will cover 322.90 kms distance in all 11 mandals in the district. In Sitampeta mandal 43, Vajrapukotturu 3, Meliaputti 9, Bhamini 13, Mandasa 10, Pathapatnam 8, Kotturu 5, Palasa 2, Kaviti 2, Kanchli 1, Sompeta mandal 3 roads proposed with an estimated cost of Rs 224.67 crore.

District level empowerment committee comprising collector as chairman, superintendent of police as convener, ITDA-PO, superintendent engineers (SEs) of panchayat raj (PR) and roads and buildings and district forest officer as members, has formed to build the roads.

Out of 100 proposed roads, Rs 10.59 crore funds were released for three roads located each one in Sitampeta, Pathapatnam, Mandasa mandals in the district. “With an aim to improve road network in Agency areas, 100 new roads were proposed in 11 mandals in Srikakulam district and sent to government” the SP Dr C M Trivikrama Varma told The Hans India.