CMs willing, anything is achievable

The Chief Ministers of two Telugu States, K Chandrashekar Rao of Telangana and N Chandrababu Naidu of Andhra Pradesh have proved that achieving targets is not a difficult task provided the ruler’s exhibit political will.Despite criticism, scary financial situation and hurdles one too many by the political opponents, Andhra Pradesh government has gone ahead and completed the Pattiseema lift irrigation project and construction of interim Secretariat building besides shifting the entire administration to near-complete levels in a record time. It is an achievement that has baffled even Naidu’s most vociferous critics.

It has been ditto with the KCR government. A steadfast determination has provided the impetus to complete the process of carving of 21 new districts that has given birth to a festive atmosphere across the State.Taken under any yardstick, the two Chief Ministers have proved that nothing can stop them if they stayed focused. This includes the ‘ifs and buts’ driven bureaucrats, who will not hesitate to work overtime to ensure that things fall in place and come in handy for the political bosses.

The new districts, according to KCR, will have a population ranging between two and four lakh and help bring the administration to the doorstep of the people. It is understandable that in the initial stages some of the old districts could suffer a setback here and there, particularly in real estate and related economic activity as the focus of business sector would be on capitalising on the new situation and reap a bountiful. Some of the big malls are now contemplating to downsize their operations in the present districts and open showrooms in the new districts. By all accounts, this scramble will be a temporary phase.

Having achieved the main task of reorganization of new districts, KCR would now discharge his administrative functions from his new camp office. He is also likely to expedite the process of changing the topography of the State Secretariat.With Andhra Pradesh government having shifted almost all its departments to Andhra Pradesh, the Telangana government would soon be writing to the Government of Andhra Pradesh to hand over the buildings that are under their possession.

Officials say that different models and plans, denoting the blue-print, for the new Secretariat building are ready and once they get back the buildings that are under occupation of AP government, they would go ahead with the construction of the new building. At present to reach the Chief Ministers office one has to navigate through many curves.

There are at least six sharp curves and there is acute shortage of space for accommodating officials of various departments and also parking of vehicles. Hence, the government wants to demolish the existing structures, construct a Secretariat that would stand out as a unique architectural marvel. This is more so given that both KCR and Naidu are vaasthu-inspired.

According to the tentative proposals, the ‘C’ block, which is the Chief Minister’s office, will have a massive office space and is likely to have dome-shaped elevation. There would be two other buildings, on either side of the block.The entrance would be almost a straight drive from the main gate and will state-of-the-art security measures in place.

With spacious parking lots and greenery all-around, the ambience will be invigorating. If the pace with which things are being worked out are pointers, then these could be a reality by end of 2017 or early 2018 provided the AP government hands over the buildings that are in their possession by December-end.