The slow construction of the retaining wall across the River Penna passing through the city has become another pain point for the residents. The initiative came in response to past incidents where low-lying areas, including Venkateswara Puram, Janardhan Reddy Colony, Islampet, Bhagat Singh Colony, Ali Nagar, and Lalitha Nagar, were inundated due to severe flood. Residents endured anxious nights as flood levels soared, reaching up to 1.70 lakh cusecs. Following this, officials devised a strategy to erect a revetment wall, stretching from the Old Penna Bridge to the Penna Bridge on the national highway.
Work on the project commenced in July 2022, but residents have complained about the slow progress.
“Unfortunately, two women died when they accidentally fell into pits that were dug up for construction of the retaining wall last year. There is a need to speed up works for preventing soil erosion and damage due to human habitations in the low lying-areas,” K Rafi, a resident of the city, rued.
In this backdrop, former municipal administration minister Dr P Narayana is spearheading the TDP’s campaign with renewed vigour. He has focused extensively on Nellore city’s development. Despite his electoral setback in 2019, Narayana’s strategic moves and outreach to grassroots have positioned him as a formidable contender in the upcoming polls. He has been publicising the works taken up during his term as municipal administration minister.
“Many projects, including the underground drainage, sewage treatment plants, construction of CC roads, drains and plans were devised for developing Nellore city. After the YSRC formed government, the works were stalled and the entire progress of development came to a standstill. We will develop Nellore as a role model city in the country. People should take note of the YSRC government’s tactics that have created havoc in the segment,” the TDP leader said.
On the other hand, the YSRC’s candidate has vowed to take steps to continue the ongoing projects and ensure to initiate many other development works in the city.
Khaleel Ahmed expressed, “It is an honour that someone like me, a common man, has been chosen as an MLA candidate for the Nellore city segment by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. I firmly believe that Nellore city stands as a stronghold of the YSRC. The transformative schemes initiated by the Chief Minister have permeated nearly every household in the State. MLA Anil Kumar has also initiated many works for developing the constituency.”
