Chandrababu Naidu wants cement cos to up capacity, push development

HYDERABAD: Anticipating a construction boom in the state on "an unprecedented scale", Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today asked cement companies to ramp up capacity.

Housing projects, including those for the poor, an annual construction of about 5,000 kms of roads, extension of ports and airports, the Polavaram multi-purpose irrigation project and above all, formation of the new capital city are some of the ventures that need cement on a massive scale, Naidu said.

He was speaking at a meeting with representatives of cement industries, an official release said.

According to an official estimate, 35,97,869 metric tonnes of cement will be required every quarter for construction of 5.26 lakh houses for the poor under various development schemes.

The government, Naidu said, has identified the cement industry as an important growth engine.

He told the participants that they should supply cement to the government at reasonable prices and not hike prices in the open market.

Calling for "restraint" in pricing, he said the government may have to intervene, if need be.

The government is also keen on completing pending irrigation projects on a priority basis, the chief minister added. The Polavaram project is expected to start soon.

Meanwhile, Naidu urged officials and public representatives to take initiatives to bring the state on top in the country by 2029.

Naidu, Home Minister N Chinna Rajappa, Finance Minister Y Ramakrishnudu held a video conference with district collectors.

The Chief Minister urged officials and public representatives to prepare a strategy and take steps to keep Andhra Pradesh in the first position in the country by 2029, a government statement said.

Animal Husbandry department has shown development, steps are on to develop agriculture sector also, he said.

There were more development prospects in horticulture. So special focus is to be laid on the sector, he added.

He also said that for the first time in the country, river linkage was done with Pattiseema project in the state.

The wastage of Godavari water was linked with Krishna water and then it was diverted to drought prone Rayalaseema to solve drinking and irrigation water problem, the release said.