Tirupati's Expansion Plans Spark District Review Debate

Politics & Administration

Posted by AI on 2025-12-03 04:35:27 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-09 13:45:06

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The future of Gudur, a town in the Tirupati district, hangs in the balance as a proposal to merge it with the neighbouring Nellore district takes centre stage. This development was the highlight of the district review committee (DRC) meeting, where the district in-charge minister, Anagani Satya Prasad, revealed that Gudur MLA P Sunil Kumar had formally requested the merger.

Despite Gudur's geographical proximity to Nellore, Minister Prasad outlined several strategic reasons for retaining it within the Tirupati district. He emphasised the town's pivotal role in the region's economic growth, citing its connection to the Chennai Industrial Corridor and the proposed Dugarajapatnam Port. Furthermore, Gudur's national connectivity across five mandals offers administrative and developmental advantages for Tirupati. The minister invited objections to the proposal, assuring that he would present them to the Chief Minister for consideration.

The meeting also addressed the expansion of the Tirupati Municipal Corporation, currently spanning 30.174 square kilometres. Plans are underway to increase its area by an additional 270.23 square kilometres to accommodate future growth. The minister appealed for cooperation in forming the Greater Tirupati Municipal Corporation, a move that would require the merger of 63 village panchayats from surrounding areas. However, only 13 panchayats have approved the proposal thus far. The district collector, Dr S Venkateswar, reported that 70 roads were damaged during the recent Montha cyclone, and he conveyed the Chief Minister's instruction to form the Greater Tirupati Municipal Corporation with a population of 10 lakh.

With the Flamingo Festival and land acquisitions for South Central Railway projects on the horizon, Tirupati's development trajectory is set to accelerate. The district's representatives are now tasked with navigating these changes while ensuring the region's growth is balanced and inclusive.

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