Andhra Pradesh Government Aims to Complete 8 Lakh Houses by March 2025

In a determined effort to provide housing for the poor, the Andhra Pradesh government has announced an ambitious plan to complete the construction of 8 lakh houses by March 2025. Housing Minister K Pardha Saradhi laid out the government's strategy, emphasizing a focused and systematic approach to meet this target. This initiative is part of the larger Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme, which aims to provide affordable housing to all by 2022.

Accelerated Construction Timeline

To achieve this goal, the government has set a short-term target of completing 1.28 lakh houses within the next 100 days. Minister Saradhi explained that an action plan has been prepared to ensure timely completion. This includes allocating Rs. 2,520 crore for the construction of these housing units over the next three months. The minister underscored the government’s commitment to extend full support to beneficiaries to expedite the construction process.

"We have readied a roadmap to complete the construction of all the housing units under progress in a systematic manner. We will handhold all the beneficiaries in completion of the units," said Mr. Saradhi, highlighting the government’s proactive stance.

Infrastructure Development

Addressing infrastructure challenges in the housing colonies is a key component of the government’s strategy. The previous administration faced criticism for neglecting infrastructure, leaving many housing projects incomplete or lacking essential amenities. Mr. Saradhi assured that the current government is committed to rectifying these issues.

“We will clear the infrastructure troubles in the housing colonies in a phased manner by making field visits. We have decided to utilize fly ash from VTPS, NTPC, Nellore, and RTTPS power plants for laying roads and leveling low-lying colonies. The government will bear the cost of transporting fly ash to these colonies,” he stated.

This move is expected to not only improve the living conditions in the housing colonies but also contribute to environmental sustainability by utilizing industrial by-products.

Focus on Stage Conversion

The government has also decided to allow stage conversion for about 6 lakh housing units that have not yet commenced. This decision is aimed at helping beneficiaries launch construction works shortly, providing a significant boost to the overall housing project.

Saradhi highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is particularly focused on providing houses for the poor. “We will complete 1.28 lakh houses in 100 days and aim to complete another 8 lakh houses before March 2025,” he reiterated.

Regular Monitoring and Support

To ensure the timely completion of the housing units, the minister announced that he would review the progress of the projects every month with the district general managers of the department. Additional staff will be deployed in the colonies, and the services of local village and ward secretariats will be utilized to closely monitor the progress.

Mr. Saradhi also stressed the importance of collaboration with local authorities and community engagement to ensure the success of the housing projects. Special Chief Secretary Ajey Jain, Housing Special Secretary Mydeen Diwan, Housing Corporation Managing Director Lakshmi Shah, and all district managers were present during the announcement, reflecting the high level of coordination and commitment to the initiative.

This ambitious housing initiative not only reflects the government’s commitment to improving living conditions for the economically disadvantaged but also contributes to the broader goal of urban development and sustainable growth in Andhra Pradesh. As the construction progresses, the government’s proactive measures and community support are expected to play crucial roles in achieving this monumental task.