Andhra Pradesh Government Approves Flood Protection Wall

The Andhra Pradesh State Cabinet has recently approved proposal to construct a flood protection wall along the Krishna River. This initiative aims to address recurring flood issues in the region, particularly in Vijayawada and surrounding areas. The decision comes after the government previously built a retaining wall on the left margin of the river, which inadvertently led to soil erosion and further flooding.

Flood Protection Measures

The proposed flood protection wall will be built from 0.9 km to 2.61 km downstream of the Prakasam Barrage. The construction will take place in Tadepalli village, Guntur district, at a cost of ₹294.20 crore. This wall is expected to protect areas such as Sundarayya Nagar and Mahanadu Colony from future flooding during monsoon seasons.

Financial Strategies for Agricultural Support

To support the procurement of kharif paddy for the 2024-25 season, the Cabinet has approved an additional loan of ₹700 crore from the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) to the A.P. State Cooperative Marketing Federation Limited (AP MARKFED). This is in addition to the previously secured loan of ₹6,000 crore. The Cabinet also waived the government guarantee commission associated with this loan.

Electricity Tariff Reductions

In response to requests from the A.P. Ferro Alloys Producers’ Association, the Cabinet extended reductions in electricity tariffs and duties until March 31, 2025. This decision is aligned with the existing Government Order issued in November 2023, aimed at supporting local industries.

Expansion of Anna Canteens

The Cabinet approved the establishment of 63 new Anna Canteens in various Assembly constituencies, each costing approximately ₹61 lakh. This initiative aims to enhance food security and welfare, with a total estimated cost of ₹38.43 crore. So far, 203 Anna Canteens have been successfully established across the state.

Mini Hydel Projects Approval

The Cabinet also gave its nod for the establishment of two mini hydel plants by M/s May Encans (P) Limited. The first plant will have a capacity of 1 MW and the second will be 2.7 MW. Both plants will be located near the Sardar Gouthu Latchanna Thotapalli Barrage on the Nagavali River, promoting renewable energy initiatives in the state.

Land Transfer for Industrial Development

The Cabinet approved the waiver of stamp duty and registration fees for transferring 2,595.74 acres of land from the A.P. Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) to the Special Purpose Vehicle of the A.P. Industrial Corridors Development Corporation (APICDC) in Kadapa district. A similar waiver was approved for the transfer of 2,621.15 acres in Kurnool district, facilitating industrial growth in these regions.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the impact of flood protection measures on local communities and economies.
2. Critically discuss the role of cooperative societies in agricultural procurement in India.
3. With suitable examples, discuss the significance of renewable energy projects in sustainable development.
4. Analyse the implications of waiving stamp duties on land transfers for industrial development.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the impact of flood protection measures on local communities and economies.

1. Flood protection measures reduce the risk of property damage and loss of life during monsoon floods.
2. They enhance agricultural productivity by safeguarding farmlands from flooding, thus supporting local economies.
3. Improved infrastructure encourages investment and development in flood-prone areas, boosting economic activity.
4. Communities benefit from increased confidence in safety, leading to better quality of life and stability.
5. Long-term flood management can decrease government spending on disaster relief and recovery efforts.

2. Critically discuss the role of cooperative societies in agricultural procurement in India.

1. Cooperative societies facilitate the collective bargaining power of farmers, ensuring fair prices for their produce.
2. They provide essential services like credit, storage, and marketing, which enhance farmers’ income and reduce wastage.
3. Government support for cooperatives, such as loans and guarantees, strengthens their capacity to procure and distribute agricultural products.
4. Cooperatives promote financial inclusion by providing access to banking and insurance services for rural farmers.
5. They play important role in stabilizing market prices and ensuring food security in the country.

3. With suitable examples, discuss the significance of renewable energy projects in sustainable development.

1. Renewable energy projects reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
2. Examples include solar farms and wind turbines, which provide clean energy and create jobs in local communities.
3. Investments in renewable energy stimulate technological innovation and improve energy security for nations.
4. Projects like mini hydel plants promote local economic development while preserving natural resources.
5. Renewable energy contributes to energy diversification, enhancing resilience against energy supply disruptions.

4. Analyse the implications of waiving stamp duties on land transfers for industrial development.

1. Waiving stamp duties lowers the financial burden on businesses, encouraging investment in industrial projects.
2. It accelerates land acquisition processes, facilitating quicker development of infrastructure and industries.
3. Such policies can attract more investors, leading to job creation and economic growth in the region.
4. However, it may reduce government revenue from land transactions, impacting public services and infrastructure funding.
5. Long-term industrial development can lead to land use changes, necessitating careful planning to avoid environmental degradation.