Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh has accelerated efforts to fulfill the promises he made to the people of Mangalagiri constituency. As part of these commitments, he recently laid the foundation stone for a long-awaited retaining wall project in Tadepalli, a development expected to provide permanent relief from flood threats to thousands of residents living along the Krishna river basin.
The retaining wall project, estimated to cost around ₹294.20 crore, has been designed to protect low-lying residential areas from severe flooding. People in the region have been demanding this project for several years due to recurring flood risks during heavy inflows into the Krishna River. Lokesh moved quickly after coming to power, securing administrative approval for the project within a year and completing the tender process to ensure the work begins without delay.
The proposed retaining wall has been planned with advanced engineering standards to withstand heavy flood conditions. Officials say the structure will be capable of handling water flows of up to 15 lakh cusecs. Unlike a conventional protective wall, the project will use a highly durable pile-raft foundation system. Nearly 1,920 deep piles will be laid between 26 and 38 meters below ground level to strengthen the structure and ensure it can withstand strong water pressure and potential seismic activity.
Once completed, the retaining wall is expected to provide safety to nearly 50,000 residents living in flood-prone areas such as Sundarayya Nagar and Mahanadu Colony. These areas have historically faced repeated flooding concerns, particularly during periods of heavy river discharge. The project will also act as a protective barrier for important locations within the Amaravati capital region and safeguard National Highway-65 from flood damage.
Lokesh has been emphasizing rapid development in Mangalagiri with the goal of transforming it into a model constituency. Along with infrastructure projects, he is focusing on economic development and employment generation. Plans are underway to establish industrial parks and skill development centers aimed at supporting the local handloom community and creating new opportunities for workers.
The minister is also encouraging IT and allied industries to set up operations in and around Mangalagiri to create local employment opportunities for youth. At the same time, the government has been addressing long-pending issues such as land regularization and distribution of house site pattas to eligible families, providing relief to many residents.
With multiple development initiatives moving forward simultaneously, Lokesh is positioning Mangalagiri as a rapidly developing constituency. Supporters say his approach reflects a commitment to delivering on electoral promises and accelerating infrastructure and economic growth in the region.