Collective effort

V. SESHADRI, who stepped down as Chittoor District Collector on April 13 following his transfer to Ranga Reddy district as Collector, can justifiably be proud of the number of projects he got implemented under his watch.

His successor, Solomon Arokiaraj, is also keen on pursuing the projects with the same zeal. He has identified drinking water as a priority issue in the semi-arid district. As in the last two years, when Chittoor bagged awards for its implementation of the MGNREGS, my focus will be on pilferage-free execution of the scheme, says Arokiaraj. He has set for himself the ambitious target of implementing the Rs.4,500-crore water project sanctioned by Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy as a special centenary' gift for the district.

Be it the hassle-free implementation of the MGNREGS, rapid industrialisation, impressive social security schemes, boost to agriculture or bank linkage to thrift groups at never-before levels, Chittoor has achieved many a milestone in the past two years. Besides, several new facilities, such as food processing parks, hospitals and centres of higher learning are coming up.

The Christian Medical College (CMC) Hospital in Vellore is setting up an extension centre on 600 acres near Mapakshi village on the Chittoor-Vellore highway. Situated just 25 km from the main campus, it will have a superspecialty hospital and a centre for advanced medical research. The new facility will be connected to the main hospital with a dedicated broadband cable to promote telemedicine. Similarly, the Apollo Hospitals group is setting up a knowledge park at Murakambattu village on the outskirts of Chittoor. The foundation for the project is expected to be laid in May.

Mangoes and tomatoes alone can either fetch or ditch' the farmers in the district. Chittoor has as many as 69 food processing units, said to be the largest number in the country, to process the fruits. The output of the two horticultural crops is such that any number of additional units are welcome.

Srini Mega Food Park, taking shape at Mogili village between Chittoor and Palamaner on the Bangalore highway, is poised to become one of the largest integrated food parks in the country. This Special Economic Zone will focus on food processing units.

A.D. Rangarajan in Tirupati