Sileru Village Greenlights Water Aerodrome Project with Key Demands
In a significant development for regional infrastructure, the residents of Sileru village in G K Veedhi mandal, Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district, have formally approved the construction of a water aerodrome on the Sileru River. This project is part of a broader initiative to introduce seaplane services aimed at enhancing tourism and connectivity across Andhra Pradesh.
Local Consent with Conditions for Employment and Infrastructure
While extending their support, the local community, including tribal leaders and village representatives, has set forth clear demands. They have emphasized the need for employment opportunities for tribal youth and the development of essential road infrastructure to ensure the project's success and benefit the area.
At a public hearing held in Sileru, key figures such as MPTC member P Samba Murthy, sarpanch Durdo, and other tribal leaders expressed no objection to the aerodrome. However, they insisted that priority must be given to hiring local residents. They specifically highlighted that a road from RV Nagar to Palagedda must be developed to facilitate tourist access; without this, the tourism potential of the aerodrome could be severely hampered.
Government Assurance on Jobs and Training
In response to these demands, ITDA project officer Tirumani Pooja provided assurances during the hearing. She stated that once the water aerodrome is constructed, local youth would be provided with employment opportunities. Specifically, if the gram panchayat passes a resolution, approximately 50 qualified youths are expected to secure jobs.
The employment breakdown includes 15 positions as security guards, 11 in fire and patrolling wings, and the remainder in various other departments. Additionally, all selected candidates will receive skill training to equip them for their roles, ensuring they are well-prepared for the new opportunities.
Broader Context of Andhra Pradesh's Seaplane Initiative
This project is not isolated but part of a larger state government plan to boost tourism and connectivity through commercial seaplane services. Following a successful trial run from Prakasam Barrage to Srisailam in November 2024, the government has proposed nine locations across Andhra Pradesh for such services.
Sileru is one of these proposed sites, alongside other prominent locations like Amaravati, Visakhapatnam, Gandikota, and Tirupati. The water aerodromes are to be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode as part of the UDAN–RCS (Regional Connectivity Scheme) initiative, which aims to make air travel more accessible and affordable.
Infrastructure and Environmental Considerations
To address the road development demand, it was confirmed that the construction of the 15-kilometer main road leading to the aerodrome will be undertaken by the project contractor. This is crucial for ensuring that tourists can easily reach the site, thereby maximizing the tourism benefits of the seaplane services.
The public hearing also saw the attendance of several officials, including environment engineer B B Sarita, K Venkateswara Rao, GK Veedhi tahsildar Annaji Rao, AP Genco SE Zakir Hussain, and EE Balakrishna. Their presence underscores the project's importance and the collaborative effort between local communities and government authorities to move forward with this initiative.
Overall, the approval from Sileru village marks a positive step towards enhancing regional connectivity and tourism in Andhra Pradesh, with a focus on inclusive growth through local employment and infrastructure development.
