Polio drive launched in NTR, Andhra; "Campaign to ensure every child under 5 gets polio drops", says NTR collector

Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) [India], December 21 (ANI): NTR district Collector Lakshmi Sha on Sunday inaugurated the Pulse Polio programme by administering polio drops to children at the launch event in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
Speaking on the occasion, the Collector said, "The immunisation day is being conducted across the state and in our entire district on December 21st, 2025. The main purpose of this campaign is to ensure that every child under 5 years old gets two drops of polio so they can be healthy and happy in the future."
He appealed to the public to participate in the drive, saying, "We are requesting that all parents and all citizens be part of it..."
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu met Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi on Friday and sought the Centre's approval for the Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada Metro Rail Projects.
The Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that revised Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for both metro systems have already been submitted for approval and emphasised early clearance to accelerate development in the state's fastest-growing urban centres.
He explained the importance of modern urban mobility for Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, saying, "Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada require robust, modern and sustainable urban mobility solutions to keep pace with their expanding populations, growing economic activity and rising transportation demands."
Highlighting the benefits of metro connectivity, he said, "Metro rail connectivity would significantly reduce congestion, enhance productivity, improve mobility for citizens, and support long-term economic growth."
CM Naidu urged the Union Minister to fast-track the approval process, so groundwork for both metro projects can begin at the earliest.
The Andhra Pradesh CM also met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and requested funding support through Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) for developing Rayalaseema as a horticulture hub.
He said, "Delighted to meet the Hon'ble Union Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman Ji, in New Delhi today. With the support of Central initiatives such as Purvodaya, Andhra Pradesh has the potential to emerge as a major growth engine for eastern India."
Naidu added, "I also requested funding support through SASCI, support for our plans to develop Rayalaseema as a horticulture hub, and Central budgetary assistance to accelerate the long-term economic development of our state." (ANI)