Anantapur Hub

November 2025

“Scout on Wheels” football campaign launched in Anantapur region under India Khelo Football initiative

The state of Andhra Pradesh, in partnership with the grassroots sports organisation India Khelo Football (IKF), has rolled out its “Scout on Wheels” road-show across the Rayalaseema region — with the city of Anantapur as a key stop. The campaign — a 45-day football talent hunt targeting underserved towns and villages — is being hosted by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) and aims to identify young footballers aged 11-17, engage their families, and integrate girls into the sport. Anantapur’s participation will include local football clinics, scouting trials on artificial and grass turf, parent-workshops on supporting athletic pathways and specialised modules for girls’ sports development. Organisers say the campaign will help “take football directly to communities” and open pathways to professional clubs, coaching and sports-science careers for youth in rural districts. With the mobilisation of over 1,000 players, 2,000 parent engagements and 300 girl athletes targeted, this initiative underscores Anantapur’s emerging role as a sporting hub in Rayalaseema. The event also links to broader community upliftment, using sport as a tool for life-skills, inclusion and local pride.

“Scout on Wheels” football campaign launched in Anantapur region under India Khelo Football initiative Read More »

Anantapur Sports Academy records major infrastructural upgrade for rural centres

The Anantapur Sports Academy (ASA), based at the Anantapur Sports Village, has announced a significant infrastructure upgrade across its rural development centres in the Anantapur district. The organisation currently runs nearly 96 grassroots centres and 3 regional development hubs catering to thousands of children and youth in sports like cricket, football, hockey, judo and kabaddi. Officials say the upgrades include new flood-lit synthetic grounds, improved hostel facilities, modern training equipment and daily nutrition support to enhance performance and participation among rural athletes. These efforts mark an important step in bringing high-quality sports infrastructure to underserved areas of Rayalaseema.

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Large-scale investment spurs tourism in Anantapur: renewables, industry & heritage tie-up

The Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh is undergoing a transformative phase of development, where renewable energy investment, industrial growth and heritage tourism are converging to reshape the region’s economy and visitor appeal. At the heart of this change is the massive ₹22,000 crore investment by ReNew Power in Anantapur — one of India’s largest integrated renewable energy projects, comprising 1,800 MW of solar, 1 GW of wind power and a 2 GWh battery-storage system. This clean-energy mega-project, located in Bethapalli (Gooty Mandal) in Anantapur, is expected to generate thousands of jobs, upgrade power infrastructure and boost connectivity — elements that directly benefit tourism growth in the region. Alongside energy and industry, the state government has given new focus to heritage and tourism development in towns like Anantapur and surrounding Rayalaseema. Under the tourism push, initiatives include international-standard homestays in temple and heritage towns, special events to attract visitors, and industrial-tourism tie-ups. For example, as Anantapur’s renewable and industrial infrastructure expands, visitors drawn by heritage sites such as the Lepakshi Temple or the Penukonda Fort may also benefit from improved access, amenities, and local services. Local officials believe the synergy of industry + heritage will lengthen visitor stays, spread tourism off the beaten path, and stimulate allied sectors like hospitality, handicrafts and transportation. However, the transition comes with challenges. Local businesses must upgrade their standards, workforce skills must adapt, and heritage sites must be sustainably managed amid the influx of visitors. Successful integration will depend on balancing economic growth with preserving cultural value and environment. In short, what we’re witnessing in Anantapur is a three-pronged growth model: If this model succeeds, Anantapur could shift from being a largely agrarian district into a regional hub of clean energy, heritage tourism and industrial services — setting an example for the broader Rayalaseema region.

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Diamond rush in Rayalaseema: Anantapur villagers join migrant search in fields

Early monsoon rains have triggered an unexpected boom in the fields of the Rayalaseema region, with villagers and migrant workers in Anantapur district turning to diamond hunting alongside their kharif cultivation. Reports show farmers in rain-washed lands of Anantapur and neighboring districts now search for precious stones in villages like Tuggali and Peravali, where heavy rains strip topsoil and expose buried gems. Long considered a folklore activity, diamond hunting has gained renewed momentum this season — people work in black-soil fields for hours, sometimes discovering diamonds worth lakhs of rupees. The region’s tradition stretches back centuries, with connections to the famed Golconda/Kolconda diamond mines. Despite occasional big wins — such as stones reportedly sold for ₹13 lakh or more — many hunters return home empty-handed. Local farmers, landowners, and traders warn of unregulated sales and exploitation: large syndicates offer distressed prices while claiming rights to purchase the finds. Officials say there is currently no formal system of oversight in the trade. The phenomenon also points to a changing rural economy: migrants return home during rains, redefine fields not just for crops but for glimmers of fortune. For Anantapur district, the diamond rush draws attention to the potential for alternative livelihoods, but also highlights the need for regulation, fair pricing, and land-rights safeguarding.

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Airport expansion plan: Anantapur in focus for new facility under AP infrastructure push

The state of Andhra Pradesh is steering strongly into aviation expansion, with plans under way to establish a green-field airport in the Anantapur district. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has given in-principle approval for a new airport in Anantapur, contingent upon the state government allocating around 1,200 acres of land. With air-connectivity growth already up by nearly 15% in the state this year, the proposed airport near Anantapur is expected to support the region’s emerging industrial, education, and tourism sectors — including the nearby town of Puttaparthi and numerous universities. Officials say the new facility will bolster the district’s logistics and economic prospects, bridging the gap between Rayalaseema and the major metropolitan corridors. While detailed site plans are still being drawn up, local stakeholders are preparing for infrastructure upgrades and land acquisition to pave the way for the airport’s development.

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CM N. Chandrababu Naidu announces ₹15,000 cash incentive for auto-drivers at Anantapur rally

Claiming credit for the implementation of super six promises made in the run-up to elections, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced 15,000 cash incentive to auto drivers, which will be given on Dasara.The NDA alliance parties held a huge public meeting at Anantapur on Wednesday to celebrate the successful implementation of super six promises made in the run-up to elections.The meeting, held in the name of ‘Super Six – Super Hit’, witnessed a huge turnout. Naidu expressed gratitude, stating, “We are all indebted to women, youth, farmers, and workers of three parties in the coalition for reposing faith in the alliance.” He noted that people are as exuberant as they were before the elections, emphasizing that the meeting was not for politics, votes, or elections but to inform the public that the NDA govt has delivered super six promises.Naidu highlighted that welfare is not about vote politics or giving temporary relief but improving the living standards of the poor. He outlined how all the promises were implemented. Taking on the previous YSRCP govt, Naidu alleged that the previous govt burdened the state with a 10 lakh-crore debt. Despite severe financial constraints, the NDA govt successfully delivered its promises, he said.Naidu said that education is a top priority for the NDA govt, and to help mothers sending their children to school, 15,000 assistance has been provided for every child. “This is not just a scheme which is costing the govt 10,000 crore, but an initiative to shape the future of children.”Naidu said that under the Stree Shakti scheme, free bus services to women have been provided, and five crore people utilised the service so far, saving over 200 crore for women, he said. Free cylinders under Deepam-2 are also aimed at helping women, he said.Highlighting the increased financial assistance under Annadata Sukhibhava, Naidu said that farmers are being given Rs 20,000 financial assistance in three phases. Naidu assured farmers that abundant urea stocks are available in the state and there will be no shortage of supply.Flaying YSRCP for criticising medical colleges, Naidu said that mere allotment of land does not mean that they have built medical colleges. He said that with the PPP model, accountability and quality of services will be brought in. A health insurance scheme will be given to everyone with 2.5 lakh coverage, and the poor people will be given 25 lakh coverage under the Arogya Sree scheme, he said, adding that the soon-to-be-launched Sanjeevani programme will be a game changer in the healthcare sector.Naidu challenged the opposition to come to the assembly, stating that the govt is ready to discuss any issue there. He criticised former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for demanding opposition status without attending the assembly, stating that it is the people of the state who grant opposition status.Cautioning the MLAs to be modest with people, Naidu said, “We are not rulers but servants to people. We should not be arrogant with people.” Deputy chief minister and Jana Sena chief K Pawan Kalyan, BJP state president PVN Madhav, TDP state president Palla Srinivas Rao, ministers, MLAs, and leaders from three political parties attended the event.

CM N. Chandrababu Naidu announces ₹15,000 cash incentive for auto-drivers at Anantapur rally Read More »

E-stamp fraud uncovered at Mee-Seva, Anantapur – 3 held

Anantapur police have unearthed a major e-stamp duty scam at a Mee-Seva centre in Kalyandurg, leading to the arrest of three people. SP P. Jagadeesh said that construction firms — SRC Infra, Neo Construction, and Suraj Infra — were defrauded of several lakhs in stamp duty payments. Investigations revealed that the accused paid as little as ₹2000 to the government while collecting over ₹16 lakh from clients. Police arrested Boya Yerrappa, Mohan Babu, and Bhuvaneswari, seizing computers, mobile phones, and e-stamp certificates. The accused reportedly misused over 15,800 e-stamps worth ₹32 lakh.

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Interstate gang arrested for temple burglaries in Anantapur

Anantapur police on Saturday busted an interstate gang involved in a series of temple and house burglaries across Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The arrests led to the recovery of 12.35 kg of silver ornaments worth Rs22 lakh, 44 grams of gold, 20 kg of brass bells, and 5 kg of copper utensils. According to Superintendent of Police P Jagadeesh, IPS, the gang had carried out thefts in nearly 20 cases targeting temples and isolated houses. The accused V Marriswamy alias Sangeetha (45), V Raju (37), and M Srinivasulu (49), all from Settur mandal of Anantapur district are repeat offenders with prior cases in both Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka’s Chitradurga, Hiriyur, Abbinahal, and Challikere regions. Police said the trio, addicted to gambling and alcohol, had fallen into debt and turned to theft to fund their habits. They mainly broke into temples located on village outskirts and houses in deserted areas, stealing valuables for resale. Among the targeted temples were Parlachedu Tatimaremmavari Temple, Chintarlapalli Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Kotthamiddele Peddamma Temple, Akkammamba Temple (Kalyandurg), and several Maremmavari and Sunkulamma shrines across Anantapur and Karnataka. The breakthrough came when Kalyandurg DSP Ravi Babu received credible information, leading to a special operation under CIs Neelakantheswara and Vamsikrishna. The gang was intercepted and arrested near Kurlapalli Cross. The SP lauded the efforts of the Kalyandurg Rural and UPS police teams for successfully cracking the interstate gang.

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Plans Underway for 10,000-Acre Aero & Defence City Near Anantapur District

The state government of Andhra Pradesh has taken a bold step toward transforming the region into a high-technology hub by identifying approximately 10,000 acres of land in the Lepakshi–Madakasira area of Anantapur District for the development of a large-scale aero and defence manufacturing city. The proposed site, located about an hour’s drive from Bengaluru’s airport, is strategically positioned to draw in major industry players. The plan reportedly includes the relocation or setting up of facilities for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for manufacturing advanced combat aircraft such as the AMCA and LCA, as well as ancillary aerospace and electronics units. A key objective behind this project is to leverage the availability of large land tracts, favourable state-level investment incentives, and a skilled workforce in Rayalaseema, thereby positioning the district as a “next-gen manufacturing corridor” in the country. Local officials say the facility is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, uplift local infrastructure, and drive economic development in towns such as Madakasira, Lepakshi, and surrounding mandals. However, the proposal has already stirred controversy and interstate tension. The neighbouring state of Karnataka has strongly objected to any relocation of HAL’s existing facilities out of Bengaluru, citing its dominant role in India’s aerospace and defence sector. Karnataka’s Minister for Industries remarked that shifting key operations would be “unacceptable” if it meant dismantling existing setups in Karnataka. Hindustan Times+1 For Anantapur district, the Aero & Defence City concept could mark a major shift from its traditional agrarian and textile economy toward aerospace, electronics, precision manufacturing, and defence supply chains. State officials emphasise that infrastructure such as access roads, power supply, and logistics connectivity will be fast-tracked. They also highlight that the proximity to Bengaluru and accessibility to national highways and railway lines gives Anantapur a competitive edge. Industrial analysts view the move as part of a broader ambition of the state’s leadership to attract ₹50,000 crore to ₹1 lakh crore of investments into high-technology sectors over the next five years. If realised, the city could become a stepping stone for Anantapur district to emerge from a regional economy into a national manufacturing hub. While early planning has begun, much depends on land acquisition, stakeholder alignment (including local farmers), environmental clearances, and the commitment of anchor investors. For now, the proposal remains a signal of great promise — one that could redefine the economic identity of Anantapur district in the coming years.

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ReNew to invest ~INR 22,000 crore to set up one of India’s largest hybrid RE projects in Andhra Pradesh

The project to have combined 2.8 GW of wind and solar generation capacity and 2 GWh of battery storage This will be one of the largest RE complexes at a single location in India and will be able to supply power for up to 4 peak hours every day Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, May 16, 2025: ReNew Energy Global Plc (“ReNew”), a leading decarbonisation solutions company, announced that it will invest ~INR 22,000 crore (US ~$2.5 billion) to set up one of India’s largest hybrid renewable energy projects in Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district. With a generation capacity of around 2.8 GW, including 1.8 GWp solar and 1 GW wind, and a battery energy storage system (BESS) of 2 GWh, this will be one of the largest RE complexes at a single location in India. Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Real Time Governance and Human Resources Development in the Govt of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Nara Lokesh, laid the foundation stone for the project in the presence of Sumant Sinha, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, ReNew. In the project’s first phase, ReNew will set up 587 MWp solar and 250 MW wind energy capacity, along with a 415 MWh BESS, for which PPAs have already been signed. The rest of the capacity will be developed in subsequent phases. With a large BESS to be installed, the project will be able to supply power for up to 4 peak hours every day (non-RE generating hours), which will help the off-takers with peak demand management and enable renewable energy to be more firm and dispatchable. Aligned with the Make in India mission, the project will be made up of 100% Made-in-India solar panels supplied from ReNew’s solar manufacturing units in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and Dholera, Gujarat. Additionally, it will use state-of-the-art solar tracking systems to maximise the generation, and waterless robotic cleaning for solar panels that will enable considerable savings of water. Commenting on the development, the Hon’ble Minister said, “This project is directly aligned with Andhra Pradesh’s Integrated Clean Energy Policy and contributes to India’s 500 GW non-fossil fuel goal by 2030. This project is a testament to Andhra Pradesh’s resurgence as a national leader in clean energy. We are building not just capacity, but also credibility and global investor confidence. I commend ReNew for this project and would look forward to more such investments in the future.” Sumant Sinha, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, ReNew, shared his views and said, “The state of Andhra Pradesh presents an attractive mix of investor-friendly policies, excellent transmission connectivity, and abundant availability of solar and wind resources. We are highly optimistic about developing large-scale renewable energy capacity in the state to contribute to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s commitment of achieving the target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel electricity generation capacity by the year 2030.” ReNew has a portfolio of 717 MW of operational wind capacity and 60 MW of solar capacity spread over 10 sites in Andhra Pradesh. The company is dedicated to promoting clean energy-led growth in the state, and with this project, it will generate ~1,500 direct and indirect jobs as it works in tandem with the government towards the state’s target of generating 78.5 GW of solar, 35 GW of wind power capacity, and 25 GWh of battery energy storage.

ReNew to invest ~INR 22,000 crore to set up one of India’s largest hybrid RE projects in Andhra Pradesh Read More »

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