State Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy on Saturday laid foundation stone for the reconstruction of ancient Sri Kondandarama Swami temple in DC Palle village in SPSR Nellore district.

Addressing the gather at the event, the Minister announced plans to develop 800 temples in the State with a financial outlay of ₹1,100 crore.

Meanwhile, the Minister reiterated his resolve to complete Anam Sanjeeva Reddy (ASR) Somasila High Level Canal and bring water to the remote Marripadu mandal of Nellore district.

Mr Reddy recalled prolonged underdevelopment on various fronts in the mandal and said the NDA alliance regime was committed to ensuring overall development of the State's backward pockets.

The canal would be completed at any cost to quench the thirst of the parched Marripadu mandal, he said, adding that the project will soon “become a reality”.

He recalled his role as Cabinet Minister in the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh in getting sanction for the prestigious project, the works of which have been completed up to 68%.

He criticised the previous government for neglecting the project by relegating it to the back burner till 2024.