Andhra Pradesh Micro Irrigation Project (APMIP) district director S. Subbarayudu succumbed to COVID late Friday night when he was moved from a private hospital in the city to the Super Specialty Hospital for an intensive care bed.
He was 58 years old and is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.
Subbarayudu, who was significantly involved in the operation of the first Kisan Rail in South India from Anantapur to Delhi last year, monitored the transport of 4.5 tons of mangoes to Delhi via the Doodh Duronto Express earlier this week. He was also a COVID nodal officer and monitored air crews in private hospitals.
He had complained of a fever on Tuesday but did not suspect it was COVID and attributed it to work pressure.
Although he had no other symptoms, his health suddenly deteriorated on Friday morning and he was admitted to a private hospital in the city. When his oxygen saturation level dropped to 60%, he was taken to the Super Specialty Hospital for an intensive care bed. But when he was taken there, he was pronounced dead.
Anantapur Urban MLA Anantha Venkatarami Reddy mourned Subbarayudu and said he was a reliable officer who did his best to help the farmers in the district.
Subbarayudu came to Anantapur five years ago as deputy horticultural director and was promoted to project director of APMIP more than a year ago.