For NDA govt., welfare, relief ops take priority over polls and politics, says Naidu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday accused the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government of causing extensive damage to Andhra Pradesh and criticised its leaders for undertaking what he termed publicity-oriented visits to cyclone-hit areas. He said his government had placed public welfare and relief operations above elections and political considerations while dealing with the successive cyclones.

Mr. Naidu made the remarks during his visit to cyclone-affected areas in Bapatla and Guntur districts, where he inspected inundated paddy fields and interacted with farmers who suffered crop losses just before harvest due to Cyclone Murasu.

Taking a swipe at the Opposition, he said some leaders were keen on creating difficulties for the government and added that he would respond to political issues after the completion of the parishad election process.

Mr. Naidu said cyclones Arnab and Murasu had caused extensive damage across the State, with coastal districts bearing the brunt of the latest storm. Farmers who had overcome the El Nino-induced drought and water shortages with irrigation supplies from the Pattiseema project had suffered losses just when their crops were ready for harvest.

The government was undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the damage caused by both cyclones and regularly sharing information with the Centre, he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also enquired about the impact of the storms.

The Chief Minister said the government was mobilising personnel and equipment from Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to expedite restoration works. Nearly 30,000 electricity poles damaged during Cyclone Arnab had been restored, while another 10,000 poles were damaged by Cyclone Murasu. Restoration of power supply to aquaculture ponds was also being taken up on priority.

Assuring farmers that relief would reach every affected person, he said officials would remain in the affected areas until the last person received assistance. He appealed to people to take advance cyclone warnings seriously, stressing that preparedness was essential to minimise damage.

During his visit to Jillellamudi and Returu villages, Mr. Naidu inspected submerged paddy fields, damaged roads and irrigation infrastructure. Farmers drew his attention to damaged gates of the Nallamada drain, prompting him to direct officials to prepare proposals for their repair or replacement.

Calling for a permanent solution to the drain problem to prevent flooding of agricultural fields and ensure productive utilisation of excess water, he said advance planning of irrigation releases could help farmers complete cultivation before the cyclone season, and completion of the Polavaram project would provide greater flexibility in managing irrigation supplies and planning cropping schedules.

Highlighting the contrasting challenges facing the State, Mr. Naidu said coastal districts were battling cyclone damage while Rayalaseema was facing water scarcity due to El Nino.

The government was according priority to water security and efficient management, as substantial quantities of water from coastal areas were flowing into the sea even as Rayalaseema continued to face shortages. Central teams had visited the drought-hit region to assess the situation. The government would intensify awareness campaigns on crop insurance, he said and assured farmers that insurance and input subsidy assistance would help them recover from natural calamities.