CPI Urges Andhra Pradesh to Compensate Rain-Hit Farmers and Restore Power
CPI's G. Eswaraiah has asked Andhra Pradesh to pay special compensation to rain-affected farmers and residents, citing crop damage, power disruption and seven deaths.
CPI State secretary G. Eswaraiah has called on the Andhra Pradesh government to extend immediate relief and special compensation to farmers, tenant farmers and others affected by heavy rains brought by a severe depression.
In a statement issued on Friday, he sought compensation for damage to crops and houses as well as for the loss of lives reported in the north coastal and coastal districts. According to preliminary estimates, seven people died after electricity poles and wires fell in several districts, he said, adding that power supply was disrupted in 1,468 villages.
Mr. Eswaraiah said 276 electricity poles fell in Srikakulam district, while around 129 poles and 31 transformers were damaged in Vizianagaram district. He urged officials to restore power on a war-footing without compromising safety.
He also pressed for a comprehensive crop loss survey to be carried out with the village as the unit. Paddy, maize, banana, papaya and vegetable crops were damaged across several districts, he noted.
Compensation, input subsidy and crop insurance benefits, he said, should reach tenant farmers on the basis of the actual cultivator rather than the landowner.
The CPI leader cautioned that heavy rain in some areas should not be read as the end of drought in the State. Drought relief must continue in the affected areas, he said, while separate flood relief is provided to rain-hit regions.
Mr. Eswaraiah further sought round-the-clock monitoring of the Budameru, Munneru, Kattaleru and Vaira river systems, along with advance warnings to residents downstream. He called for immediate repairs to damaged roads, bridges and culverts, assistance to affected families and a special flood-relief package.