Naidu Inspects Cyclone-Hit Bapatla: Every Affected Farmer Will Get Aid
Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu visits Bapatla to assess crop loss from Cyclone Murusu and assures full assistance to affected farmers.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu took to the ground on Friday, visiting the cyclone-ravaged fields of Bapatla district to personally assess the devastation. In a move to reassure the agricultural community, the Chief Minister promised that the state government would provide comprehensive assistance to every single person affected by the natural calamity.
On-Ground Assessment: From Jillellamudi to Returu
The Chief Minister's visit was an intensive tour of the damage. Walking from Jillellamudi to Returu, Naidu interacted directly with farmers whose livelihoods have been submerged. He spent significant time examining the floodwater flow near the Jillellamudi bridge and trekking along irrigation channels and field bunds to witness the extent of the paddy crop destruction.
During these interactions, Naidu delved into the specifics of the farmers' losses, inquiring about their total investments, the yields they had anticipated, and the exact scale of the damage caused by Cyclone Murusu.
Addressing Infrastructure Failures
The visit wasn't just about crops; it also highlighted critical infrastructure failures. As Naidu traversed the route, he observed road stretches that had been eroded by the floods. Farmers specifically pointed out damaged gates at the Nallamada stream, which had severely hampered water management efforts.
Responding immediately, the Chief Minister ordered officials to:
- Repair all damaged gates.
- Draft proposals for the installation of new gates where necessary.
- Develop a permanent solution for the Nallamada drain problem.
The Double Blow: El Niño and Cyclones
Addressing a gathering at Returu, Chief Minister Naidu expressed deep concern over the timing of the disasters. He noted that farmers had already been struggling with the effects of El Niño. Just as they had resumed cultivation using water supplied via Pattiseema and were expecting a bountiful harvest, the onslaught of Cyclones Arnab and Murusu struck.
The Chief Minister identified Guntur, Bapatla, and Prakasam as the hardest-hit districts. He emphasized that the government is conducting a thorough assessment to ensure that aid reaches the "last beneficiary." To mitigate the financial blow, he pointed toward crop insurance and input subsidies as vital tools for recovering lost investments.
Restoring Power and Seeking Inter-State Support
The scale of the infrastructure damage was revealed in the numbers regarding the power grid. Naidu stated that while 30,000 electricity poles damaged during Cyclone Arnab had already been restored, another 10,000 were knocked down by Cyclone Murusu. He confirmed that restoring power to aquaculture ponds is currently a top priority.
Recognizing the magnitude of the crisis, the Andhra Pradesh government has reached out to neighboring states—Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu—for assistance in relief and restoration operations. The Chief Minister also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been kept informed and has personally enquired about the situation.
The Contrast: Floods vs. Drought
In a poignant observation on the state's weather extremes, Naidu highlighted the paradoxical crisis facing Andhra Pradesh. While the coastal regions are battling repeated cyclones and excess water flowing into the sea, the Rayalaseema region is grappling with drought-like conditions due to El Niño.
With central teams already visiting Rayalaseema to assess the drought, Naidu asserted that the government is now prioritizing "water security." He announced that comprehensive plans will be developed to manage water more efficiently, ensuring that floodwaters are utilized effectively rather than wasted.
The Chief Minister's visit concluded with an aerial survey of the affected regions before his departure from the Suryalanka Air Force Station.