State Unprepared For Severity Of "Nilam": YSRCP

The YSR Congress party on Tuesday came down heavily on the state government for its total failure in anticipating the intensity of the Nilam cyclone and the resultant floods in the state.

Addressing media persons here, party MLA G Srikanth Reddy demanded that the government make immediate arrangements for payment of financial relief to the victims who suffered property and crop losses due to the heavy floods. He said that there were neither medical camps nor drinking water supplies in the flood-hit areas. Heavy property and crop losses occurred in Krishna, Guntur, Prakasham and Godavari districts because of the government’s negligence, and the victims should be compensated immediately.

Taking objection to Minister Raghuvera Reddy’s announcement that there was no danger from Nilam, Srikanth Reddy sought an explanation from the Minister on what basis he made the statement. “The Government should openly admit its failure in anticipating the intensity of the natural calamity, and take steps for immediate relief to the farmers and others who lost their crops and property,” he demanded.

It is good that the government has announced ex-gratia for the families of those who lost their lives in the floods, but an immediate announcement of relief for others is also important, he said.

Srinkanth Reddy objected to the statements of some ministers that central teams would visit to assess the flood damage. “What is the use of such teams? The government has not yet paid the input subsidy promised to farmers during the Jal cyclone in the past,” he remarked.

Criticising TDP President N Chandrababu Naidu, the YSRCP leader said that Naidu was desperate for power and his visits to the flood hit areas seemed to be aimed at votes. During his nine-year rule, Naidu never thought of irrigation, drainage system and loan or interest waiver but now he is making all sorts of promises to the people. “He kept quiet when Karnataka built projects during his rule and because of that we are experiencing the floods now,” he said, adding that people won’t believe his promises going by his past record. (INN)