CM Chandrababu Reviews Cyclone Damage, Assures Relief to Affected Farmers

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday directed officials to create wider awareness among farmers about crop insurance, emphasising that insurance coverage and input subsidies provide financial protection during natural calamities. He made the remarks during his visit to cyclone-affected areas of Bapatla and Guntur districts, where he inspected damaged crops, interacted with farmers and reviewed relief and restoration measures.

At Jillellamudi in Bapatla mandal, the Chief Minister inspected the swollen stream near the bridge and submerged paddy fields. He also reviewed damaged roads between Jillellamudi and Rethuru. Later, he visited Rethuru village in the Prattipadu constituency and walked through agricultural fields with farmers, enquiring about crop losses and cultivation investments.

Farmers complained that the gates of the Nallamada drain had been damaged and requested immediate repairs. Responding to their concerns, Chandrababu instructed officials to prepare proposals either to repair the existing gates or install new ones. He also called for measures to prevent floodwater from entering fields and ensure efficient utilisation of available water. He interacted with local representatives and water users' associations, reviewing the removal of weeds and other obstructions from canals and sluices.

Farmers in Rethuru explained that they had cultivated paddy using water supplied through the Pattiseema project but lost their crops just before harvesting due to Cyclone Murasu. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of planning irrigation releases ahead of the cultivation season and highlighted how the Polavaram project could support early cultivation and help minimise cyclone-related crop losses.

Preliminary estimates indicate that Cyclones Arnab and Murasu damaged crops across 1.40 lakh hectares, affecting more than 1.80 lakh farmers. Horticultural crops suffered damage across 6,749 hectares, impacting 12,586 farmers. The government released Rs 37 crore for immediate assistance to cyclone-hit districts.

Chandrababu said around 30,000 electricity poles damaged during Arnab had been restored, while another 10,000 were damaged during Murasu. Assistance from Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu was being obtained to accelerate restoration, including electricity supply to aquaculture ponds.

He said the government was continuously assessing the damage and providing updates to the Centre. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also sought details about the cyclone situation. The Chief Minister assured farmers that assistance would reach every affected person and urged the public not to take cyclone warnings lightly.

He said the government would pursue a permanent solution to the Nallamada drain problem. While coastal districts faced recurring cyclone threats, Rayalaseema was struggling with water scarcity due to El Nino. Central teams had visited the region to study drought conditions. He reiterated the government's commitment to water security, efficient water management and preventing precious water from flowing wastefully into the sea.

Taking a dig at the previous government, Chandrababu said public welfare had taken precedence over elections during the disaster response. He added that he would comment on other political matters after the Parishad election results.