Monitor relief operations in drought affected areas: CM

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Hyderabad, Sep 10 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today directed the MLAs, public representatives and District Collectors to monitor the relief programmes in the drought-affected villages in the state.

Before leaving for Visakhapatnam, the Chief Minister discussed the drought conditions and the ongoing relief measures with senior officials concerned. He wanted the officials to personally monitor the situation and take steps on war-footing.

Dr Reddy reiterated that the only permanent solution to overcome the recurring drought was completion of all irrigation projects under 'Jalayagnam' as per schedule.

Following deficiency in rainfall, cultivation could not be taken up in 8.54 lakh hectares in the state, he said adding that due to prolonged dry spells, crops cultivated in 5.35 lakh hectares were withering.

The Chief Minister directed the officials to provide timely technical advise to farmers on crop planning and crop shifts based on farming situation and rainfall patterns.

A Call Centre with a toll free number 1100 has been opened in the city, he said adding that scientists were available round-the-clock to give technical advice to the farmers.

The Chief Minister said the government was providing several relief measures like 50 per cent seed subsidy for crops, input subsidy to farmers whose crops were damaged due to drought, insurance claims for damaged crops, besides rescheduling crop loans in the affected mandals to enable peasants to get fresh credits.

The Chief Minister said the government would take all steps necessary to save the standing crops and also help the farmers on crop rotation in the affected mandals.

Dr Reddy instructed the departments of agriculture, irrigation, power, revenue and rural development to work in tandem to help the farmers in the drought-hit villages.

He directed the power officials to ensure seven hours of continuous power supply in drought prone areas.

UNI ASJ GKT 1911

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