AP govt to modernise drainage system in K-G delta

Hyderabad, Dec 21 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh Government will take steps to modernise drainage systems in Krishna-Godavari delta and strengthen the canals to prevent damage to crops and property during floods and heavy rains, Revenue Minister D Prasada Rao said today.

Replying on floods in the assembly, Mr Rao said the government was committed to take permanant measures for strengthening the river beds, which were constructed 100 years ago with Central assistance.

The sub-committee of the union cabinet would take a final decision on the allocation of funds for the modernisation of drainage system in the Krishna and Godavari delta at the earliest, he said, adding that the state government sought Rs 6,000 crore assistance from the Centre to take up canal modernisation works, which were breached and in dilapidated condition.

Stating that Rs 153.84 crore had already been released to provide relief and rehabilitation to the flood victims, the minister said 1,803 villages were badly affected following the recent torrential rains and floods in the coastal districts.

A four-member expert committee, under the chairmanship of Mr Rosaiah had been constituted to study the condition of drainage system in Krishna-Godavari delta. The committee would also take the opinion of people and the MLAs of the delta region.

The government would provide input subsidy to the farmers who lost their crops in the floods and distribute seeds on subsidy, besides rescheduling bank loans and waiving interest rate on crop loans. Compensation to the farmers who lost their cattles and acquaculture had already been distributed in flood affected areas, he added.

The opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader N Chandrababu Naidu alleged that the government had failed to provide financial assistance to the flood victims.

Stating that the benefits had not reached the victims as announced by the government, the TDP leader demanded that the government immediately announce crop insurance and input subsidy to the tenant farmers.

UNI AP ROY SHB KN1702