Deputy CM Blames Urban Encroachments for Flood Woes in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan criticized successive governments for ignoring urban encroachments, exacerbating the flood situation. Despite alerts by forest officials on forest encroachments, urban areas face inaction. Over 384 Panchayats in 10 districts affected, while CM Naidu promises extensive relief measures amid heavy rainfall and subsequent floods.

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday lambasted successive governments for their failure to curb urban encroachments, which he says have worsened the flood situation in the state.

Kalyan stated, "I did a review meeting today. Forest officials are very alert on encroachments in forest areas and take action. When it comes to encroachments in urban areas, no action is taken. The previous governments did not pay attention to it. Encroachment is causing a lot of problems as it blocks the natural course of water," after chairing a review meeting on the flood situation in several districts of the state.

The Deputy Chief Minister noted that around 384 Panchayats across 10 districts are affected by floods. "The natural flow of water has been disrupted by encroachments. The previous government could have done more to address it. Due to political, economic, and social pressures, the successive governments and bureaucracy under them failed to take necessary actions," he added.

In a separate event, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu held a teleconference with ministers, collectors, and senior officials, instructing them to ensure aid reaches every household during the ongoing flood-like situation. "We are taking extensive relief measures in flood-affected areas to restore normalcy. Identify those who have lost their lives in the floods and hand over their bodies to their families or, if no one claims them, the government will perform the last rites," said the Chief Minister in a statement.

Heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc across the state, particularly in Krishna and Guntur districts, submerging several low-lying areas such as Singhnagar and Nandamuri Nagar, with nearly two lakh people seeking refuge on building terraces. The government plans to provide Rs 5 lakhs compensation to the families of the deceased.

As the floodwaters recede, CM Naidu emphasized the delivery of essential supplies like food, water, and medical aid to affected residents. "Provide 25 kg rice, 1 litre palm oil, 2 kg onions, 2 kg potatoes, and 1 kg sugar to each family. Set up mobile Rythu Bazaars to prevent black marketing and sell vegetables at reasonable prices. Considering the risk of viral fevers and mosquito-borne diseases, the CM urged officials to educate the public on necessary precautions and to set up medical camps in each secretariat," added the statement.

(With inputs from agencies.)