Tech-Driven Relief: Andhra Pradesh Govt Disburses Rs 602 Crore in 15 Days

In the wake of devastating floods, the Andhra Pradesh government has disbursed Rs 602 crore to nearly four lakh affected people within 15 days. The state, led by CM N Chandrababu Naidu, utilized technology-driven methods such as handheld devices and UPI portals to facilitate rapid compensation.

The Andhra Pradesh government has swiftly disbursed Rs 602 crore to nearly four lakh people affected by the recent floods within just 15 days, said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday.

Naidu described the deluge as unprecedented, with total damages amounting to Rs 7,600 crore, covering both public and private assets.

He noted that the victims in Vijayawada were compensated with flood relief unlike any other place in the country, thanks to tech-based solutions and rapid enumeration processes.

'Within 15 days from the date of the flood, Rs 602 crore was deposited directly into accounts as flood relief for up to four lakh people,' Naidu announced at a press conference at the NTR district collectorate.

Naidu highlighted the use of handheld devices by 1,600 teams to enumerate affected individuals, relying on Aadhaar numbers to validate bank accounts for instant UPI payments.

The government mobilized funds efficiently, enabling the compensation to be disbursed within 15 days. Any leftover cases will be addressed by September 30.

The recent flood also presented an opportunity for the government to employ drones, fire engines, and other technological aids in disaster management. 'Fire engines cleaned over 75,000 houses, 330 km of roads, and removed sludge from streets,' Naidu added.

Insurance companies and banks were instructed to settle claims by September 30, reschedule loans, and extend new loans up to Rs 50,000. Essential documents lost in the floods would also be replaced free of cost.

The floods claimed 74 lives and 1,562 livestock, affecting 1.18 lakh houses and 903 villages across 16 districts. In Vijayawada alone, 78,558 houses were inundated.

Flood relief of Rs 3,000 was provided to 44,402 two-wheeler owners and Rs 10,000 to 4,348 autorickshaw owners, among others.

Naidu noted the unprecedented contributions of Rs 400 crore to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, reflecting strong public confidence in the state's response.

'People have responded enthusiastically, with donations pouring in from within the state and abroad. This is the highest amount any state has received,' Naidu emphasized.

(With inputs from agencies.)