Hyderabad: The Telangana PCC has complained to the Governor ESL Narasimhan that the State Government had failed to take up drought relief works, and requested him to intervene and direct the Government to declare the drought as a Natural Calamity and secure Government of India’s financial assistance.
A delegation of the party headed by TPCC President N Uttam Kumar Reddy today submitted a memorandum to the Governor stating that unprecedented drought conditions were prevailing in Telangana, the poor people are suffering and the Chief Minister KCR is engaged in politics of poaching. The delegation requested the Governor to direct the Chief Minister to cll for an All Party Meeting and expert scientists meeting to discuss and arrive at practical solutions to the prevailing drought, Effective implementation of NREGS program and provide 150 days of employment, ensure the supply of minimum 40 litres of drinking water to every person, to have special focus on protecting the cattle, flora and fauna.
The delegation members also wanted the Governor to direct the Chief Minister to create an high-powered special task force to address the issues of drought and also to persuade the Government of India to secure the financial assistance; release the pending dues of Housing program, so that the construction of houses could be completed and employment will be provided to rural artisans and construction workers; release Aasara pensions that are being unduly delayed in these dire circumstances; and to pay ex-gratia to families of deceased due to drought as hundreds of them have lost their lives in the last few weeks across Telangana.
They also demanded the Government to arrange for Tents and Medical Kits to provide medical care to the drought-affected people and to those who are suffering due to heat wave, and to set up free meal centers, ganji centres and drinking water supply centres; provide Special Drought Pensions to the affected households and waive off the farmers’ loans totally without keeping any further dues pending.
They pointed out, among other things, that the drinking water deficit in the state is so drastic that even in Narsannapeta, a village adopted by the Chief Minister to develop it into an ideal village, is constantly witnessing demonstrations by villagers to counter the drinking water problems. While the required average daily water consumption is 40 litres (Mission Bhagiratha promises 100 litres per day), at present the figures fumble at just 15 litres per day. The cattle are devastated due to deprivation of fodder and water.
Besides Uttam Kumar Reddy, Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Mohammed Ali Shabbir, former PCC President Ponnala Lakshmaiah, TPCC Chief Spokesperson Dr. Sravan Dasoju, Treasurer Gudur Narayana Reddy, Vice-Presidents Narasimha Reddy and Nagaiah, ex-MP M. Anjan Kumar Reddy and other senior leaders were part of the delegation. (NSS)