Union Minister for Urban Development and Information & Broadcasting M Venkaiah Naidu today conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in Guntur district. He flew over Peddanandipadu, Gurazala, Macherla and other villages in the region and inspected the damaged crops and overflowing rivulets and streams.
With heavy rains lashing Guntur district, the Union Minister, accompanied by AP Health Minister Dr Kamineni Srinivas, conducted aerial survey of the marooned areas in Guntur district and assured all possible assistance from the Union government. Venkaiah Naidu said that after receiving a report from the State government, all necessary assistance will be provided by the Centre.
The Union minister noticed that the continuous rainfall has caused severe damage to the standing crops in Guntur district. The paddy crop, which is either ready for harvest or have been harvested already, are now under water due to heavy rains in the region since the last two days. While the crop submerged under water, the harvested stack was posing a threat to paddy getting discolored. Standing crops, mostly paddy, chilli, turmeric and cotton suffered extensive damage in over 41,000 hectare in Guntur district.
Venkaiah Naidu spoke to the Guntur district Collector and asked him to ensure all necessary relief like food and drinking water to the people in the rain-hit areas. As soon as enumeration of the losses was completed, the affected farmers will be adequately compensated, he said, adding that a Central team will visit the State after receiving a report from the State government and all assistance will be provided by the Union government. (NSS)