Shivraj Singh Chouhan assures Centre's full support to flood-hit Telangana

HYDERABAD: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured the Telangana government of the Centre’s full support for flood relief and rehabilitation, emphasising that there would be no political bias in assisting flood-hit regions.

Union Minister Chouhan, who inspected the flood-affected areas, assured that the Centre would provide relief without any political bias and focus solely on rehabilitation efforts.

During a meeting with Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy presented a detailed account of the flood-related losses, which, according to preliminary estimates, amount to Rs 5,438 crore. He requested disaster relief on par with what neighbouring Andhra Pradesh is set to receive for similar flood damages.

Revanth Reddy informed the Union Minister that several districts, including Khammam, Mahabubnagar, and Suryapet, received up to 40 cm of rainfall in a single day, which caused severe damage to roads, bridges, national highways, and railways. He highlighted that vehicular traffic stopped in many areas, and train services were disrupted due to washed-away embankments in Mahabubabad district.

The Chief Minister pointed out that the state government had already distributed Rs 10,000 as immediate relief to every affected family. He further explained that crops in several areas were destroyed, with sand, stones, and debris covering agricultural fields. The state is collecting detailed damage reports, which could further increase the estimated losses.

In his appeal, the Chief Minister requested the Union Government to relax existing norms for utilising disaster relief funds. Currently, states can access the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) only after fully utilising 100% of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), a change made in 2021. The Chief Minister urged a return to the earlier rule, which allowed states to use NDRF funds after spending 50% of SDRF funds.

Revanth Reddy also requested an increase in the prescribed rates for repair works, particularly for immediate repairs of breached lakes, damaged roads, dams, and bridges. He highlighted that the current fixed rates would only provide Rs 4 crore for pond repairs, whereas the state requires at least Rs 60 crore.

Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, Ministers Tummala Nageswar Rao, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, and other senior officials, including Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari and Special Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao, were also present at the meeting. They supported the Chief Minister's request for permanent restoration funds for the damaged infrastructure.

Union Minister Chouhan and other officials also visited a photo exhibition showcasing the devastation caused by the floods.