Pawan Kalyan blames encroachments for AP floods

AMARAVATI: Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan attributed the severe flooding in Andhra Pradesh to rampant encroachments, particularly along the Budameru River in Vijayawada. He pointed out that 90% of the river had been encroached upon, turning it into a curse for the city.

Pawan Kalyan blamed the previous government for neglecting irrigation projects and allocating housing plots in flood-prone areas, which exacerbated the impact of the floods.

Pawan Kalyan criticised the previous YSR Congress Party government for allocating housing colonies in flood-prone areas and pledged to prevent any encroachments in the state over the next 20 years.

During his review of the relief and rehabilitation measures in flood-affected areas, Pawan Kalyan focused on drinking water supply, food distribution, and sanitation management. He emphasised the government's proactive response, noting that the administration had operated efficiently despite being in power for less than 100 days. He credited Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's experience, particularly during the Hudhud cyclone, for effectively handling the crisis. According to Kalyan, CM Naidu worked tirelessly, day and night, just as he did during the Hudhud disaster.

Pawan Kalyan reassured the public that the state had been well-supported under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Addressing criticism from former government officials regarding his absence from relief operations, he clarified that his presence might have disrupted ongoing efforts. He challenged his critics to join him in inspecting the situation firsthand.

Kalyan underscored the importance of CM Naidu's experience in managing such disasters, noting that despite his age, the Chief Minister had personally involved himself in relief efforts, even climbing bulldozers to oversee operations.

He said that disaster management and police personnel actively participated in relief operations. He said 60 fishing boats were damaged, and 233 km of Panchayati Raj roads were affected. Funds for repairs were released immediately.

He said relief operations were closely monitored, ensuring the supply of essential items to flood-affected areas. The NTR district was the worst hit, and six helicopters were deployed for relief efforts. Across the state, 685 Panchayat Raj teams were formed to carry out relief operations. Superchlorination measures were implemented to prevent the spread of diseases. The state government established 214 relief camps and 213 medical camps to assist those affected. Drones were used to deliver up to 8 kg of food to those affected by the floods.

Pawan Kalyan announced that each of the 400 flood-affected village panchayats would receive Rs 1 lakh personally from him. He also declared a Rs 1 crore donation to the Telangana Chief Minister's Relief Fund.