Revanth Reddy: Action if reduced prices given to paddy, no water problem in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy issued a stern warning on Friday, cautioning against purchasing paddy from farmers at reduced prices. He instructed officials to take decisive action against millers who deceive farmers.

The Chief Minister asked officials to revoke the licenses of millers and traders engaged in the purchase of paddy at below-market rates in agricultural market yards, cease custom milling, and blacklist offenders. Additionally, he reviewed paddy procurement and drinking water supply with Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Information and Public Relations Minister P. Srinivas Reddy, and top officials.

Reddy noted instances where traders and millers reduced prices due to moisture content in the paddy, urging farmers to dry the produce before bringing it to market to ensure fair pricing. He emphasised the need for adequate arrangements for drying paddy and the installation of CCTV cameras in market yards to prevent theft.

The Chief Minister asked the district Clcollectors to inspect markets and paddy purchase centers, ensuring smooth transactions without inconvenience to farmers. Officials were tasked with providing Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy and promptly addressing farmer grievances.

State-level officials were ordered to monitor daily paddy procurement, conduct field visits, and involve senior IAS officers from old districts in monitoring procurement and drinking water supply. Tarpaulins were to be made available in all market yards and purchase centers to mitigate issues during hailstorms.

Amidst ongoing elections, Reddy cautioned against false complaints aimed at tarnishing the government's image for political gain, instructing officials to report such incidents to the Election Commission promptly.

*Revanth Reddy takes firm action against water shortages, urges swift resolution

Preemptive measures were mandated to address drinking water shortages in towns and villages, particularly during the impending heatwave. The Chief Minister emphasised the need for continuous monitoring and swift resolution of water supply issues, scheduling daily review meetings with relevant department heads.

Special officers for drinking water supply in old districts were tasked with addressing local water problems and preparing alternative arrangements, including the possibility of lifting water from Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir and sourcing Singur water for Hyderabad. Revanth Reddy said discussions with the Karnataka government were initiated for water release from Narayanpur reservoir.

In response to disruptions in Hyderabad's water supply, Reddy ordered the immediate removal of officials causing obstructions and warned of strict action against those tarnishing the government's reputation or displaying indifference.