Announce drought-hit mandals in AP: CPI

Vijayawada: CPI state secretary K. Ramakrishna expressed his unhappiness over not discussing the drought-hit situations in the state during the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on November 3 and demanded the announcement of drought-hit mandals with immediate effect.

Ramakrishna alleged that the agriculture, irrigation, and industry sectors had stalled for the past four and a half years. He alleged that the Jagan government failed to conduct repairs, even to the irrigation projects. He stated that due to the lack of sufficient rainfall, farmers had suffered severely. He deplored that they invested thousands of rupees to protect crops; however, they were in vain. He added that at this stage, the government had not addressed their problems, and as a result, many farmers and labourers went to other states to get employment.

Ramakrishna demanded the state government conduct a comprehensive enumeration regarding the crop loss and severe drought-hit situation in the state. After the completion of the enumeration, announce the drought-hit mandals, he added.