Jagan seeks funds from Centre for taking up flood relief in Andhra Pradesh

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government on Monday asked the Centre to immediately release funds to take up relief and restoration works in the districts which have been affected by floods based on the estimates given by the state.

A Central team headed by National Disaster Management Authority adviser Kunal Satyarthi called on Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday after touring the flood-affected districts following heavy and floods to brief him.

Jagan Mohan Reddy informed the team as money from State Disaster Response Fund was spent on emergencies such Covid-19 fight, etc., and requested the Centre to release funds immediately to take up relief works.

The Chief Minister also asked for relaxation in the norms in purchase of paddy with regard to percentage of moisture and others as the crop was affected due to the floods.

Maintaining that the estimates arrived at on the impact of floods on crops, assets and the people, were done in a scientifically manner, and not exaggerated, Jagan Mohan Reddy assured the team that his government would take the suggestions given by them into consideration to minimise the quantum of impact during natural calamities. Giving details, he explained that the government was also taking up steps to strengthen canals to divert floodwater without causing any damage to crops and assets.

Thanking the team members for visiting the flood-hit districts, the Jagan Mohan Reddy requested the Centre to respond generously on humanitarian grounds given the enormous impact of floods to help the state take up relief and restoration works on a war footing.

Earlier, the Central team members appreciated the state government for acting swiftly to extend timely help to the affected persons  and said that the officials were working with commitment and dedication.

Satyarthi said that the team toured all the affected areas in the last three days and stated that the quantum of loss was enormous.