Revanth Blames Floods on Encroachments, Plans HYDRAA-like Units in Districts

Addressing a press conference at the integrated district office complex in Mahbubabad, the Chief Minister said the drive would be taken up to identify and remove encroachments, under the leadership of district collectors, on the lines of HYDRAA constituted in Hyderabad.

For the second consecutive day, the Chief Minister visited the flood-affected areas in Khammam and Mahbubabad districts and spoke with survivors and families of those who lost their lives. He said the encroachment of lakes and tanks is an "unexcused crime" and vowed that the state government will take strict action against all offenders, regardless of their political clout.

To tackle this issue, the Chief Minister announced the formation of a special system in all districts, led by district collectors, to identify and remove encroachments. The respective district officials have been tasked with preparing a comprehensive list of lakes and the encroached land within them, and to carry out the removal process with meticulous planning. He said that action would be taken not only against those who encroached on the lakes but also against the officials who allowed these encroachments.

The Chief Minister said that the recent floods in cities and towns were a direct result of these encroachments. He warned that those involved in the encroachment of lakes, tanks, and nalas would not be spared. "If people attack nature, it attacks the people," he stated, highlighting the link between environmental degradation and the increased frequency of natural disasters.

During his visit to Khammam, the Chief Minister highlighted the urgent need to address the issue of the retaining wall of Munneru rivulet, which had been overwhelmed by floodwaters. He mentioned that Khammam received an unprecedented 42 centimetres of rainfall, the highest in 75 years, and credited the state government’s precautionary measures for minimising the loss of lives.

The Chief Minister announced an ex gratia payment of `5 lakh to the families of the deceased. In addition, he visited the Akeru Vagu stream in Mahbubabad, where a bridge had been washed away, and met with affected residents in Sitaram Naik thanda. He assured the people that the state government would provide `10,000 per acre for crop damage and `50,000 for each cattle lost due to the floods.

Revanth Reddy lashed out at former minister and BRS leader Puvvada Ajay Kumar, accusing him of constructing a hospital on encroached land in Khammam. He challenged BRS leader Harish Rao to set an example by cooperating in the removal of encroachments, particularly those linked to political figures. He called on the ruling party leaders to demonstrate their commitment to the public good by taking action against such illegal activities.

Revanth Reddy reiterated his request to the Centre to declare the floods a national calamity, citing an estimated loss of `5,438 crore. He urged the Prime Minister to visit the flood-affected areas and provide `2,000 crore in immediate financial assistance for relief efforts.

In a scathing critique of the previous BRS government under K. Chandrashekar Rao and his son K.T. Rama Rao, Revanth Reddy accused them of neglecting the flood-affected areas during their decade-long rule. He pointed out that neither Chandrashekar Rao nor Rama Rao had visited the victims of the floods or other tragic incidents, such as the brutal rape and murder of a veterinary doctor in Hyderabad. Revanth Reddy contrasted this with his own government’s proactive approach to disaster management and relief efforts.

The Chief Minister requested charitable and corporate organisations to step forward and assist in the rehabilitation of flood victims, as the state prepares to rebuild and fortify its defences against future calamities.

Earlier, Revanth Reddy visited Gangaram thanda in Karepally mandal on Tuesday to console the grieving family of Nunavath Mothilal, who tragically lost his life in recent floods. Mothilal and his daughter, Dr Ashwini, a scientist at the ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, were swept away by floodwaters from the Akeruvagu stream near Purushothama Gudem in Maripeda Mandal, Mahabubnagar district.

Accompanied by revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, the Chief Minister paid his respects by garlanding the portraits of Mothilal and Ashwini. Revanth Reddy expressed deep sorrow over the loss, particularly highlighting the nation's loss of a young scientist. He assured the family that the state government would provide all possible support during this difficult time.