CPI seeks special compensation for rain-hit farmers in Andhra Pradesh

CPI State secretary G. Eswaraiah has urged the State government to provide immediate relief and special compensation to the farmers, tenant farmers and people affected by heavy rains triggered by the severe depression.

In a statement on Friday, he sought compensation for losses to crops and houses, and loss of lives reported in the north coastal and coastal districts of the State. He said seven persons died, according to preliminary estimates, after electricity poles and wires fell in several districts. Power supply was disrupted in 1,468 villages, he said.

Mr. Eswaraiah said 276 electricity poles fell in Srikakulam district and around 129 poles and 31 transformers were damaged in Vizianagaram district. He urged officials to restore power on a war-footing while ensuring safety.

He called for a comprehensive crop loss survey with the village as a unit. Paddy, maize, banana, papaya and vegetable crops suffered damage in several districts. He demanded that compensation, input subsidy and crop insurance benefits be extended to tenant farmers based on the actual cultivator rather than the landowner.

He said heavy rains in some areas should not be treated as end to drought in the State. Drought relief should continue in the affected areas, while separate flood relief was provided to rain-hit areas.

Mr. Eswaraiah also urged round-the-clock monitoring of the Budameru, Munneru, Kattaleru and Vaira river systems and advance warnings to downstream residents. He sought immediate repairs to damaged roads, bridges and culverts, assistance to affected families and a special flood-relief package.