Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday pegged the loss due to floods in West and East Godavari districts at approximately ₹600 crore, and stated that the Yarrakalava drain in West Godavari caused the maximum damage.
For crops destroyed in a large swathes, including nearly 6,600 acres in East Godavari, the government would pay a compensation of ₹25,000 per acre, Mr. Naidu announced.
Polavaram works hit
He pointed out that incessant rains hampered the Polavaram project works at a time when they were going on in full swing at the rate of 10 to 15 cubic meters of concrete work per day, and the overall progress stood at 57.50%. Talking to reporters in Rajamahendravaram after undertaking an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas, Mr. Naidu said nearly 45 villages were badly affected in East Godavari district. Several causeways were swept away by the floodwaters in both the Godavari districts.
Yarrakalava issue
A lasting solution would be explored to overcome the problem of flooding caused by the Yarrakalava, he said, and promised to sanction ₹35 crore for repairing R&B roads.
On Polavaram, Mr. Naidu said the State was waiting for Central clearance for the second DPR. The project works would then gain further pace, he said.
Rains during the last four to five days caused an interruption, he said, and exuded confidence that the concrete works would be completed by May and coffer and earth-cum-rock fill dams towards the end of 2019.
Mr. Naidu said the government prioritised 57 irrigation projects, of which 15 had been completed and 20 to 25 were in advanced stages of construction.
Picture of contrast
While the coastal districts were battered by heavy rains, Rayalaseema districts reported a deficit rainfall of 40% to 55%, he observed. However, 550 tmcft water could be stored in projects of all sizes. Collectors Kartikeya Misra (East Godavari) and K. Bhaskar (West Godavari) accompanied Mr. Naidu on his aerial survey.
