Stating that cyclone losses were mitigated because of effective use of technology, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday lambasted the Centre for failing to extend a helping hand to the State even during natural calamities.
“There is no compromise with regard to extending help to the affected persons. We are going to hand over assistance to the tune of ₹2,000 each to fishermen who are unable to venture into the sea and build pre-fabricated houses for those who have lost their shelter,” he said while interacting with fishermen from Bhairavapalem in I. Polavaram mandal.
As part of his whirlwind tour to the district in the aftermath of Cyclone Phethai, Mr. Naidu undertook an aerial survey of the Konaseema region and interacted with fishermen from the hamlet.
The CM recalled that he was the first to respond when a major cyclone hit the district way back in 1996. “Even now, I have conducted teleconferences with the officials and issued instant orders to minimise the losses. We are the only government that reaches out to the victims on time during calamities,” he said.
‘YSRCP charge baseless’
There was no substance in the YSRCP’s allegation that he accorded importance to the swearing-in ceremonies of the Congress Chief Ministers rather than taking care of cyclone victims.
Taking a swipe at Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, he said: “The Leader of the Opposition has never bothered to visit the victims of natural calamities. ”
Observing that the RTGS provided accurate information about the cyclone as compared to the India Meteorological Department, Mr. Naidu said that the government was able to make optimum use of the technology. “We could avert loss of life. Of the three fishing boats that went missing, two have already been traced and search is on for the third one from Uppalanka fishing hamlet,” he said while distributing ration to fisherwomen.
Construction of about 200 pre-fabricated houses and distribution of the financial help would begin very soon, the CM said.
Addressing the media after holding a review meeting with officials at the Collectorate, Mr. Naidu said: “We are working round the clock to develop the State on all fronts.”
Despite the Centre’s ‘non-cooperation’, welfare schemes were being implemented successfully, he added.
The Chief Minister distributed relief kits to fishermen from Uppada Kothapalli at a programme held at Suryaraopeta community hall.
