Praising Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s tireless efforts to minimise losses from unprecedented floods in Vijayawada, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the Army is being called to fill the Budameru breaches. On Thursday, he inspected the flood affected areas in Vijayawada and inquired about the problems of the people.
Later, he viewed the photo exhibition organized at the Collectorate on the flood disaster. CM Chandrababu explained the flood damage to the Union Minister through a photo exhibition. Speaking to the media, the Union Minister said that he will explain to Prime Minister Modi about the floods that have occurred in the state.
Apart from that, he assured that central assistance will be provided soon. He deplored that there was an increase in encroachments at Budameru during the previous government’s tenure. He praised CM Chandrababu for saving the lives of people who stayed in flood water for five days. Apart from that, he praised the CM for monitoring the relief programs closely.
He appreciated that for the first time in the country food packets were delivered to flood victims through drones in Vijayawada. Shivraj Singh said that he will discuss the improving capacity of Prakasam barrage with Amit Shah and experts. He also felt that problems multiplied also due to illegal mining near Budameru.
He regretted that both the Krishna River and Budameru flooded at the same time, so that Vijayawada has now witnessed a deluge that had never been experienced before.
“There has been a large crop loss. Soon the central teams will assess the damage. The previous government ignored the Fasal Bima Yojana scheme. But the coalition government will take advantage of it,” he assured.
Meanwhile, CM Chandrababu Naidu said that steps will be taken to ensure that Prakasam Barrage will withstand even if 15 lakh cusecs water flows. He said that they are studying to increase the capacity of the barrage. He also said that the Army is entering the field to fill the Budameru breaches from Friday onwards. CM Chandrababu said that the embankments of Krishna River will be strengthened.
