CPI(M) teams to assess drought conditions in Andhra Pradesh from September 16

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The CPI(M) Andhra Pradesh committee will undertake a six-day drought assessment tour across the State from September 16 to 21.

In a statement on Tuesday, party State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao said that drought conditions prevailed in 655 mandals. He claimed that nearly 80% of the crops had not been sown, while crops raised in several areas suffered damage. He said drinking water shortage and power cuts had begun, and agricultural workers were facing a loss of livelihood.

The CPI(M) leader estimated the crop loss at more than ₹5 lakh crore, and alleged that the State government failed to initiate relief measures commensurate with the severity of the situation. He also said that Central teams had not yet visited the State to assess the situation.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao said three teams constituted by the State committee would visit the affected districts and interact with the farmers, tenant farmers, agricultural workers and artisans to assess their problems. The first team, led by State Secretariat member K. Prabhakar Reddy, would cover West Godavari, Eluru, Krishna, NTR, Guntur, Palnadu, Bapatla, Prakasam and Markapuram districts.

A second team led by B. Balaram would visit East Godavari, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, Kakinada, Anakapalli, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Polavaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts.

The third team, led by Central Committee member K. Lokanatham, would cover Nellore, Tirupati, Chittoor, Nandyal, Kadapa, Annamayya, Anantapur, Sri Sathya Sai and Kurnool districts, he added.

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