Cyclone Arnab devastates West Godavari: Prasada Raju

Narsapuram, Oct 29: YSRCP West Godavari District President Mudunuri Prasada Raju said Cyclone Arnab had devastated agriculture and aqua sectors across West Godavari district, with nearly 70,000 hectares of paddy damaged and lakhs of coconut trees uprooted. He said government negligence had aggravated the suffering of farmers and cyclone-hit families.
Addressing the media at his camp office in Narsapuram, Prasada Raju said banana and coconut crops were damaged across nearly 12,000 acres, while the aqua sector was facing a serious crisis due to prolonged power disruptions. Lack of electricity had created oxygen shortages in fish and shrimp ponds, causing severe hardship to aqua farmers.
He demanded immediate field-level enumeration of losses and payment of input subsidy and adequate compensation to affected farmers. Power supply and road connectivity must be restored without delay, and additional personnel should be deployed to speed up restoration works. Rice, pulses, milk and other essential commodities should be immediately distributed to families staying in rehabilitation centres, while compensation should be provided for fully and partially damaged houses.
Prasada Raju said that during the Y.S. Jagan government, crop insurance premium was paid by the government to protect farmers. He said the present government’s failure to pay its premium share had left crop-loss victims without insurance compensation.
He said YSRCP leaders and cadre were already distributing vegetables, milk and essentials in affected villages and towns.
Referring to the local-body elections, Prasada Raju said YSRCP candidates were contesting across 20 mandals in the district and two municipalities, including 41 MPTC and two ZPTC seats in Narsapuram and Mogalthur mandals. He urged people to assess the government’s record, including rising prices and unfulfilled promises, before making their decision.