State failed to help cyclone-hit farmers: Naidu

Rajahmundry, Nov 25: Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday alleged that the Andhra Pradesh Government has completely failed in providing assistance to the farmers hit due to recent cyclones.

Speaking to reporters here before starting the tour of cyclone-affected areas of East Godavari district, Naidu said that there was delay in conducting enumeration of losses caused due to different cyclones. While those affected due to ‘Neelam’ cyclone are yet to get proper relief, the problems of farmers got multiplied due to ‘Neelam’ and then ‘Helen’ cyclones and also due to heavy rains that lashed several parts of coastal districts earlier this month. He said that the State Government did not adopt a scientific approach in assessing the damages and therefore, did not extend immediate assistance to the victims.

Naidu demanded Rs 5 lakh compensation to the families of those killed due to cyclone and heavy rains. Further, the State Government should provide enhanced input subsidy and other assistance to the affected farmers on immediate basis.

During his two-day tour, the TDP chief is likely to visit East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur and Prakasam districts.

– INN