KCR shares his plans to end continuous flood woes of Bhadradri

By Our Special Correspondent

Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has expressed suspicion that there is a 'cloud destruction conspiracy' behind the incessant rains in the Godavari basin.

Speaking at the review meeting held at the ITDA administration building here on Sunday, the CM said that many people have become homeless due to unprecedented rains in Bhadrachalam and Pinapaka constituencies. But he said that the state administration has taken precautions to avoid any loss of life.

He said that there is a need to find a permanent solution to the Godavari river flood problems and the time has come for the government to focus on strengthening the Karakatta (retaining wall) along the Godavari in the Pinapaka and Bhadrachalam segments.

The CM announced that the government has decided to relocate the people living in flood-prone areas by building colonies on high ground in collaboration with Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), and the CM announced Rs 1,000 crore to undertake the project.

He announced that immediate assistance will be provided to those affected by the floods, including Rs.10, 000 per family and 20 kg of rice for two months.

The CM ordered the officials to be alert as more rains are likely till July 29. The officials were told to continue the relief centers for a few more days.

"Though there is no corroborating evidence, there is a possibility of some foreign countries 'conspiracy to break the clouds'. We have cloudburst phenomenon in Uttarakhand and Union Territory of Leh," the CM said, referring to the incessant rains in the Godavari valley.

Referring to the vulnerability of Bhadrachalam, the CM directed the officials to conduct a structural study of the temple town before formulating an action plan to tackle the flood problem.

The CM said that a team of Central Water Corporation (CWC) and IIT officials will visit Bhadrachalam and Pinapaka constituencies along with experts to solve the flood-related problems.

KCR ordered the District Collector and other officials to inspect Burgampahad where the flood situation is severe. Collectors of Khammam, Bhadradri-Kottagudem, Hanumakonda and Warangal districts have been ordered to act in coordination with each other till the floods recede.

The CM praised the efforts of the government, police and armed forces to prevent any loss of life during the floods. Officials have been asked to keep vigil on seasonal diseases. Ministers Puvvada Ajaykumar, T Harish Rao, Errabelli Dayakar Rao, former minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar, District Collector Anudeep and others were present.

Earlier, the CM offered 'Shanthipuja' to the Godavari bridge and inspected the Godavari embankment before speaking to the evacuees at the relief center in the temple town.