AP CM Naidu directs officials to expedite Cyclone Arnab restoration, prepare for fresh cyclone threat
Amaravati, Oct 31 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday directed officials to speed up restoration works in areas affected by Cyclone Arnab and take advance precautionary measures in view of another cyclone threat over the Bay of Bengal.
Reviewing the weather situation and restoration measures with senior officials at the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) here, he said all departments should remain alert and ensure that essential services were not disrupted.
Officials informed him that a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal was likely to intensify into a cyclone by Sunday, with moderate to heavy rainfall expected in South Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema on November 2, 3 and 4.
The Chief Minister directed officials to install diesel generators at all mandal headquarters to keep mobile networks operational during power outages.
He also called for alternative power arrangements for all 4,500 BSNL towers and towers of other telecom operators, besides exploring Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) options.
Officials said electricity restoration in Cyclone Arnab-affected areas was being undertaken with 7,000 personnel.
Naidu instructed them to expedite the work and restore power supply to all households.
He also directed officials to repair cyclone-damaged roads, rebuild the protection wall near Kakinada, desilt canals in Narsapur and Katrenikona and improve drainage systems in Konaseema and West Godavari districts to facilitate the smooth flow of water.
He called for a special standard operating procedure (SOP) to prevent roads and canals from getting inundated during future disasters.
The Chief Minister asked officials to explore ways to utilise rainwater effectively through better water management and prepare suitable plans.
Reviewing the damage to coconut and banana crops, Naidu directed officials to ensure adequate compensation to affected farmers.
He instructed that compensation of Rs 54,000 per hectare be provided for damage to coconut plantations covering 1,293 hectares.
An additional compensation of Rs 1,500 per tree would be given for coconut trees that were uprooted or suffered crown damage.
Officials said around 1.95 lakh coconut trees had been damaged.
For banana crops damaged across 15,000 hectares, compensation of Rs 35,000 per hectare was being provided, they informed.
Naidu also stressed the need to create awareness among farmers about input subsidies and crop insurance to help them cope with losses caused by natural calamities.
TNT KS
