AP CM Naidu reviews Murasu cyclone relief, power restoration and essential commodity prices
Amaravati, Nov 7 (TNT) : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday reviewed relief and restoration measures in areas affected by Murasu cyclone and directed officials to expedite crop-loss assessment, ensure financial assistance to affected families and prevent a rise in prices of essential commodities.
During a review meeting at his camp office, the Chief Minister enquired about the progress of electricity restoration, distribution of essential commodities and relief measures being implemented at the field level.
Officials informed him that around 30,000 electricity poles damaged during Cyclone Arnav had been repaired and power supply restored in all villages.
In areas affected by Murasu cyclone, restoration works were underway in 1,825 villages, with 7,850 damaged poles repaired so far.
The Chief Minister was informed that distribution of essential commodities had reached 3.82 lakh cyclone-affected families.
He directed officials to monitor supplies continuously and ensure immediate financial assistance to affected households.
Officials said nearly 92 per cent of the assessment of horticultural crop damage had been completed, while the assessment of agricultural crop losses would be finished by November 9.
Naidu also reviewed steps to control prices of essential commodities, including onions, rice, palm oil, wheat flour and red gram dal.
Officials said onions were being sold at Rs 35 per kg through Rythu Bazaars after procuring 8,000 quintals. Traders had agreed to sell different rice varieties at government-specified rates, ranging from Rs 47 to Rs 82 per kg, depending on the variety.
Cases had been registered against 204 traders for violating government directives, officials said, adding that Dharani brand rice would also be made available through Rythu Bazaars.
Rice priced at Rs 70 per kg in the open market was being sold at Rs 50 per kg at Rythu Bazaars, while BPT variety rice was available at Rs 49 per kg.
So far, 27,430 quintals of rice had been sold through 150 counters, benefiting 1.03 lakh families.
Arrangements were also being made to supply palm oil at Rs 125 per litre, red gram dal at Rs 100 per kg and wheat flour at Rs 25 per kg through ration shops, officials informed the Chief Minister.
TNT KM
