Andhra Dy CM Pawan Kalyan

Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) [India]September 4 (ANI): Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday said that drones will be used to supply food and water to flood-affected areas of the state.

Speaking to reporters, Pawan Kalyan said he had donated Rs 1 crore to the Chief Minister Relief Fund (CMRF).

“The central government will do whatever is necessary for the state when the situation arises. Drones will be used to provide food and water to the flood-affected areas. Chandrababu Naidu is a visionary leader and his experience is invaluable in these difficult times. Yesterday, I announced a donation of Rs 1 crore to the CM Relief Fund. I will hand over the cheque to the CM. The Budameru canal has been built over by the public. Due to inadequate drainage system, the floods have hit Vijayawada badly,” Kalyan said.

He further said that 19 people had lost their lives, 200 dead animals had been found and 65,000 boats had been damaged.

“129 hectares of land were inundated by the floods. 232 kilometers of roads were damaged and 11 connecting roads were repaired. Over 600,000 people were evacuated and taken to rehabilitation centers,” he said.

He also attacked the YSRCP government and said that instead of criticising the government, it should take action and help the flood-affected people.

“The previous government should have taken action. The YSRCP should not criticise this issue; instead of criticising, they should get involved and help the flood-affected people. At the age of 74, the Chief Minister is touring the flood-affected areas in a JCB. Instead of appreciating him, the YSRCP and others are criticising him, which is abhorrent,” the Andhra Deputy Chief Minister said.

Pawan Kalyan said that forest officials are very alert against any violation or encroachment in forest areas and will take action.

“I attended a meeting today. Forest officials are very careful about any violation or encroachment in forest areas and are taking action. No action is taken in case of encroachment in urban areas. The previous governments did not pay any attention to this. Encroachments cause a lot of problems as they block the natural flow of water. In the same way, we will implement technology to stop encroachment in irrigation land. YSRCP has neglected maintenance of projects and dams. The CM, NDRF, SDRF and police are continuing their rescue operations in the flood-affected areas,” he said.

He also announced that he would donate one lakh rupees from his personal savings to 400 panchayats.

“Due to the floods, 386 panchayats have been damaged. I am donating Rs 100,000 to 400 panchayats from my personal savings. I am also announcing a donation of Rs 1 crore to the Chief Minister of Telangana for flood relief. I will hand it over directly to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy,” he said.

According to the government, a total of 230,000 food parcels, 250,000 milk packets, 500,000 water bottles and 117 tankers were distributed to the population.

Heavy rains have caused devastation across the state, especially in Krishna and Guntur districts. Neighbouring Telangana has also been hit by heavy rains. (ANI)