Need To Provide Financial Assistance To Government Of Andhra Pradesh … on 24 November, 2006

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Title: Need to provide financial assistance to Government of Andhra Pradesh for the relief measures in flood affected areas of the State.

SHRI L. RAJAGOPAL (VIJAYAWADA): Madam Chairman, thank you.  The people of Andhra Pradesh have been severely affected by various cyclonic storms which occurred in August, September and very recently, in October also.  In fact, in October, the cyclonic storm was so devastating that the loss was more than Rs. 2,000 crore on account of loss to produce, roads and livestock.  Not only that.  In the end of October month the cyclonic storm called Ogni had played havoc in the entire State, particularly in five districts which are rice bowls of Andhra Pradesh, which are Prakasham, Guntur, Krishna, West Godavari and East Godavari, covering the delta belt or irrigation belt of Krishna and Godavari. 

            In fact, the Government of Andhra Pradesh had taken all necessary steps.  The most important reason as to why such a havoc was caused is that the drainage system was not properly upgraded or modernized.  In 1991, when the drainage system had the capacity of 225 mm, was upgraded to 387 mm.  Since the last ten to twelve years, no upgradation or renovation has been done to the drainage system.  Last year the Government of Andhra Pradesh had prepared a plan to upgrade or modernize the entire drainage system of Godavari and Krishna, which covers almost 23 lakh acres of land in this belt and the cost of this estimate is more than Rs. 5,000 crore.  The Government of Andhra Pradesh has already submitted the proposal to the Government of India for financial assistance so that work can be expeditiously taken up. Once the drainage system is properly modernized, such things will not recur or repeat in the coming years.

            So, I hope the Government of India will take cognizance of the proposal and the assistance sought by the Government of Andhra Pradesh will be given.  Thank you.