Vijayawada: IT minister Nara Lokesh had appealed public in an open letter to contribute generously to the CM Relief Fund to help Cyclone Titli victims.
He said that predictions of AP’s Real Time Governance came true and the government under the leadership of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu was able to avoid huge loss of lives by evacuating those living in the low-lying areas and relocating them in rehabilitation centres, much in advance.
“Cyclone Titli unleashed a trail of destruction in 23 mandals, 1,114 villages, 2,517 habitations and six towns, unlike any previously witnessed by the people of Srikakulam district. Roads, crops, infrastructure, thousands of homes and basic amenities were ravaged after having to bear the brunt of the cyclone. Over 36,000 electric poles have been uprooted, more than two lakh people have been rendered homeless and farmers have lost 2.5 lakh hectares of agri crops and 36,000 hectares of horticultural crops leading to heart-rending scenes of people wailing which I have witnessed myself. Stationed here since October 12 as part of relief ops, I have met thousands of people, sharing their grief and doing everything within my power to alleviate the pain and loss,” he said.
Lokesh said that the state has incurred losses to the tune of '3,435 crore due to Cyclone Titli
He also said that the chief minister his Council of Ministers, and thousands of officers are working in the district to revive basic essentials including power, water and food supply. Special teams have been formed to estimate the loss without delay so as to fill the dejected hearts of people with hope of restoration and certainty. Srikakulam is a long way away from regaining normalcy, and we’re caring for it like a child.
“I humbly request you to express support to the people during these testing times by way of making contributions to the CM Relief Fund whose proceeds will be utilized fully for bringing Srikakulam back on its feet. You can also adopt these devastated villages under the Smart Village Programme (www.smart.ap.gov.in). Srikakulam Needs You. Please contribute to: Name: CM Relief Fund Bank, Andhra Bank, A P Secretariat branch, Velagapudi Account no: 110310100029039, IFSC code: ANDB0003079,” Lokesh added.
