Visakhapatnam: The general body of Visakhapatnam Zilla Parishad convened here on Saturday to review the prevailing conditions for the upcoming kharif crops and other key issues turned out to be a mere formality as majority of district officials did not turn up. The MLAs and MPs upset over the absence of the district officials expressed displeasure during the meeting.
After nearly one hour of heated arguments the meeting started. With a view to ensure good agriculture crop yield in the district, Zilla Praja Parishad chairperson Lalam Bhavani directed the officials to keep stock of all types of seeds of kharif crops and fertilisers ready at the earliest.
Ms Lalam Bhavani who chaired the Zilla Praja Parishad annual general body meeting said that the concerned officials should ensure perfect planning to ensure that various welfare schemes launched by the state government for uplift of the poor is implemented at the ground level.
“As there is chance of outbreak of seasonal diseases like diarrhoea, malaria and dengue fever in the monsoon, there is a high need for chlorination of water in all panchayats and keep roads and surroundings neat and clean by spraying bleaching powder on either side of the roads to contain mosquito menace” she said.
She asked the medical officials to keep all necessary drugs in all Primary Health Centres to face any emergencies. Collector N. Yuvaraj informed that the Central government has introduced a new crop insurance scheme namely Prime Minister Phasal Bheema Yojana and in case of damage of the crops due to natural calamities, the farmers would be compensated. The new insurance scheme must be implemented from this kharif season, he stressed.
When MLC Dr M.V.V.S. Murthi sought for extension of time limit for paddy crop insurance scheme up to August-end; the collector replied that the suggestion would be submitted to the government for necessary action.
The collector further informed that efforts are on to begin the work sanctioned by NABARD and 14th Finance Commission under Neeru-Chettu programme in some panchayats.
Under Neeru-Chettu programme, it was planned to plant one crore saplings in the district and necessary funds will be given to protect the planted saplings.
Stating that there are many villages without borewells for drinking water, he said that scientists will be sent to such villages for testing the soil if the villagers or farmers come forward seeking borewells.
The collector also asked the officials to sensitise the villagers to have individual toilets for which necessary funds are available.
