Naidu Orders Crop Loss Assessment, Reviews LPG Supply

Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to submit a comprehensive report within two days on crop losses caused by unseasonal rains, strong winds and hailstorms, across the state.

Reviewing the situation through a video conference with district collectors and senior officials on Friday, Naidu stressed the need for swift and accurate assessment of the damage and timely relief measures.

Officials informed the CM that crop damage has been reported in 42 mandals across 12 districts. Maize crops over 4,840 hectares, paddy over 1,534 hectares and black gram over 310 hectares have been affected, with losses estimated at ₹40 crore.

In addition, horticulture crops spread over 1,301 hectares in 48 mandals across nine districts have also suffered damage due to the adverse weather. Crops such as banana, papaya, chilli, vegetables, mango, orange and lemon were impacted, with losses pegged at ₹23 crore.

According to preliminary estimates, the total crop loss across all categories stands at ₹63 crore.

The CM also reviewed the supply of LPG cylinders in the state. He expressed concern over potential disruptions in the global supply chain if the Iran war escalates.

Naidu said officials must put in place a robust mechanism to ensure uninterrupted LPG supply across AP. Priority must be given to rural and tribal areas, educational institutions, temples, Anna canteens and anganwadis in the distribution of gas cylinders, he said.

The CM called for exploring alternative options such as induction stoves and piped natural gas to mitigate any potential shortages. He also directed the officials to coordinate with the Centre to ensure there is no shortfall in essential commodities such as fertilizers, petrol and diesel.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding both farmers and essential supplies, Naidu called for proactive measures to tackle emerging challenges.

River mishap: The chief minister also took stock of a tragic incident in the Godavari river, where a group of students were missing while taking a bath near Purushothapatnam Revu in Etapaka mandal of Polavaram district.

The CM spoke to senior officials and sought a detailed report. Reports said seven students had entered the river for a bath, of whom five were swept away by the strong current.

Of the missing students, three — Abhiram, Srikar and Navadeep — were confirmed dead. Search operations were underway to trace the remaining two students, Satish Kumar and Teja. Two others, Deepak and Harsha, managed a safe escape.

All the youths were students of a private university in Amaravati.

Naidu conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families. He asked officials to intensify the search operations.

The CM said the state government would extend full support to the affected families.