Revanth Asks Officials to Stay Alert on Heavy Rain
Government gears up to protect crops and ensure smooth paddy, cotton, and maize procurement.
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday directed ministers and senior officials to take immediate measures in view of the warning of heavy rain in Telangana due to Cyclone Montha which is expected to cross the AP coast on Tuesday. The rain comes in the midst of the paddy, cotton and maize procurement season, and could damage the produce. The IMD earlier in the day forecast very heavy rainfall across several districts from Tuesday till October 30.
During a review meeting with officials, Revanth Reddy instructed officials to remain vigilant and ensure smooth procurement of paddy, cotton, and maize across the state. He directed that procurement operations must continue without inconvenience to farmers and that all steps be taken to prevent crop damage.
The Chief Minister directed officials to submit a comprehensive report on rainfall and ground conditions in the districts. Ministers were also asked to personally review the evolving weather situation and respond accordingly.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that at least 16 districts were likely to be affected by the rain. District authorities were instructed to prevent untoward incidents, shift people from vulnerable areas to safer locations, and ensure the supply of food, drinking water, milk, and medicines to affected populations.
They were directed to restore power lines immediately if damaged by strong winds, keep medical teams on standby, and ensure that essential services and disaster response machinery are ready to operate so that people do not panic. Special attention was also directed toward facilitating uninterrupted paddy and crop procurement during the adverse weather.
Following the Chief Minister’s directions, irrigation minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy instructed officials to remain on high alert and take all possible measures to ensure that cyclone-related disruptions do not affect paddy procurement. He said that farmers must not incur any losses under any circumstances and directed officials to cover paddy stocks with tarpaulins, expedite transport of grains to rice mills, and ensure adequate logistics and coordination among departments involved in procurement.
The IMD earlier in the day forecast very heavy rainfall across several districts. According to IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds, was likely to occur in Peddapalli, Jayashankar Bhupalpally and other districts from 1 pm on Tuesday to 8.30 am on Wednesday. Heavy to very heavy rainfall was likely in Adilabad, Komaram Bheem and other districts from 24 hours from 8.30 am on October 29. Heavy rainfall is also expected at isolated locations in various districts till 8.30 am on October 30.
