In response to the recent catastrophic floods in Budameru and Krishna, which submerged areas for seven to eight days, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has unveiled a series of relief measures. The floods resulted in a historic inflow of 11.43 lakh cubic meters of water, surpassing the barrage’s capacity of 11.90 lakh cubic meters. Overflow was also reported in Bhavani Puram. Naidu criticized the previous administration’s negligence, attributing it to the severity of the disaster. He noted that the current administration has faced numerous challenges within its first 100 days, including damage to barrage gates by boats bearing YSR Congress Party colors, which he claimed was intentional. Naidu also mentioned that his government had released seven white papers on past administration’s negligence prior to the recent disaster.
In his announcement, Chief Minister Naidu committed to providing substantial financial assistance to those affected by the floods. Affected households will receive Rs 25,000 each, with an additional Rs 10,000 allocated to those affected on the first floors of 179 secretariat buildings. Aid for businesses and households will range from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh based on turnover. Additionally, compensation will be given for damaged two-wheelers, autos, and fishing equipment, including Rs 25,000 for new motorboats and nets, and Rs 100 per poultry item. Farmers will receive Rs 25,000 per hectare of rice and Rs 15,000 per acre for other crops, with horticultural crops eligible for between Rs 25,000 and Rs 35,000.
Naidu also proposed a moratorium on bank loans and loan rescheduling to mitigate financial difficulties faced by the affected population. He assured that the government is committed to ensuring aid reaches every individual impacted by the floods. The Chief Minister concluded by announcing the launch of “Operation Budameru” to prevent future flood disasters and ensure effective management of such events.