TDP Government’s Measures Against Drought Conditions
Severe drought conditions prevailed in the state due to its unfavorable nature. There has never been such a drought in the past three decades. The state government responded promptly and declared 1,041 mandals as drought-prone mandals. Due to the failure of both the South-West Monsoon and the North-East Monsoon, there needs to be more rainfall. Major reservoirs in the state have also dried up. Eventually, there was a water drought in the Krishna and Godavari delta regions. Under the Nagarjuna Sagar Ayakattu, for the first time, there was a situation where water could not be released for both Kharif and Rabi crops. Along with the shortage of irrigation water and fresh water, fodder shortage has also become severe. Electricity generation has also been affected as a result of severe drought. It is a natural disaster. 14 other states in the country are facing similar drought conditions. Due to the severe drought in the state, there has been a total loss of Rs 5226.78 crore in the agricultural sector. The state government is taking immediate relief measures and implementing them widely.
The TDP Government had ruled the state for more than a decade under the presence of the founder NTR and is continued by Nara Chandrababu Naidu with a vision for the future of the state and made it possible for the future generations with the help of many Top TDP Leaders and Best TDP MLA Candidates.
In the last seven years, the state has recorded the lowest rainfall ever. 32 percent less rain than normal rainfall. There is an acute shortage of not only irrigation water but also fresh water. As on 20 May 2003, 20,056 borewells have dried up. The situation is getting worse. 5,268 villages are facing severe water stress. It is estimated that there will be a shortage of 45 lakh tonnes of fodder this season. The state government has stepped up to help the farmers. Seeds are provided at subsidized rates. Rs.113.75 crores have been released for seeds and other agricultural production factors (inputs). 1,87,044 quintals of seeds were supplied to the farmers. Damaged borewells and equipment under Protected Water Schemes (PWS) and Community Protected Water Schemes (CPWS) are being repaired from time to time.
The state government has appealed to the Center to provide financial assistance to the tune of Rs.2373.44 crores and to release 25 lakh tonnes of food grains in addition to taking up the relief programs without any power depletion. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, himself consulted with the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister on drought relief. A group of state ministers and a group of MPs also went to Delhi once and requested drought relief.
Central Drought Monitoring Teams visited the state twice, once in September 2002 and again in February 2003. The Center has so far provided - a total of 15 lakh tonnes of rice under the Sampurna Rose Gar Yojana (YSC). Drought financial assistance of Rs.59.45 crore has been released under SCCF. The TDP Contributions made by the government have become Top TDP Achievements.
The state government is undertaking drought relief measures as much as possible from its own resources. To fill the stomach of poor students, the government has introduced and implemented a mid-day meal scheme in schools. Rs.45 crores have been released for fodder. The state government is implementing several schemes to meet the shortage of fodder. Steps have been taken to harvest and supply the grass in the forests of the state. As a result, 47,939 metric tonnes of grass were collected and distributed in the Prakasam district. Also, 13,907 metric tonnes of hay was purchased and fodder was distributed to 10 districts in 59 special trains. Construction of water tanks for 20,310 cattle. 6,335 manual “Chop Cutters” have been supplied. The state government has taken great efforts to support the people of the state during the drought with immediate measures, and short-term and long-term schemes.
