Amaravati, Nov 2 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday directed officials to remain alert as moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in the South Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema districts under the influence of Cyclone Murasu.
During a review meeting, the CM said the impact of Murasu on the southern state’s coast is likely to be limited as forecasts indicated that wind speeds and rainfall intensity are expected to be lower compared to Cyclone Arnab.
“Naidu directed the administration to remain fully alert as moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in the South Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema districts,” said an official release.
Recalling the precautionary arrangements made from Srikakulam to Bapatla to tackle cyclone Arnab, the CM directed officials to take effective measures to manage the impact of cyclone Murusu as well.
He stressed the need for robust measures to prevent any loss of life or property, said the release.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that Palnadu district is likely to receive the highest rainfall of around 30 cm, followed by Prakasam (24 cm), Markapuram (19 cm) and Krishna, Guntur, Eluru and Nellore districts (up to 9 cm each).
The CM called for special attention towards water management, instructing officials to fill tanks and reservoirs in Guntur, Bapatla, Palnadu, Prakasam, Nellore and Markapuram districts, which have been experiencing a rainfall deficit.
Naidu also directed officials to make effective use of the rainfall from the cyclone to fill tanks and reservoirs through efficient water management.
Officials were asked to formulate an action plan to store water in reservoirs across the South Coastal and Rayalaseema basins.
They were also asked to ensure the safety of 6,800 tanks across the six districts likely to be affected by cyclone Murasu.
He called for the activation of Water Users Associations and stressed the need to monitor the condition of tanks with public participation.
Naidu instructed officials to utilise the works undertaken under the Jaladhara programme to ensure that no tank breaches occur and take preventive measures to avoid crop inundation due to silt accumulation in drains.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that 31,000 electricity poles had been dispatched to the field from Srikakulam to Krishna district.
They estimated that around 8,000 electricity poles in the South Coastal and Rayalaseema districts could be affected by the winds associated with cyclone Murasu.
Official informed the CM that 1,000 personnel are arriving from Chennai to assist in power restoration works.
Naidu asked officials to complete post-cyclone restoration works within 48 hours and expedite crop insurance compensation and input subsidy processes.
(PTI News)
