Cyclone Murasu: Andhra Pradesh CM orders swift power restoration, price control measures

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed the officials to expedite relief and restoration operations in the areas affected by Cyclone Murasu, ensure prompt financial assistance to the victims and take steps to prevent a rise in the prices of essential commodities.

During a review meeting at his camp office on Saturday, Mr. Naidu assessed the damage caused by Cyclone Murasu and enquired about the progress of power restoration works, distribution of essential supplies and assessment of crop losses. He instructed officials to closely monitor field-level relief operations and complete damage assessments at the earliest.

The officials informed Mr. Naidu that nearly 92% of the assessment of horticultural crop damage had been completed, while the same for agricultural crops would be completed by November 9.

Detailing the power restoration work, the officials said around 30,000 electricity poles damaged during Cyclone Arnav had been repaired, and power supply had been restored to all affected villages.

Following Cyclone Murasu, the restoration work is underway in 1,825 villages, with 7,850 damaged poles already repaired, they said.

The Civil Supplies Department officials said that essential commodities had been distributed to 3.82 lakh affected families so far.

Mr. Naidu also reviewed the measures to regulate prices of onions, rice, palm oil, red gram dal and wheat flour.

Officials said onions were being sold at ₹35 per kg through Rythu Bazaars, with 8,000 quintals of produce procured for the purpose. Traders had agreed to sell different rice varieties at government-fixed prices ranging from ₹47 to ₹82 per kg. Cases had been registered against 204 traders for violating government directives, they said.

Officials further informed Mr. Naidu that subsidised rice was being sold through 150 counters at Rythu Bazaars. So far, 27,430 quintals had been sold, benefiting 1.03 lakh families. Arrangements were being made to supply palm oil at ₹125 per litre, red gram dal at ₹100 per kg and wheat flour at ₹25 per kg through ration shops.