Kakinada: Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan directed Kakinada district officials to prepare plans for permanent solutions to the problems faced by coastal fishermen, instead of relying on temporary measures whenever cyclones strike.
The Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the Panchayat Raj, Rural Development, Forest and Environment portfolios, reviewed the impact of Cyclone Arnab, relief operations, and assistance being provided to affected families.
Pawan Kalyan sought details from the district collector and fishermen from coastal villages about the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab and the relief measures undertaken.
The Deputy Chief Minister directed the district collector to expedite the design, preparation of the detailed project report (DPR), and other preliminary work for the Uppada coastal protection wall construction to begin at the earliest.
He also asked officials to secure early approval from the State Disaster Management Authority to extend the protection wall up to Konapapapeta.
Pawan Kalyan directed officials to immediately initiate restoration of the Uppada–Kakinada beach road, which was severely damaged by Cyclone Aranb.
The Deputy Chief Minister appreciated the district administration for evacuating more than 10,000 people from 92 coastal habitations across Kakinada district and providing shelter in 102 relief centres. He directed officials to continue relief operations in cyclone-affected areas.
Pawan Kalyan instructed officials to expedite the enumeration of houses, crops, fishing boats, nets and handlooms damaged by the cyclone. He directed them to prepare comprehensive damage assessments and submit a report to the government.
He also asked officials to take the necessary steps to provide compensation to farmers, fishermen and other cyclone-affected families.
The Deputy Chief Minister directed officials to distribute 25 kg of rice to families in flood-affected villages and 50 kg of rice to fishermen and handloom workers, along with pulses, cooking oil, onions, potatoes, sugar and other essential commodities.
He asked the administration to ensure adequate stocks of relief materials and prevent shortages during distribution.
Pawan Kalyan appreciated personnel from the police, revenue, municipal, electricity and medical and health departments for their efforts during the cyclone. He commended their work in preventing loss of life and reducing difficulties faced by residents.
He also appreciated the services of 45 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams involved in rescue and relief operations.