Sharmila slams A.P. government for neglecting Godavari flood victims
Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y. S. Sharmila on Sunday slammed the TDP-led coalition government in the State for what she alleged as "showing
Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y. S. Sharmila on Sunday slammed the TDP-led coalition government in the State for what she alleged as "showing far more interest in praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and glorifying his leadership than in addressing the plight of the Godavari flood-affected regions.” “The enthusiasm displayed in singing the Prime Minister’s praises is conspicuously absent when it comes to rescuing and supporting people stranded by the floods,” she posted on X. Sharmila said that, at a time when entire villages were submerged, as the Godavari River was in spate, and additionally, residents of nearly 100 villages were living in fear for their lives, it was shameful that the government had failed to act with urgency.
“More than 20,000 people have reportedly lost their homes and livelihoods due to the floodwaters and have been displaced, yet the government has shown little concern in providing immediate rehabilitation or reassurance,” she alleged. She said that if criticism of Prime Minister Modi can evoke strong reactions from the government, then the suffering of displaced families should also evoke the same concern. “Have the scenes of people packing up their belongings and abandoning their villages gone unnoticed? If authorities knew flooding was imminent, why were residents not evacuated to safer areas in advance?” she questioned.
The State Congress chief demanded that the government stand by the people in the flood-affected regions until the impact of the Godavari floods subsides and undertake immediate rehabilitation measures. “Adequate food facilities must be provided in relief and rehabilitation centres and essential commodities should be distributed to affected families, she said, adding that medical
services must also be made available to those suffering from health issues, with special attention given to children and pregnant women. She also said that given that floods occur every year, the government should provide Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) packages to residents of the Polavaram submergence villages and ensure better rehabilitation in safer locations.
The BriefWire