Andhra Pradesh Congress chief YS Sharmila Reddy on Friday wrote to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, urging him to allow the Railways to supply bottled water from Rail Neer plant in Visakhapatnam to the people of flood-hit Vijayawada.
For the past few days, Vijayawada and other parts of Andhra Pradesh have been battered by heavy rainfall, leading to flooding and restricting access to potable water.
“I write this letter to draw your attention to the severe situation currently faced by Vijayawada. As you are aware, the city has experienced an unprecedented rainfall of approximately 40 cm over two days, which has caused extensive damage. The rivulets and drains in and around the city are overflowing, leading to widespread inundation and isolation of numerous colonies,”, Sharmila wrote in the letter.
“To begin with, on behalf of the people of Andhra Pradesh, I appeal to you to consider supplying water from the Rail Neer plant for the next few days. Your prompt action would be greatly appreciated and would significantly aid in the faster recovery of the city in these challenging times, she said.
Sharmila pointed out that people’s lives have been hit hard in the floods and that the lives of children, the elderly, and those who are suffering from ailments, were the worst affected.
“The city now encounters a major challenge as the drinking water supply pipelines have been heavily silted up. This has made water unsafe for drinking and cooking,” she said.
“The process of clearing the silt and making the water safe again will be time-consuming. Until then, there have to be alternate ways through which the people of the city will get drinking water,” she added.
The Andhra Pradesh Congress chief also highlighted that the Vijayawada division, under the South Central Railway zone, contributes an annual revenue of close to Rs 6,000 crore. She said it was the duty of the Indian Railways to help the people in the region.
“We understand that a Rail Neer plant has recently commenced operations near Visakhapatnam. I request you to consider exploring the possibility of arranging water supply from the plant to the affected areas in Vijayawada,” she added.
“In light of this urgent situation, your immediate intervention will be of immense help to the people,” Sharmila further said.
Till September 3, at least 19 people died in Andhra Pradesh due to rain-related incidents, prompting the Chandrababu Naidu-led government to take effective relief measures. Naidu described the floods as the “worst devastation” he had ever witnessed.
The Chief Minister announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to families of those who lost their lives due to the floods.
