CS directs Collectors to follow SOPs to minimise damage to paddy due to unexpected rains

K. Ramakrishna Rao | Photo Credit: Nagara Gopal

Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao has directed the district Collectors to strictly follow the standard operating procedures to minimise damage to paddy in the event of unexpected rains.

He instructed the district Collectors to take all precautionary measures to ensure that paddy procurement is not affected due to unseasonal rain. The Chief Secretary held a teleconference with District Collectors and took stock of the situation arising in the districts due to the expected heavy rainfall conditions. Paddy procurement and agricultural operations as part of the pre-monsoon action plan were discussed during the teleconference..

Revenue(Disaster Management) Special Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar informed the Collectors about the weather conditions in the State in view of the low pressure in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, which was likely to result in heavy rainfall over the next three days. Moderate to heavy rains were expected in all the districts during the next ten days.

Mr. Ramakrishna Rao said early rains resulted in the stepping up of preparatory agriculture activities by the farmers. The Collectors were informed that adequate quantities of DAP, Complexes, and Seeds were available and were directed to conduct meetings with the task force to check the menace of spurious cotton seeds immediately. A strong message should be sent across that action would be initiated against those indulging in supply and sale of spurious seeds.

The Collectors, along with district in-charge Ministers, were told to educate farmers about the measures taken by the administration and precautions to be taken in view of the heavy rains. He directed the GHMC officials to take steps to ensure that the manholes and open nalas are covered. He stated that free flow of traffic should not be affected due to waterlogging during rains.

Fire Services director general Nagi Reddy informed that training to all the fire officers was being given to prevent any loss of life. Special teams were deployed across the Krishna and Godavari rivers which were previously affected by floods.