Severe crop and agricultural losses across West Godavari district due to Cyclone Arnab have prompted former Minister Cherukuvada Sri Ranganadha Raju to strongly urge the government to immediately provide compensation to affected farmers. During an extensive tour of the flood-affected areas along the Gostani drain—from the Somరాజు Illindalaparru lock to the Mamuduru locks in Penumantra mandal—he personally interacted with distressed farmers to understand their hardships. He expressed deep anguish, noting that farmers had invested between Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 30,000 per acre, only to be completely devastated by El Niño effects, crop pests, rodents, and a series of cyclones.
Central Team Tour and KVK Expert Advice To assess the extensive damage caused by the cyclone, a five-member inter-ministerial central team is scheduled to visit the district tomorrow under the leadership of Central Ministry of Water Resources Director N.V. Satheesh Seemakumari, as announced by District Collector Chadalavada Nagarani. The central team will inspect damages across agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, and electricity departments. Meanwhile, following instructions from Dr. YSR Horticultural University Vice-Chancellor, a team of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) scientists visited storm-hit papaya orchards in Badampudi village. Led by Senior Scientist Dr. Ch. Kiran Kumar, the experts provided practical ground-level advice to farmers, advising them to drain stagnant water immediately, spray 2 grams of Ridomil per liter of water to prevent root rot, remove virus-infected plants, and provide structural support to fallen plants.
Tight Security and Heavy Police Bandobast for Narsapuram & Akiveedu Polls With the local body elections for Narsapuram municipality and Akiveedu nagar panchayat set to take place tomorrow, Superintendent of Police Adnan Naeem Asmi stated that foolproof special police security arrangements have been put in place. In Narsapuram, 9 route maps have been established across 36 wards with 250 police personnel deployed, while Akiveedu has been structured into 7 route maps across 28 wards with 200 police personnel assigned. Continuous surveillance is being maintained using additional forces, CCTV cameras, and drones, while the SP has urged all political parties and the public to cooperate for peaceful polling.
