The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Hailstorm-hit ryots seek relief

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Apr 29, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Hailstorm-hit ryots seek relief

By Y.Mallikarjun

MALKAJIGUDA (RANGA REDDY DT.), APRIL 28. "I wanted to consume pesticide and commit suicide. But my friends prevented me," lamented 28-year-old K.Shekhar Reddy whose three-acre paddy crop and another one acre holding a horticultural crop were completely damaged by a hailstorm on April 24.

"I have taken a crop loan of Rs.15,000 and motor loan of another Rs.40,000 and invested on these crops. I was hoping to clear the debt after harvesting the crop. But all my hopes have been shattered," he bemoaned.

He and other small farmers, fruit growers and people whose houses were damaged by nature's fury, narrated their woes to the State BJP president, N.Indrasena Reddy, during a visit to the hailstorm-affected villages in Yacharam mandal of Ranga Reddy district on Wednesday.

Mr. Shekhar Reddy said the Government should pay compensation of at least 75 per cent of the loss of Rs.40,000 sustained by him. "They paid us a meagre amount when a similar fate befell us six months ago," he complained.

The affected people said in unison that they were yet to receive relief from the administration though a few revenue officials visited the place and assessed the damage a few days ago. "Nobody listens to our problems. Do something. We are poor people. Come to our aid," pleaded Jangamma, mother of Mr Shekhar Reddy.

The upa-sarpanch, Jangaiah, said there was extensive crop loss and asbestos roofs of 100 houses were completely blown off, while 180 more houses were partially damaged. Fifteen sheep and a buffalo died in the hailstorm.

The roofs of two poultry sheds were full of gaping holes, as the farmers, Ram Reddy and Satti Reddy, said they suffered a loss of Rs.1 lakh each, as hundreds of their broiler died.

At Medipalli village, the roof of G.Satyanarayana's single-room shelter caved in during the storm.

He and his wife suffered bruises, as they threw blankets over their five children and protected them when large hailstones hit them relentlessly for an hour. "We have no shelter, where can we go," she wailed. Everybody is coming here and taking details, but no relief is forthcoming." Scores of other houses were damaged.

Addressing the villagers, Mr.Indrasena Reddy urged the Government to immediately come to their rescue and provide compensation.

He said the Government should take permission from the Election Commission in view of the model code of conduct and provide relief.

He promised to speak to the administration for constructing pucca houses for the victims whose dwellings were damaged.

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