The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Minister admits lapses

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Aug 30, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Minister admits lapses

By Our Staff Reporter

VIJAYAWADA, AUG. 29. The Government on Sunday admitted loopholes in the Pushkaram works which led to the stampede near the apron downstream the Krishna barrage killing four persons.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting the ghats and reviewing the works, the Minister for Roads and Buildings, Jakkampudi Ramamohan Rao, admitted that lack of co-ordination among various departments had led to a messy situation. "The chlorination drive is not upto our satisfaction. Pilgrims near Durga Malleswara Swamy Devasthanam are complaining of drinking water scarcity. We have taken note of their grievances and have asked the officials concerned to do the needful to end their woes," the Minister said.

Reacting sharply to a query on whether the stampede incident had demoralised the Government, the Minister shot back saying: "There is no question of being demoralised. Discipline is paramount for us and we will ensure that it is maintained at all costs."

Defending the transfers of the district Collector, K. Prabahakar Reddy and the city Police Commissioner, T. Krishna Prasad, the Minister asserted that the deaths occurred due to total failure of the district machinery.

The Minister rebutted the charge that the Government had been disinclined to spend funds on Pushkarams from the beginning.

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Andhra Pradesh