HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy on Sunday directed party MLAs and other public representatives and the Collectors to tour drought-affected villages to monitor relief measures.

Dr. Reddy had a brief interaction with senior officials before leaving for a tour of North Coastal Andhra on Sunday.

He directed political leaders and officials to instil confidence among people that the Government would take all measures in this regard.

Stating that the Government had already drawn up contingency plan for the affected districts, Dr. Reddy asked the officials to monitor the situation and personally supervise the works.

He said the completion of irrigation projects alone would end the recurring drought in the State and cited the lack of sufficient irrigation facilities for regular drought conditions.

Toll-free number

He said that a call centre was opened in Hyderabad with toll-free number 1100. Scientists were available round the clock to give technical advice.

Dr. Reddy said the Government helped farmers by providing 50 per cent seed subsidy for crops, input subsidy to farmers whose crops were damaged due to drought, insurance claims for damaged crops, besides rescheduling crop loans in the affected mandals so that farmers can get fresh credit.

He directed the power officials to ensure seven hours of continuous power supply at a stretch in drought prone areas. He also advised bankers not to insist on crop loan recoveries at present in the affected areas.

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