Akar Vijay Wanaparthy

DistrictCPI secretary K Vijayaramulu on Tuesday criticised the Central and State governments accusing them of remaining spectators while farmers are left in tears due to crops withering in drought. Following a call from the party State committee, a protest was staged at the collectorate, demanding immediate relief operations.

A memorandum outlining the assessment of the drought situation and various demands was handed over to district administrative officer Bhanu Prakash.

The protest, chaired by town secretary Ramesh, noted that a party district committee delegation had visited villages across the district. It observed that the Kharif paddy crop, as well as the Rabi groundnut and blackgram crops, had withered due to a severe shortage of water and electricity. Farmers had invested Rs 35,000/acre for paddy cultivation, and between Rs 40,000 and Rs 50,000/acre for crops like cotton.

“The paddy crops dried up just as they were reaching the grain-filling stage. There is an acute shortage of drinking water for both humans and livestock, as well as a critical lack of fodder. Eleven mandals have been declared drought-affected; however, the mandals of Revalli, Chinnambayi,Srirangapur and Madanapur, despite having irrigation projects, have not been included in this list,” they said.

A demand was raised to conduct a field-level assessment and declare the four mandals as drought-affected as well.

“The entire district be declared a drought-stricken and relief operations be initiated immediately. The undivided district is represented by two ministers—Jupally Krishna Rao and Vakiti Srihari—yet the promise to secure water for the Jurala project from Karnataka remains unfulfilled,” said CPI leaders.

“Given the severe situation in the undivided district, the situation should be recognised as a national disaster, with both governments releasing substantial funds to support farmers, farm labour and those in traditional occupations,” they said.

“Additionally, based on a field-level assessment ofthe drought, compensation should be provided as follows: Rs. 30,000/acre for withered paddy crops, Rs. 40,000-50,000/acre for commercial crops, and Rs. 20,000/acre for dryland (rain-fed) crops,” said CPI leaders. Fodder centres for livestock were requested.

The party stated that since certain mandals have been declareddrought-affected, there should be no delay in providing relief. It warned to mobilise the public andlaunch a struggle.