Naidu calls for high alert as another cyclone threat looms over Andhra Pradesh

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Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to expedite restoration works in the areas affected by Cyclone Arnab and called for a high alert in view of the threat of another cyclone.

With a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal predicted to intensify into a cyclone by November 1, moderate to heavy rainfall is likely in the south coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions on November 2, 3 and 4. Mr. Naidu stressed the need for precautionary measures to minimise the impact.

Reviewing relief and restoration measures in the cyclone-hit districts at the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) Centre in the Secretariat on Saturday, he directed officials to monitor the movement of the depression every six hours using satellite imagery and Doppler radars and take appropriate measures based on its trajectory.

He also called for efficient utilisation of rainwater, uninterrupted mobile phone connectivity and the maximum possible use of battery energy storage systems.

Officials informed him that power restoration works were progressing at a brisk pace in the affected areas, with 7,000 personnel and 400 machines deployed.

Mr. Naidu directed officials to urgently restore the protection wall at Kakinada, clear silt from canals in the Narsapuram and Katrenikona areas, and strengthen drainage systems in Konaseema and West Godavari districts to ensure the smooth flow of water.

He called for steps to extend insurance coverage to all farmers from the next agricultural season and stressed the need to promote natural farming.

The Chief Minister ordered compensation of ₹54,000 per hectare for damage to 1,293 hectares of coconut plantations and ₹1,500 for each uprooted coconut tree. Officials informed him that about 1.95 lakh coconut trees had been damaged. They also said steps were being taken to pay compensation of ₹35,000 per hectare for banana crop losses across 15,000 hectares.

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