'Andhra-Telangana Floods Must Be Declared A National Calamity'

USPA NEWS - Vijayawada floods impact 3 lakh lives, Rs 10,000 Crore damage reported

In light of the severe floods that ravaged Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the Bahujan Samaikya Samithi (BSS) has urged the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to declare the disaster a national calamity. The unprecedented floods have left more than 3 lakh people displaced in Vijayawada, with over 40 lives lost and extensive damage amounting to Rs. 10,000 crores. The Budameru rivulet's overflow caused widespread devastation in both urban and rural areas.

Demand for central government assistance

Call for encroachment removal and drainage system overhaul

Request for dedicated funds for drainage maintenance

The BSS, led by High Court Advocate Kakarla Chandrasekhar, National Co-Convenor Advocate Sunil Kumar, and R Amresh, met with NDMA officials in New Delhi on Friday, including HOD Rajendra Singh. During the meeting, the BSS presented flood damage field reports and loss estimation documents, demanding increased central government assistance. “We urge the Center to increase the National Calamity and Contingency Fund from Rs 7,000 crores to Rs 10,000 crores to prevent severe economic setbacks in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana,” said Chandrasekhar. The BSS warned that several districts might face drought-like conditions for years if immediate action is not taken. The BSS also demanded swift measures to address urban flooding by removing illegal constructions around drains and rivers, particularly in Vijayawada. They emphasized the need for a national action plan to prevent future flood-related damages in metropolitan, capital, and smart cities.

"Illegal encroachments near the Budameru rivulet significantly worsened the flood’s impact," noted Chandrasekhar. He further called for stringent penalties against those responsible for the unauthorized structures.

Request for dedicated funds for drainage maintenance

In addition to disaster relief funds, the BSS requested the NDMA to allocate specific funds to states to repair and maintain drainage systems, barrages, and river bridges damaged due to poor upkeep.

"The lack of proper drainage infrastructure played a pivotal role in exacerbating the flood damage," the BSS stated, urging immediate financial support for infrastructure restoration.

Enclosed with their submission were detailed flood field visit reports and loss estimation documents, underscoring the severity of the disaster in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.