Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has instructed the officials to release the Rythu Bandhu amount for this rainy season from June 26. He wanted the distribution of podu lands to be taken up from June 24 and later include them in the Rythu Bandhu scheme as well. According to officials, a total of 66 lakh farmers are benefitting from the Rythu Bandhu scheme – where the farmers get Rs. 5,000 per acre twice a year – Rs 10,000 (for Summer and Rainy season crops). This rainy season an amount of Rs. 7,500 crore is being disbursed.
CM instructed the Finance minister T Harish Rao and officials to ensure the direct deposit of Rythu Bandhu’s amount into the accounts of farmers. Later, reviewing the irrigation department’s functioning, CM wanted them to be prepared for an alternative plan in case of less rainfall. “Let us spend as much as possible, but we should protect the standing crops,” he told the officials.
In view of predictions that the state may witness rains only in the second week of July, Mr KCR has asked the officials to ensure that there is no shortage of drinking and irrigation water. He asked them to delay the release of water for irrigation for some time and first ensure water supply through Mission Bhagiratha. He inquired about the water levels in various reservoirs and water bodies.
The officials apprised the chief minister that water was available in various sources that would be enough till August last week.
By Gollapudi Srinivasa Rao