Telangana floods: CM Revanth Reddy asks Centre to allocate funds 'same as Andhra'

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Friday sought funds from the government amid massive floods in the state. Reddy said the Centre should provide financial aid and match it to the funds allocated to the neighbouring state, Andhra Pradesh.

He requested Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan to provide immediate aid and detailed the severe impact of recent heavy rains and floods, estimating damage at Rs 5,438 crore, with that figure expected to rise as assessments continue.

Reddy also called for equitable disaster relief for Telangana, similar to what Andhra Pradesh has received, especially since Khammam and Mahbubabad are near the AP border.

Chouhan, accompanied by Bandi Sanjay, visited Telangana to evaluate the damage and met with Reddy on Friday evening. The meeting included Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka, and ministers Tummala Nageshwar Rao and Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, along with senior



officials.

Reddy highlighted the severe floods, noting that districts like Khammam, Mahbubnagar, and Suryapet received up to 40 cm of rain in a single day. While prompt action prevented significant loss of life, infrastructure damage was extensive, with roads, bridges, and homes affected. A PowerPoint presentation illustrated the destruction, including images of collapsed railway tracks in Mahbubabad district.

The Chief Minister urged the central government to provide immediate financial aid for temporary repairs and permanent restoration of damaged infrastructure. He also requested that disaster relief fund guidelines be relaxed to expedite the release of funds.

Officials noted that current repair rates are insufficient, with at least Rs 60 crore needed for immediate repairs to tanks and ponds, while only Rs 4 crore can be released under current guidelines.

Chouhan stressed that disaster relief should be free of politics and focused solely on aiding those affected.