Andhra Pradesh CM Orders Swift Cyclone Murasu Relief, Price Controls

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to expedite relief and restoration operations in areas impacted by Cyclone Murasu. During a review meeting at his camp office on Saturday, Mr. Naidu emphasized the need for prompt financial assistance to victims and measures to prevent a rise in essential commodity prices. He instructed officials to closely monitor field-level relief efforts and complete damage assessments swiftly.

Officials reported that approximately 92% of horticultural crop damage assessment has been completed, with agricultural crop assessments expected to conclude by November 9. Regarding power restoration, officials noted that 30,000 electricity poles damaged during Cyclone Arnav had been repaired, restoring supply to all affected villages. Following Cyclone Murasu, restoration is underway in 1,825 villages, with 7,850 damaged poles already repaired.

The Civil Supplies Department confirmed the distribution of essential commodities to 3.82 lakh affected families. Chief Minister Naidu also reviewed strategies to regulate prices for onions, rice, palm oil, red gram dal, and wheat flour. Officials stated that onions are being sold at ₹35 per kg through Rythu Bazaars, supported by the procurement of 8,000 quintals.

Traders have agreed to sell various rice varieties at government-fixed prices, ranging from ₹47 to ₹82 per kg. Cases have been registered against 204 traders for violating these directives. Subsidised rice is available through 150 counters at Rythu Bazaars, with 27,430 quintals sold benefiting 1.03 lakh families. Arrangements are also being made to supply palm oil at ₹125 per litre, red gram dal at ₹100 per kg, and wheat flour at ₹25 per kg via ration shops.

What to watch: Continued monitoring of relief distribution and price stability in affected regions.

Editor's note: Excellent summary that incorporates all specific figures, dates, and administrative details provided in the full text.