"We averted a crisis," says TDP leader Nara Lokesh on heavy rains in Andhra Pradesh

Amravati: Andhra Pradesh Human Resource Development minister Nara Lokesh on Sunday, commenting on the heavy rainfall crisis that created a flood-like situation in parts of the state, said that the government has been able to avert a crisis.
Nara Lokesh also acknowledged that a permanent solution is needed to prevent inundation.
"We have been able to avert a major crisis, otherwise if we didn't clean the drain we would be in a much worse situation. Last government did not do any activities, some areas go inundated, but as a government we responded, we were available, gave people food and water " Nara Lokesh said.
Nara Lokesh was on a visit to Mangalagiri where he assessed the rescue and relief measures taken by the government. He asserted that the constituency needed a complete revamp to find a permanent solution to the drainage problem.
"In Mangalagiri constituency we need to come up with a permanent solution. We need to remap the whole drainage system and ensure the water has a free flow. I don't know why the earlier government made 2 feet drain when we needed 10 feet to drain and solve the issue but we are not here to blame, we are here to improve," Lokesh said.
During his visit, Nara Lokesh toured the Ratnalcheruvu area in Mangalagiri town, which was severely affected by heavy rainfall, and interacted with the affected residents.
Nara Lokesh enquired about the relief measures provided by the government and whether they were reaching all the affected people.
Lokesh assured the residents that the government would provide all necessary assistance to those affected by the floods.
Meanwhile, following the heavy rain in the Palnadu district, the Pulichintala dam has overflowed.