Date:19/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/19/stories/2006081909630500.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Discussion on drought in agenda

Special Correspondent

State urged not to ignore drought areas

HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh is in the grip of two contrasting situations caused by nature -- floods and drought.

Floods hit the north coastal Andhra and North Telangana, while Rayalaseema region and Nellore district have been affected by drought following scanty rainfall.

Paradoxical situation

Highlighting the paradoxical aspect of the monsoon in the Assembly on Friday during a debate on the floods, CPI (M) leader T. Veerabhadram said no outsider would believe now that drought also existed in this State.

"In its eagerness to help flood-affected areas, the Government should not ignore drought-hit areas," he added.

Incidentally, a short discussion on drought has been listed in the agenda finalised for the current session of the House by the Business Advisory Committee.