Cyclone Nilam aftermath: Crops in 70,000 hect damaged in Srikakulam

SRIKAKULAM: Crops on 70,000 hectares were damaged in Srikakulam district alone in the wake of cyclone 'Nilam'.

As per the primary official estimates, paddy crop on 25,000 hectares, cotton crop in 4,000 hectares, maize on 800 hectares besides other crops on 200 hectares were damaged.

The storm has left behind a trail of destruction including breaches to about 138 tank bunds.

District Collector Saurabh Gaur said a fund of Rs 200 crore will be required for the repair of roads and Rs 20 crore for restoration of bunds.

Meanwhile, poor drainage system in the city resulted in water-logging in many areas due to heavy rains that lashed the district with the cyclone.

Union minister Dr Killi Krupa Rani who visited the flood-affected areas yesterday said she would urge prime minister to send a central team to assess the damage in the district.