Many people lose livelihood with the death of cattle

Many farmers and others have become financial victims with the death of cattle frequently due to the impact of lightning in the Srikakulam district. Recently more than 100 cattle were struck dead.

Many in the district depend on dairy activity for their livelihood as there is no assured income through agriculture with frequent damage to crops due to natural calamities. They faced a sudden blow with the death of the cows and the buffaloes. Each cow costs around ₹25,000 and a buffalo more than ₹35, 000.

People run quickly to safe locations whenever there is inclement weather. The cattle, which are taken to the fields for grazing, move slowly. They also take shelter under trees which is the root cause for their immediate death. Normally, lightning would take the support of long object. Srikakulam Joint Collector-2 P. Rajanikantha Rao urged farmers and others to insure their cattle as per the norms since the compensation would not be paid for their death due to lightning. Mr. Rajanikantha Rao, who oversees the compensation issues, told The Hindu that awareness programmes were being conducted in villages with the support of agriculture, animal husbandry and banks.

“We have recently conducted a video conference with Tehsildars about the precautionary steps to be taken up during natural calamities. Apart from people, we are supposed to save animals too. We can ensure compensation during natural calamities such as cyclone and floods. But such assistance cannot be extended for cows, oxen, buffaloes, goats and others.”

BJP Kisan Morcha State president Pudi Tirupati Rao urged the government to relax norms and pay compensation to dairy farmers also. “Many villagers do not know how to insure their cattle. It is one of the main reasons for the huge financial loss. The Disaster Management wing of AP should look into the issue seriously,” he added.

Srikakulam Lead Bank Manager P. Venkateswara Rao said all the banks had been advised to provide loan to dairy farmers only after the completion of insurance for the cattle. The disaster management has started distribution of pamphlets over the steps to be taken up during natural calamities. “Many NREGA workers are being affected by lightning and summer stroke. That is why we are urging them to take care of themselves during inclement weather,” said an official of Srikakulam Water Management Agency.