Scores of protesters took to the streets on Saturday, converged at GHMC zonal and circle offices and demanded resumption of flood financial assistance, even as several alleged bias in its disbursal.
The State government has been providing cash relief of ₹10,000 per family but this came to a halt on Thursday. As was reported in these columns on Friday, anger was simmering among the public who had alleged that they had not received funds.
Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister K.T. Rama Rao reacting to the protests assured flood-hit families that financial assistance would reach them. Taking to Twitter, he said, “I assure all those flood affected citizens who are complaining of being left out of flood relief ex gratia, that we will ensure that all affected families shall be covered. Have instructed MA&UD Principal Secretary @arvindkumar_ias to personally monitor and ensure the same.”
Cut to Saturday, tension was palpable at several locations in the city as the protesters gathered in large numbers. Police arrived and kept a close watch on the developments. Demonstrations were witnessed at Madannapet, Uppal, Pahadishareef, Amberpet, Secunderabad, Musheerabad and Gajularamaram, among several places. Dozens of protesters assembled at the zonal offices of GHMC at Khairatabad and Serilingampally and circle office at Uppal. A large number of protesters reached Amberpet and demanded the intervention of local legislator Kaleru Venkatesh.