Monsoon cheers farmers in AP, Telangana

The monsoon has finally set in over Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema and parts of Telangana, accelerating farming activities in the region. According the Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre, heavy to moderate rain coupled with thunderstorm are expected over the next 24 hours in several parts of Andhra Pradesh.

Andhra Pradesh on Monday launched the ‘Eruvaka’ programme, marking the beginning of the agricultural activities in 13 districts. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu formally launched the programme in Chittavaram of Narsapur mandal in West Godavari district.

Heavy rain in Andhra’s capital region of Amaravati resulted in water logging, affecting the construction work of the temporary secretariat at Velagapudi. Heavy vehicles carrying construction material were stuck in knee-deep slush. With frequent power outages and rainwater entering the Capital Region Development Authority office, work was postponed till Saturday.

Heavy rain also lashed Chittoor, Nellore, Kadapa, Kurnool, Visakhapatnam, East and West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur and Prakasam districts of Andhra.

The monsoon, which has been delayed by almost 13 days, has completely spread over Nalgonda and Khammam districts in Telangana and parts of Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar and Warangal. Hyderabad city witnessed heavy showers since Sunday night. The India Meteorological Department said conditions are favourable for the monsoon to cover the entire state in the next 48 hours.