Hyderabad, Sep 6 (Reporter) Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has informed Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan that heavy rains and floods have caused extensive damage across the state, with estimated losses amounting to Rs 5,438 crore. The CM noted that as different departments continue to assess the field-level damage, the overall loss is expected to rise. During a meeting at the Secretariat on Friday evening, the Chief Minister briefed Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Bandi Sanjay, who were in the state to inspect the flood-affected areas. Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, Ministers Tummala Nageswar Rao, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Chief Minister's Advisor Vem Narender Reddy, and senior officials, including Chief Secretary Shantikumari and Special Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao. The Chief Minister explained that due to the recent torrential rains, districts such as Khammam, Mahabubnagar, and Suryapet received up to 40 cm of rainfall in a single day, leading to severe flooding. While quick actions by the state government helped avoid significant loss of life, the damage to infrastructure was substantial. Roads, highways, houses, and bridges were destroyed, and traffic in many areas came to a standstill. Railway tracks were also damaged, particularly in Mahabubabad district, where services were suspended. A detailed PowerPoint presentation and photo exhibition were used to showcase the flood damage to the Union Ministers. The Chief Minister explained that families in the affected villages had suffered irreversible losses, and the state government is providing Rs 10,000 in immediate relief to each affected family. Officials further reported extensive crop damage, with fields covered in stones and dunes. The Chief Minister appealed to the Union Government for immediate financial assistance for the temporary repair of damaged lakes, dams, roads, and bridges. He also requested sufficient funds for permanent restoration efforts. The CM urged the Central Government to relax existing rules governing the release of disaster relief funds. He highlighted that under current regulations, states must fully utilize 100 percent of their State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) before accessing the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) funds, a shift from the previous policy which required only 50 percent utilization. Additionally, the Chief Minister requested an increase in unit rates for the repair and restoration works in flood-affected areas. Officials estimated that at least Rs. 60 crore is needed for immediate repairs of damaged ponds, but under current guidelines, only Rs 4 crore can be released. The Chief Minister also pointed out that the worst-affected districts in Telangana, such as Khammam and Mahabubabad, are close to Andhra Pradesh, which also suffered heavy losses. He appealed for equitable disaster relief for both Telugu states. In response, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reaffirmed that during times of disaster, political differences must be set aside to support the affected. He emphasized the need for collective action to help families in distress...////...