What’s Stopping Naidu From Flying To Vizag?

Leader of the opposition in the AP Assembly and Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday appealed to the Union government to immediately rush highly qualified medical teams to Visakhapatnam to treat the victims of Vizag gas tragedy. He sought a thorough probe into the incident. He also sought permission from the Prime Minister’s office to allow him to fly to Vizag to console the victims and their families.

According to reports, Naidu got permits to visit in a special helicopter to Vizag, but is still waiting for permission from the aviation sector to fly. Sources in the aviation wing said he might not be accorded permission in the wake of shortage of staff at the airports due to Covid-19 lockdown. It is learnt that the existing staff are busy in managing emergency operations.

In the wake of the disaster, it should be recalled that Naidu has a special bonding with Vizag city as he almost re-built the entire city after it was battered by Cyclone Hudhud in October, 2014.

He developed the entire Beach Road and transformed all the beaches into tourist spots. He ensured that all permanent structures were turned cyclone-resilient. The famous Kailasagiri Hill which lost its green cover was given special attention and greenery was restored.

Naidu also suggested shifting the chemical unit to the Special Economic Zone as there would be none loving in the vicinity and hence, would be safe for the public. The former CM also pointed out that the treatment should be two-pronged, keeping in mind the dual risks from styrene gas and Covid-19.