Paddy drying on roads blamed for fatal accidents in erstwhile Medak

Farmers are often seen drying their produce on roads due to lack of proper drying platforms. However, road users are urging the authorities to put an end to this practice as it is causing fatal road accidents.

Siddipet: Despite repeated warnings, farmers in the erstwhile Medak district continue to dry paddy on public roads, leading to a string of accidents, of which there were two fatal accidents on Monday alone. The practice being followed by the farmers due to lack of proper drying platforms has become a recurring hazard for road users during the paddy harvesting season.

On Monday, a teenager, Bhanapurum Krathik (16), from Pedda Gottimukkala in Shivampet mandal, died after the two-wheeler he was riding hit a paddy heap at Gomaram. Krathik succumbed to his injuries an hour later. His companion and the pillion rider, Yaswanth, sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the government hospital in Narsapur, where his condition remains critical.

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In a separate incident the same day, Errolla Balanarasaiah (53), a watchman at Konda Pochamma temple, suffered fatal injuries after his motorcycle struck a paddy heap on the roadside at Itikyala in Jagadevpur mandal. He died on Tuesday while receiving treatment at the hospital.

In yet another mishap on Monday night, Dasari Kiran (30) sustained serious injuries after his bike hit a paddy heap on the Veldurthi–Melluru road. He is currently battling for life at the government hospital in Toopran.

Medak Superintendent of Police, D Uday Kumar Reddy, stated that farmers had been repeatedly counselled against leaving paddy on roads due to the risk it poses to motorists. Despite awareness campaigns, some farmers continue the practice, citing various constraints. Toopran DSP Narendar Javvaji warned of strict action against individuals found drying paddy on public roads.

Farmers, however, blame the government’s failure to provide adequate drying platforms and limited space at procurement centres. They also cited delays in paddy procurement, which force them to store their produce on the roads for extended periods.

Meanwhile, road users have urged the government to intervene urgently and end the deadly practice. They called for the formation of a committee comprising officials from relevant departments and farmer organisations to devise a lasting solution.