Centre reviews implemenation of Tsunami Rehabilitation Programme

New Delhi, Jan 10 (UNI) The Empowered Group of Ministers today reviewed the implementation of the rs 9870 crore Tsunami Rehabilitation Programme and deliberated on measures to expedite it.

The hour-long meeting was chaired by Home Minister Shivraj Patil.

Minister of State for Women and Child Development Renuka Chowdhury and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission were also present.

The meeting emphasised the need for increased the pace of construction of permanent shelters in Tamil Nadu and Andaman and Nicobar which were devestated by the tsunami.

This was the second meeting of the Empowered Group of Ministers constituted in December, 2005 to ensure the implementation of the programme over four years. Minister of State for Minority Affairs A R Antulay and Commerce Minister P Chidambaram are also members of the Empowered Group but they could not attend today's meeting.

The programme is meant for reconstruction of, ports, jetties, roads and bridges in the tsunami affected southern states. It would also focus on reconstructing power supply, works and sewerage and social infrastructure and welfare. Environment and coastal protection and tourism has also been included in the programme.

UNI