UNDP's disaster management prog to be 100% externally aided

New Delhi, Mar 15 (UNI) The Union Cabinet today approved implementation of the government's and United Nations Development Progamme's disaster risk management programme (2002-07) in 169 multi-hazard prone districts in 17 states and 38 cities.

The Project is to be covered under the Urban Earthquake Vulnerabilities Reduction Project (UEVRP) with multi-donor assistance of Rs 153 crore (equivalent of 34.00 million dollars), This includes an amount of Rs. 88.37 crore already incurred by UNDP and booked by the office of CAA&A, and providing an amount of Rs.

153 crore by making a provision in the Union Budget in the Demand for Grants of the Ministry of Home Affairs .

Briefing newspersons here, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said the decision will enable the Ministry to implement the collaborative Disaster Risk Management Programme 2002-07 with UNDP assistance.

He said the programme will assist the Central Government and 17 State Governments for disaster risk reduction primarily at community level in 169 multi-hazard prone districts and "would demonstrate a sustainable model for mainstreaming disaster risk management at all levels" These include village,gram panchayat,block,ward,urban local bodies, district and State.

In addition it will also focus attention on 38 selected cities in the country with a population of half a million and above located in seismic zones V, IV and III for reduction in earthquake vulnerability.

UNI