Risk management project for Andhra, Orissa approved

New Delhi, Jan 6 (ANI): Union Cabinet today approved National Risk Management Project for Andhra Pradesh and Orissa.

According to an official press release it is estimated to cost about 1496 crore rupees. The objective of the project is to address the vulnerability of coastal community who are generally poor.

The project is the first disaster risk mitigation initiative, which would be implemented in the country to reduce loss of life and property in the event of future calamities.

The World Bank will provide financial assistance equivalent to Rs 1198.44 crore. The remaining amount of Rs. 298.27 crore will be provided by the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa.

The broad objectives of the project are to upgrade cyclone forecasting, tracking and warning systems, cyclone risk mitigation and capacity building in multi-hazard risk management. The project is expected to benefit 5.60 lakh people in Orissa and over 5.50 lakh people in Andhra Pradesh. It will further help in protection of 38; 296 ha land in Orissa and about 12,640 ha in Andhra Pradesh.

The project has been conceived for implementation in all the 13 cyclone prone coastal States and Union Territories, namely, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa., Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Daman and Diu, Puducherry, Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Island.

In another decision, the Cabinet gave its nod to the proposal of Power Ministry to amend the Power Tariff policy.

This provides for non conventional sources of energy generation including co generation. (ANI)