CM Announces Rs. 240 Cr for Research and Capacity Building.

Stating that Andhra Pradesh is keen on disaster management plan focussing specially on preventive measures and preparedness, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu Thursday announced the State government would be spending `240 crore of `2,400 crore fund sanctioned by World Bank on research and capacity building to enhance its capability to respond promptly and effectively during disasters. He stressed the need for creating awareness among public and prepare them for facing any natural disaster, thereby minimising human and property loss.

The Chief Minister was addressing the inaugural session of the second World Congress on Disaster Management (WCDM) organised at Andhra University here. He wanted the experts to focus on developing plans regarding preventive measures, preparedness and establish communication system that can withstand the worst conditions like winds at 200 kmph. He suggested that awareness programmes should be taken up in both urban and rural areas by conducting mock drills in schools and other organisations.

Recalling the experiences during cyclone Hudhud that caused destruction in Visakhapatnam in October last year, Chandrababu Naidu stated that such disasters cannot be prevented but ample precautions can reduce loss of life and property. “Due to the steps taken by the State government much ahead of the cyclone’s landfall, people could prepare for the disaster and thus, we could minimise human losses. Despite the difficulties they faced due to lack of communication, people cooperated with the government in restoring normalcy,” he added.

THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS