Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu has adopted ‘Chepala Uppada’ village in Visakhapatnam district in Andhra Pradesh for rehabilitation and development in the aftermath of recent cyclone Hudhud that ravaged north coastal districts of the State.
The village and the surrounding hamlets were severely affected by the cyclone. “The Minister has decided to donate his one month salary besides a contribution of `25 lakh from MPlADS funds for rebuilding of Chepala Uppada village and adjoining hamlets.
“Resources will also be mobilised from other sources like trusts and NGOs in this regard. Nellore based ‘SwarnaBharati Trust’ has already offered `10 lakh for rehabilitation of this village,” said an official from the UD Ministry.
Naidu has extensively toured the cyclone affected areas of north coastal Andhra Pradesh in last two days for an assessment of the ongoing rehabilitation efforts.
He convened a meeting of representatives of the State officials and agencies at Visakhapatnam and reviewed the measures being taken for restoration to help the victims. He also reviewed the progress on the rehabilitation front with Collectors of Visakhapatnam, Vijayanagaram and Srikakulam districts, said the official.
Visakhapatnam Steel Plant(VSP) management handed over a cheque of `5 crore to Naidu for rehabilitation of Hudhud-affected areas.
During his discussions with the State Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu, the Cabinet Minister also suggested setting up of a separate entity for integrated development of Visakhapatnam with representation from the Central Government for promoting ‘Smart City’ features.
Naidu also spoke to Finance Minister Arun Jaitely over phone and urged him to direct the concerned for speedy settlement of insurance claims and rescheduling of bank loans of all those affected by the cyclone, the official added.