Union urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu adopts cyclone-affected AP village

NEW DELHI: Union urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday has announced adoption of Cheppala Uppada, a fishermen’s village in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh that was devastated in cyclone Hudhud.
According to a release issued by urban development ministry, Naidu has also decided to donate his one month’s salary besides a contribution of Rs 25 lakh from MP local area development scheme (MPLADS) for rebuilding the village and adjoining hamlets.Moreover, resources will be mobilized from other sources such as trusts and NGOs. Nellore-based Swarna Bharati Trust, which is run by Naidu’s daughter Deepa Venkat has offered Rs 10 lakhs for rehabilitation of this village.
Over the last two days, Naidu extensively toured the cyclone-affected areas of north coastal Andhra Pradesh for an assessment of the ongoing rehabilitation work. A ministry spokesperson said that he convened a meeting of representatives of over 20 central government departments and agencies at Visakhapatnam and reviewed the measures.
Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) management has handed over a Rs 5 crore cheque to Naidu for rehabilitation of Hudhud affected areas. “During his discussions with AP chief minister, Naidu suggested that a separate entity may be created for integrated development of Visakhapatnam with representation from the central government for promoting Smart City features,” the ministry release said.
Naidu has also spoken to finance minister Arun Jaitley over phone and urged him to direct the concerned agencies for speedy settlement of insurance claims and rescheduling of bank loans of all the cyclone-affected people.
On the issue of soil erosion at Visakhapatnam beaches, Naidu said, this issue will be taken up with the environment ministry for taking long-term measures.