The World Bank has approved the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) for implementation in Orissa. This follows the submission of the report on the project by the appraisal mission of the Bank which visited the state from 3 December to 5 December 2009.
Samuel Carlson, acting country director (India) of the World Bank communicated his satisfaction over the strong performance of NDMA in the state, sources said.
Based on the discussions and review of the project the mission has opined that the proposed project meets the quality and readiness criteria for launch of the implementation phase of the project. This is targeted to be implemented between 2010 and 2015 with International Development Agency (IDA) credit of $ 247 million.
The bank has suggested for obtaining the necessary approvals including from the Expenditure Finance Committee, for negotiations which are expected to be held in the second week of February.
Sources said, Though NCRMP is being implemented in 13 states of the country, only Orissa and Andhra Pradesh have been able to complete the formalities as per the stringent guidelines of the World Bank.
Under the project, 149 cyclone shelters, 6 shelters-godowns, 143 approach roads and 156.98 km of saline embankments are proposed to be constructed in the state at a cost of Rs 576.12 crore.
That apart, the gap in the last mile connectivity is proposed to be abridged by strengthening the mobile based communications system through GSM or CDMA technology. Mobile based communication system is proposed to be developed in 978 remote villages situated within 0-5 km coastline of Orissa.
The Orissa State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), under the revenue and disaster management department, is the nodal agency to implement the project. The Cyclone Shelter and Approach Road component will be implemented by the water resources department of the state government. It would be funded at the ratio of 75:25 between the Central and state government.
