New Delhi, Aug 21 (DHNS): The Centre has sanctioned a Rs 1,500 crore cyclone risk mitigation project for coastal states to put in place better cyclone forecasting, tracking and warning systems.

The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project, the first phase of which will be launched in Andhra Pradesh and Orissa, will be implemented during 2010-11 to 2014-15.

The major initiatives under the project are to upgrade cyclone forecasting, tracking and warning systems, cyclone risk mitigation and capacity building in multi-hazard risk management.

The government also plans to construct multipurpose cyclone shelters, including shelter-cum-godown, approach roads, bridges to habitation and embankments, including construction and renovation of saline embankments.

The total cost of the project will be approximately Rs 1,496.71 crore. An amount of Rs 246.00 crore has been provided in the budget of Ministry of Home Affairs for this year.
Of the total amount, Rs 1,198.44 crore will be provided by the World Bank as an Adaptable Programme Loan.

The project has four components - Last Mile Connectivity, Structural and Non-Structural Measures, Technical Assistance for Cyclone Hazard Risk Mitigation, Capacity Building and Knowledge Creation and Project Management and Implementation Support.