World Bank to provide $250-mn for AP project

India today singed a pact with the World Bank for $250-million financial assistance for Andhra Pradesh Disaster Recovery Project, which will help the state enhance its capacity to respond promptly and effectively in times of crisis.

The financing agreement was signed by the Centre, the Andhra Pradesh government and the World Bank.

Selva Kumar, acting joint secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India; JC Sharma, principal secretary, revenue department, (Land and Disaster Management), Government of Andhra Pradesh; and Onno Ruhl, country director, World Bank (India) signed the pact.

"The objective of the project is to restore, improve and enhance resilience of public services, environmental facilities, and livelihoods in targeted communities of Andhra Pradesh, and increase the capacity of the state to respond promptly and effectively to an eligible crisis or emergency," according to a release issued by the World bank.

The project, through its different components, will provide both direct and indirect benefits to Andhra Pradesh.

The beneficiaries include populations of the affected coastal areas, specifically four heavily impacted districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and East Godavari.

These areas have an approximate population of 13.3 million.

The project includes seven components featuring resilient electrical network, restoration of connectivity and shelter infrastructure, restoration and protection of beach front, and restoration of environmental services and facilities and livelihood support.

Capacity building and technical support for disaster risk management, project implementation support and contingency emergency response are among the other components.