Special help to AP, Odisha for restoration of tourist facilities

Tourism Minister Shripad Yesso Naik has announced a special financial package for the restoration and reconstruction of the affected government tourist facilities in the cyclone-hit states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, an official statement said Friday.

The ministry has written to the state governments advising them to assess the extent of damage and submit a detailed report on the same, based on which the funds will be sanctioned, it said.

"The centre will give special assistance to cyclone-hit states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha for restoration of government tourist facilities. As a special case, Naik has announced a special financial package for the restoration and reconstruction of the affected government tourist facilities in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha," the tourism ministry statement said.

This financial support will be "over and above the infrastructure development projects prioritised for grant of central financial assistance to the states during the current financial year", it said.

Severe cyclonic storm Hudhud caused damage to the city of Visakhapatnam and coastal districts in Andhra Pradesh while some areas of adjoining Odisha have also been affected.