Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N.Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday assured that fishermen areas will be developed as smart villages by allocating more funds with in a time frame. He said each selected villages would be given up to Rs.9 crore for the creation of better infrastructure which would protect fishermen and other villagers during cyclones and other natural calamities. He made a surprise visit to Kunduvanipeta of Srikakulam mandal despite Diwali festival, forcing the administration to make arrangements and other logistics within no time.
He arrived in Srikakulam at 10.45 am and reached Kunduvanipeta village at around 11.10 pm to observe the damage to crops. Addressing a public meeting, he narrated a series of measures to provide immediate relief to Hudhud victims. "Telugu Desam government was the first administration that provided a best package to the fishermen. Each family was given 50 kg rice, other essential goods and kerosene. We are giving Rs.10,000 for fishermen who lost boats and Rs.5,000 for nets," he said.
"Within one year, all cyclone hit villages will be converted into smart villages. As part of them plan, cement roads will be laid in coastal areas. Draiange system will also be developed. Well designed houses will be constructed to withstand cyclones. Those will be ready by October,2015," he added.
Labour Minister K.Atchannaidu, Srikakulam MP K.Rammohan, Srikakulam Collector Gaurav Uppal and others participated in the meeting. Later, Mr.Chandrababu interacted with them in R and B guest house and asked them to day to day report over the cyclone relief operations in Hud-Hud affected areas.
