Will develop cyclone-hit Visakhapatnam into a world-class city: Chandrababu Naidu
Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday vowed to develop Visakhapatnam, which has been devastated by cyclone Hudhud, into a world-class city.
Naidu said, “There is a serious crisis but I also see an opportunity in this situation. I will develop Vizag into a world-class city from ruins. Foundation stone for IT Signature Towers will be laid within a month and work will begin on a fast phase.”
Naidu said we will continue to work till normalcy is restored in the city and the compensation will be deposited directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.
“Many telecom companies have come forward to give free talktime of 30 minutes and also Rs 50 worth talktime on credit,” Naidu said.
CM held a series of review meetings with insurance company representatives, industrialists and experts to restore green cover as early as possible.
Visakhapatnam was among the three cities (other two being Allahabad and Ajmer) discussed for being developed as 'smart cities' with American help, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent US visit.
Six days after Cyclone Hudhud wrecked havoc, relief and restoration works are still underway and Vizag is still reeling under darkness due to power blackout. The death toll rose to 38.
On Thursday, power was restored in areas like Pendurthy, Anakapalle, Tarluvada and Araku and electricity department officials are hopeful that power in 80 per cent of Vizag will be restored by Saturday.
Residents of some suburbs, however, are still facing water problems. There were scenes of women standing in long queues for water near tankers supplied by the relief teams of the government at various areas.
In some areas of Vizag, an empty plastic bottle to collect water was being sold at Rs 5.
At Vizag Port, vessel movements and cargo handling operations have resumed and full-fledged operations will be taken up within another two days. Also, all the railway lines have been restored at the port.
