Special Report: Andhra Cyclone Shelters In Shambles

By Revati Kumari / Vizag

Even as the threat of severe cyclonic storm Phailin looms over coastal Andhra, cyclone shelters in seashore villages are crying for attention. 
    
With a 960-km long coastline, Andhra Pradesh is vulnerable to cyclones. About four of the most devastating cyclones recorded in the history of the country have crossed the coast of AP leading to large scale loss to life and property. 
Sources said the state government has been trying to raise funds from the World Bank under the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Programme (NCRMP) for the last four years. The Centre granted permission for the project last fortnight and works are yet to take off. 
    
The state government proposed to construct 148 cyclone shelters at a cost of Rs 131 crore. The proposed shelters are aimed at providing shelter to about one lakh people in nine districts from Srikakulam to Nellore. Although the state government identified nearly 1136 structures along the coast which could be used as emergency shelters during cyclones, there are several concerns with regard to their safety and endurance in view of the threat of cyclones like Phailin. 
    
Many shelters in Srikakulam, Gara, Ranastham, Ethcherla and Laveru were constructed in 1982 while shelters in Santhabommali and Kaviti mandals were constructed in 1984. However, no structure has come up in the last two decades. 
    
Government did not go build new structures despite the fact that the state had witnessed one of the deadliest cyclones in 1996, leaving a trail of destruction in Godavari districts. 
    
The state disaster management authorities identified 2341 villages in nine coastal districts as cycloneprone. While 1136 villages have shelters, only about 450 of these cyclone shelters are considered safe. 
    
In the absence of shelters in coastal villages, officials are forced to evacuate people which involve huge costs. “Thousands of women and children are victims of cyclones and yet the authorities are lackadaisical when it comes to constructing new cyclone shelters,” alleged Mopidevi Vijaya Nirmala, sarpanch of Nizampatnam in Guntur district.