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Constitution of a High Powered Task Force on 10.11.99 for rehabilitation and Reconstruction in the cyclone affected areas of Orissa

Countries
India
Sources
Govt. India
Publication date

A High Powered Task Force has been constituted on 10.11.99 for rehabilitation and reconstruction in the cyclone affected areas under the Chairmanship of Minister of Defence.

The Task Force held four meetings on 11.11.99, 15.11.99, 22.11.99 and 25.11.99.

In its meeting held today, the Task Force deliberated on the setting up of a 'Orissa Cyclone Reconstruction Authority'. Details are being worked out.

On 13.11.99, 15.11.99 and 16.11.99, the Chairman met the Chief Executives of various Public Sectors Undertakings(PSUs) including banking & insurance sectors, and discussed their role in relief and rehabilitation measures.

As decided in the meetings the PSUs have taken the responsibility of providing relief support in identified areas with their expertise and resources. They have started relief measures in the allocated districts/blocks.

The Task Force has identified seven priority areas, viz drinking water, foodstuff and free kitchens, clothing/blankets/utensils, health, temporary shelters/polythene sheets, cooking fuel/kerosene and disposal of bodies/carcasses for immediate action.

The composition of the Task Force will be as under:-

Minister of Defence ...Chairman
Secretary, Department of Expenditure... Member
Secretary, Ministry of Power ... Member
Secretary, D/Road Transport and Highways ... Member
Secretary, D/Agriculture & Cooperation ... Member
Secretary, Department of Rural Development ... Member
Secretary, D/Drinking Water Supply ... Member
Secretary, D/Telecom Services ... Member
Secretary, M/Urban Employment and Poverty Alleviation ... Member
The Chairman of the Task Force will have the option to co-opt any other individual in the Task Force as Member. Also, Task Force may co-opt representatives of other Government agencies like HUDCO, CAPART etc. as well as private bodies and NGOs, as may be required.

The Task Force will have the following specific terms of reference:-

To prepare a comprehensive action plan for rehabilitation and reconstruction in the cyclone affected areas of Orissa which should include both short term and medium/long term measures.

To make recommendations regarding the mode of implementation of the plan including its funding, participation of governmental as well as non-governmental organizations etc.

To make recommendations regarding the steps that need to be taken in other areas of the country which are prone to such calamities.

The relief operations being undertaken by various Ministries will also be coordinated through the Task Force.

The Task Force will be serviced by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation and would submit its report within one month. The Task Force may submit a preliminary report within 15 days.