New Delhi: Centre will give special assistance to cyclone-hit states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha for restoration of their tourist sites.
As a special case, Union Tourism Minister Shripad Naik, has announced a special financial package for the restoration and reconstruction of the affected tourist facilities the two states.
"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," a senior ministry official said.
Taking a pro-active measure in this regard, the ministry has written to the state governments, advising them to assess the extent of damage caused to tourist assets in their states and submit a detailed report on the same to the ministry.
"Funds will be sanctioned to the states, based on the report," said the official.
The states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have recently witnessed an unprecedented natural calamity. The cyclonic storm Hudhud has caused damage to the city of Visakhapatnam and coastal districts in Andhra Pradesh and some areas of Odisha have also been affected.