No crackers in Visakhapatnam: CM Chandrababu Naidu

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said that the sale of firecrackers will be prohibited in Vizag. He wanted the Vizagites not to  burst  crackers this Diwali.

Mr Naidu took the decision on Saturday to avoid fire accidents as Vizag city is littered with dry branches and leaves of uprooted trees in the aftermath of Cyclone  Hudhud. These branches and leaves can easily catch fire.

Mr  Naidu said that people in the city should celebrate the festival of lights in a grand manner by lighting   diyas (lamps and candles) inside and outside homes and to stay away from crackers keeping in mind the cyclone devastation.

If necessary, the government will supply diyas to Vizagites, he added.

“We will create an official page for rebuilding Vizag  on Facebook to reach out to people for donations, including financial support, infrastructure material, saplings for greenery in Vizag and also for relief and rehabilitation,” said Mr Naidu.

Vizag has suffered extensive damage as the cyclone struck the city. The new design, to rebuild Vizag will be planned to ensure green cover and also resilience to natural disasters, Mr Naidu added.

Further, Mr Naidu said that a separate township will be developed for the fishermen of Vizag under PPP mode as the fisherfolks have lost much in the cyclone.

Mr Naidu also said that students, youngsters and few others from the city will also be involved in relief operations for speedy result.

“We will also bring out online applications soon for Vizagites to claim damages of their homes, crops and few others by uploading videos and photos of damage. Our teams will verify and sanction the compensation to all,” he added.