Sops sought for cyclone prone zones

Hyderabad: The AP government is preparing a strong case to be placed before the Centre to accord Special Category Status. The AP Planning department is preparing a detailed report on the number of cyclones that hit various parts of Andhra Pradesh. “On the lines of special status granted to north-eastern states, we will seek special status for the cyclone prone areas of AP. This report will also strengthen the case of AP in getting its rightful special category status,” AP planning board deputy chairman C. Kutumba Rao said. He said AP has 1,000-km coastline and areas in its vicinity are prone to cyclones.

Due to climatic changes, world meteorlogists have forecast that there could be more cyclones than in the past. AP will list out cyclones along with approximate losses and sent it to the Centre seeking “special status” for cyclone prone areas, he said. Stating that NE states had special status because of hilly region, he said AP qualifies for the same because many of its areas are cyclone prone. “States alone cannot bear the losses caused by regular cyclones unless centre supports them. AP is a perfect case for getting special category status,” he said and added the report will be finalized in a week and sent to the Centre.