Monday, January 17 2005 12:21 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Cuddalore: In an attempt to provide immediate relief to the tsunami affected people of Tamil Nadu, the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) are willing to fast track their emergency programmes along with working out a comprehensive long-term rehabilitation policy, including steps for coastal protection.

A team from the two premier agencies arrived in Cuddalore today (Jan 17, 2005) to take stock of the situation in the worst affected districts of Nagapattinam and Cuddalore.

"This is just a stock taking visit to work out a long term strategy for reconstruction and rehabilitation, which also includes a scheme for coastal protection and betterment of the existing infrastructure and restore life," the Country Director for ADB, Louis de Jonghe said.

"The relief package that we will provide will solely depend on the need and after our first impression with this visit," World Bank Country Director Michael F Carter said.

"World Bank has a special procedure for emergency situation. Normally it takes around two to four months to go through the process. But we should be able to fast track the entire process for immediate relief," Carter said.

"We should be working out something within the next few weeks," Carter said adding that the agency will jointly work with the Centre and Tamil Nadu Government.

"The decision for the package will be worked out together and not just with the local authorities. Whatever is needed will be provided and we are not just talking about money here," he said.

Relief, he said, will be mobilised within a month's time by fast tracking the emergency fund issuing process.

"Development activity is our main focus in this area, even regardless of the tsunami we had been preparing a number of projects," Carter said.

After the preliminary inspection by both banks, a technical team from the headquarters is scheduled to arrive in Cuddalore for a detailed analysis of what kind of help is needed, Jonghe said.

Jonghe also indicated that if the situation arises the United Nations might also be involved in the rehabilitation programmes.

"The ADB will also fast track our special relief progammes through our board of directors," he said.

"The Government of India has asked us to work for better coastal protection measures, to chalk out better preventive measures for such calamities and building up the infrastructure. We are looking at a longer term since the damage is extensive," Carter said.

On the early warning system, he said, "The Government of India is already working on it, at this stage we cannot say what schemes are being undertaken, but if we are consulted both our institution will be happy to provide whatever help."

The relief measures will be put in place "very soon", he said. "It is a bit early to say when exactly we will start work without the preliminary look since this is not a regular business, but maybe in a month," Carter said.

He also lauded the work done by the local administration. "From what we have seen so far the progress is remarkable as far as the local authority is concerned," he said.