Saturday, February 26 2005 09:58 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Andaman and Nicobar Administration has taken up the rehabilitation of 44,000 homeless victims of the December 26 Tsunami on a war footing in different Islands and the dwelling units would be constructed by April 15, Lt Governor Ram Kapse said in New Delhi yesterday (Feb 25, 2005).

He said that the immediate and arduous task was the construction of intermediate shelters.

Kapse said that the administration was now taking up the second phase of relief operation and efforts were on to revitalise the ailing economy by reviving agriculture, fisheries and tourism sector and also providing counselling and stress management lessons to the affected population.

The Lt Governor said that the administration has received a package of Rs 821.88 crore, which included Rs 313.19 crore for immediate relief and response assistant, Rs 215.65 crore for intermediate housing and employment generation, Rs 239.54 crore for revival of agriculture, Rs 29.89 crore for immediate restoration of infrastructure, Rs 15.01 crore for rehabilitation of orphans, widows, disabled and unmarried girls for immediate relief.

Kapse said that the administration has also made available bank loan at the rate of seven per cent with two per cent interest subsidy for prompt payment. The subsidy for fishermen has been increased to 50 per cent from 35 per cent.

Kapse said that 200 dwelling units are required at Campbell Bay for the tribals. Car Nicobar needs an enormous 4000 units. At Hut Bay, Little Andaman, the tribals require 50 units and non-tribals about 2000 units.

The dwelling units for tribals at Kamorta is about 650 units. While for the tribals in Nancowry need 200, those in Teressa require 650 units, he said.

The tribals in Katchal need about 500 and in other parts of Andaman district the requirement is 850, Kapse said.