GVMC asked to prepare climate risk mgmt plan

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has been asked to prepare a Visakhapatnam Climate Risk Management Plan (VCRMP) in order to handle natural calamities like heavy rains, floods, cyclones and even earthquakes. United National Development Programme (UNDP) in association with the Union ministry of home affairs has selected eight cities in the country, including Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, in the state to prepare the VCRMP.
Giving a power-point presentation on the importance of VCRMP to GVMC staff, including commissioner MV Satyanarayana, at a workshop here on Thursday, UNDP state project officer B Nagendra Kumar said that the preparation of VCRMP is much needed for cities like Vizag that are prone to heavy rains and cyclones. He suggested that GVMC prepare the plan within six months and submit it to the state wing of the UNDP.
A survey on climate risk prone areas will have to be conducted in the city as part of the plan, he added.
Civic bodies will be able to procure requisite disaster management equipment like megaphones, torch lights, search lights, ropes, lifebuoys and life jackets once the plans are approved, he said.