Dehradun, July 10, 2013: The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday agreed to extend support for reconstruction and rehabilitation in the disaster-hit areas of Uttarakhand.

Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna in a meeting with Nilaya Mitash, Joint Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs, Union Ministry of Finance, and Onno Ruhl and Hun Kim, Country Directors of the World Bank and ADB respectively, said the World Bank and the ADB have handled such reconstruction works in other countries and States before and their experience with such events is much needed.

Mr. Bahuguna said for the reconstruction and rehabilitation the State also has the support of the Centre and other States in the country.

Mr. Ruhl said the World Bank will provide help based on its analysis of the situation. He assured that the amount needed for reconstruction shall be provided by the Bank. Mr. Kim too assured the State of providing every help with regards to reconstruction of the damaged facilities.

Mr. Mitash said the evaluation of the extent of disaster shall be carried out between August 1 and 15. A plan to help the affected people in the State shall soon be formed, Mr. Mitash said.

A World Bank team will visit the State on August 1 to analyse the extent of damage the State has undergone.

Source: The Hindu, DT. July 10, 2013.