Meanwhile, industry body ASSOCHAM said a joint rehabilitation team needs to be constituted by both Union and Andhra Pradesh governments to provide support to the industry in cyclone-hit areas of the state.
“The situation on the ground calls for the state and Union Governments to act collectively to bring back the industrial activity on the path of normalcy,” it said.
Actor-politician N Balakrishna said the film industry in Andhra Pradesh would mobilise funds for the victims.
Balakrishna, who visited the cyclone-affected areas here, said Tollywood has always come to the help of people affected by calamities like floods and cyclones in the country.
“Even my late father N T Rama Rao, before he entered politics, used to collect donations to help the victims along with other film industry personalities. I will also raise funds by organising programmes,” the Hindupur MLA, who also met the Chief Minister, said.
Andhra Pradesh Government has appealed to the general public and corporates to donate generously to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to take up restoration, relief and rehabilitation works in the affected districts of Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram.
“The public, corporates and others could generously contribute. The public are requested to cooperate and contribute liberally in the massive efforts for rebuilding the cyclone-hit north coastal Andhra districts, particularly Visakhapatnam, Chief Secretary I Y R Krishna Rao.
He said such donations would qualify for 100 per cent Income Tax exemption.
In the meantime, Chief Minister Naidu today thanked Odisha Government for sending their personnel to the state to carry out restoration works. “I am grateful to Odisha Government for helping Andhra Pradesh,” he said.
Odisha Government has deployed 453 men from fire services and sent 239 power saws/cutters, 152 tower lights and four mobile mini mast lights, officials said.
The Chief Minister said 106 personnel from Odisha Disaster Response Force helped the AP Government in clearing roads, removing fallen trees, electric poles and collapsed structures.
