1. Introduction:
Indian coasts of about 5700 kilometers are highly vulnerable to tropical cyclones and consequently to recurrent loss of life and properties. It is now well recognized that by taking long and short term mitigation measures, the loss of life and properties can be minimized. Hazard risk mitigation is a key to sustainable development and this has been the policy of Govt. of India which lays greater emphasis on prevention, preparation and mitigation. Ministry of Home Affairs, (MHA) Govt. of India with this in view conceptualized a comprehensive National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Strategy through several consultations, ending with a National Workshop, “Developing Strategy for Cyclone Mitigation in the Coastal and Island regions of India”, held during 4th to 5th February, 2003 at Administrative Training Institute Kolkata. To give effects to the strategic interventions, the Ministry of Home Affairs decided to put in place the “National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project”. After the formation of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) the management of the Project was transferred to it in September, 2006.
The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) has been drawn up with a view to address the cyclone risks in the country, with World Bank assistance. The main objectives of the project are to minimize risk and vulnerabilities to cyclones, to strengthen the structural and non-structural cyclone mitigation efforts and to build capabilities and capacities of people for cyclone risk mitigation in harmony with the conservation of coastal ecosystems in coastal cyclone hazard prone States and Union Territories.

2. The Financing and Project Agreements relating to NCRMP were signed between the Department of Economic Affairs, World Bank and the State Governments of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha on 14.1.2011. This constitutes Phase I of the project to be implemented over a period of five years up to 31.10.2015 by NDMA in co-ordination with the Govt. of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha and National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme at the cost of Rs. 1496.71 crore.                                                                                     The project will be funded by the World Bank as an Adaptable Programme Loan (APL) with an International Development Association (IDA) credit amounting to Rs. 1198.44 crore. The remaining amount of Rs. 298.27 crore will be contributed by Governments of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa (Under Component B only). Other components will be funded 100% by the Central Government. Planning Commission has given in principle approval for the project.

NCRMP will be implemented in other coastal states/UTs by building on the initial experiences of Phase I and leveraging impact over time. The States of West Bengal, Kerala, Maharashtra and Gujarat are being taken up in Phase II. The remaining States/UTs will be taken up in Phase III. The programmatic approach of APL will allow incorporation of lessons learned from earlier phases, and new ideas and technological advancements in management of risks in subsequent phases of the project. The programmatic approach will also help in gradual strengthening of monitoring and evaluation capacities of the NDMA and other state nodal agencies.