During the district visit of the 5T and Nabin Odisha chairman V K Pandian, people had proposed the construction of cyclone shelters in various panchayats of Puri, official sources said on Saturday.

Keeping in view the public proposal, the Chief Minister approved the proposal to construct multipurpose cyclone shelters in Chapamanika, Rebana-Nuagaon, Bada Diandi Gram Panchayats of Brahmagiri block, Nuapada and Badanala Gram Panchayats of Krushnaprasad Block, Bijipur Gram Panchayat of Kanas Block and Raigorada of Puri Sadar Block.

A total amount of Rs 14 crore will be spent on the construction of all the structures.

The Rural Development department has been entrusted with the task of construction.

These cyclone shelters will benefit the villagers of Budhasahi, Rebana-Nuagaa and Bada diandi of Brahmagiri block, Janhikuda, Kholikmuhan and Balinasi of Krishnaprasad block, Nandigoda of Kanas block and Raigorada and Nuapada of Puri Sadar block.

It may be noted here that Puri district happens to be cyclone-prone as it is situated along the Bay of Bengal. The Chief Minister has directed the district administration to identify suitable places for the construction of shelters in other places of the district.