Port Blair, May 01: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration to schedule helicopter service for Shaheed Dweep for atleast twice a week and to give adequate publicity regarding this so that people of Shaheed Dweep and tourists can make use of such service.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary the Member of Parliament mentioned that a large number of residents of Shaheed Dweep (erstwhile Neil Island) have approached him with a demand to resume helicopter service between Port Blair and Shaheed Dweep.
He said that Helicopter service to other Islands is immensely beneficial for the general public, including patients, senior citizens, divyang brothers as well as sisters and hence such a facility is required for Shaheed Dweep also.
He pointed out that many senior citizens, who are unable to travel by ferry, would prefer to travel to Port Blair for medical, official, and legal purposes in a helicopter. These people are unable to visit Port Blair because there is currently no helicopter service for Shaheed Dweep.
The Member of Parliament added that other than this helicopter service is required for high-value tourists and business owners who contribute to Shaheed Dweep’s local economy.
He pointed out that without use, the lone Helipad of Shaheed Dweep is also getting damaged and hence during true emergency landing of Helicopter at Shaheed Dweep might become difficult. Regular use of the helipad will ensure proper upkeep of the Helipad, which is crucial for emergency operations.
Considering all these issues and genuine demands of people of Shaheed Dweep, the Member of Parliament requested the Chief Secretary to schedule helicopter service for Shaheed Dweep for atleast twice a week and to give adequate publicity regarding this so that people of Shaheed Dweep and tourists can make use of such service.
