Port Blair, Aug 28: The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS said that the Administration is committed to providing better road connectivity in A&N Islands. He stated this addressing the gathering, after unveiling the plaque to mark the foundation stone laying ceremony for a new all-weather road from Chunna Bhatta to North Bay- a popular tourist spot having a stretch of 5.5 Km at Panighat in Ferrargunj Tehsil today. The foundation stone was laid in the presence of the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (PWD), Ms. Nandini Paliwal, IAS, senior Officers of Administration, PRI members of Ferrargunj Tehsil and villagers of the area. The construction of the road will fulfill the long-felt need of the residents of the area.
The Chief Secretary stated that this road which was damaged during the tsunami will now be newly constructed. He mentioned that the road which comes under the Andaman Marine Drive Project of the A&N Administration will further boost tourism in this area and thereby improve the socio-economic status of the people residing in this area. The Chief Secretary directed the APWD to ensure timely completion of this project avoiding time escalation. He said the rural roads in nearby areas which have been damaged due to rain will be repaired as soon as the weather condition improves. The construction of the road work, once completed will provide smooth access to North Bay and further contribute to the development of the area and subsequently more facilities will be added.
The Chief Secretary remarked that the A&N Administration is always committed to the welfare of its citizens and the grievance of the general public is heard and sorted out without any discrimination. He also directed the Officers of the Administration to visit rural areas to have first-hand knowledge of the problems/grievances, if any, being faced by the common people for its early redressal.
In his address, the Secretary (PWD), Mr. Kishore Kshirsagar Lakshman said that this work which comes under the ‘Andaman Marine Drive’ project will provide better road connectivity upto North Bay. The road once completed will further increase the scope of tourism and also benefit the local entrepreneur of this area, he added.
Informing about the salient features of the project, the Chief Engineer, APWD, Shri M. SivaramaSubramaniyan said this 5.5 KM road will be a double lane road and it will be built at a cost of 23.59 crores. The road construction work which includes the development of culverts, RCC retaining wall and gabion wall is expected to be completed by 2024. The EE, RCD Wimberlygunj, and Mr. Subbaraj proposed the vote of thanks.
Thereafter, the Chief Secretary visited the Hope Town Jetty and discussed further expansion of the Port with the officials present.
During the visit, the Chief Secretary also visited the site where the 10MW containerized Power Plant is operational at Bambooflat under Power Purchase Agreement. He observed that future power plant installation should take care of pollution norms. He also advised planting fruit-bearing trees all around the area which will also add to the green environment.
The Chief Secretary also visited Stewartgunj and inspected the site inundated with water. The APWD officials informed the Chief Secretary about the proposal for the development of a ‘Sweet Water Lake’ there. He directed APWD to expedite the work for the development of ‘Sweet Water Lake’. As per the demand of the PRIs present there, he directed the APWD to undertake the beautification of the entire stretch so that people can visit the area and spend their leisure time.
Thereafter, the Chief Secretary visited the Kamsarat Dam at Stewartgunj where the APWD officials informed the Chief Secretary about the distribution of water to adjoining 5 villages from the Dam. The Chief Secretary also visited the site where a 50 MW LNG Power Plant will be set up near Hope Town Port. On enquiring about the progress of the project, the Chief Secretary directed the Secretary (Power) to follow up with the NTPC for the finalization of the tenders. The Chief Secretary also visited Mount Manipur and spent some time at ‘North Bay View Point’.
