Port Blair, Jan 05: Core Committee Members of Bharatiya Janata Party , A&N Islands led by Mr. AjoyBairagi, State President, Mr. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Member, Mr. L. Moorthy, National Council Member, Mrs. Sheela Singh, State Vice President, Mr. M. Vinod, State Vice President, Mr. K. Ram Das, State General Secretary. Mrs. Promila Kumari. Adhyaksha, Zilla Parishad, South Andaman and Mrs. Kavita Udhaya Kumar, Chairperson, PBMC met Raj Nath Singh, Defence Minister, Govt of India today and discussed the following issues concerning the Islanders
Expedite the ongoing up gradation work of Port Blair Runway –
They mentioned that, they understand the importance of the up gradation of the runway; they sincerely requested to directthe concerned authorities to get the work completed as early as possible by engaging the workforce in 8X3 Shifts. They said kindly ensure that the airport is fully operational for the maximum days with minimum curtailment of air services as it is the life line for the Islanders and also requested to make a standby arrangement for one aircraft from defence at the disposal of the civil authority to engage the same for any emergency evacuation of serious patients referred to mainland during the airport closure days.Airfares have also gone very high because of the closure.
Extension of Shibpur Airport at Diglipur to be completed in a time bound manner:
To boost the connectivity of North and Middle Andaman, they mentioned it is extremely important to extend the runway of the airport at Shibpur, in Diglipur. The extension of these runways is important for both the Defence Sector as well as for the Civilian Population. This will help in introduction of much acclaimed Udaan Scheme for the benefit of islanders as well as tourists. They kindly requested to introduce air connectivity to Diglipur from Port Blair for at least Three Days in a week by engaging the Defence Aircraft for the residents of Diglipur as it will help the serious patients referred from Diglipur to Port Blair.
Extension of Campbell Bay Airport at Great Nicobar and Car Nicobar Airport to be completed in a time bound manner:
In order to boost the connectivity to Great Nicobar and Car Nicobar, they mentionedit is extremely important to extend the runway of Car Nicobar andCampbell Bay Airport at Great Nicobar. The extension of these runways is important for both the Defence Sector as well as for the Civilian Population. Development of the Airport at Campbell Bay will definitely help the people of Nicobar and Campbell Bay.
Minister has reportedly assured the delegation to consider all the issues raised by the Party delegation.
