Port Blair, Oct 06: “We are happy that we now have a Lt Governor who is more accessible, meets his people and issues on the spot directions to the concerned Authorities for resolving our issues and problems within a time-line”. These were the words this Correspondent heard, while accompanying the Lt Governor during his day-long city tour here today. “For the first time, people are looking forward to a more accountable and responsive Administration”, said a local leader of New Pahargoan after witnessing the Lt Governor give instructions to the officers of Port Blair Municipal Council (PBMC) to complete the construction of a stretch of road at New Pahargoan area within the next 4 months.
As part of his second leg of city tour, the Lt Governor, Lt General (Retd) A.K. Singh, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, accompanied by the Chief Secretary, Mr. Anand Prakash, Chairman (PBMC), Mr. K. Ganeshan along with senior officers of the Administration and PBMC staff, on Sunday visited different places in the city and inspected the civic amenities in the municipal areas. The Lt Governor first visited the area near Marina Park, where a Food Court is being proposed to be developed by the Port Blair Municipal Council. Directions were given to PBMC to complete the project by December 15 2013. The Lt Governor also visited the recently renovated Municipal Dharmshala and took a round of the place. He expressed his satisfaction over the renovation work carried out there. He congratulated the PBMC officers and staff for their good work. Thereafter, the Lt Governor visited Marina Park, where he was apprised of the proposed memorial for the Param Veer Chakra Awardees. Directions were issued to PBMC to ensure the work is completed by the end of December 2013.
Thereafter, the Lt Governor visited the Municipal Complex behind South Point Circuit House. Residents of the area raised various issues such as relaxation in CRZ norms to facilitate projects, development of a community hall and social issues like increase in road accidents, etc. Directions were issued to CE (APWD) to dismantle the dilapidated government quarters and prepare a proposal for a Community Hall. Directions were also issued to the Traffic Authorities to ensure better traffic management to reduce road accidents. “We are fortunate that the LG visited our area and gave directions to the Authorities to resolve most of our problems”, said a resident of the area.
Later, the Lt Governor visited Chakargaon where PBMC officials apprised him of the proposed Shopping-cum-Community Hall. The Lt Governor also inspected the site where a Convention Centre is proposed to be developed by the Administration. On the request of the Chairman (PBMC) for allotment of the land to PBMC for construction of the Zonal Municipal Office, the Lt Governor issued directions to DC (SA) to examine the matter.
Later, the Lt Governor visited Brookshabad, where residents complained to him about the very poor quality of water supplied to their houses. Directions were issued to the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (UD) to convene a meeting with APWD and PBMC officials and work out a plan to improve the quality of water supplied to the residents. He further directed that the water situation should improve by 31 December 2013. He also urged the residents to keep their surrounding areas clean, through Self Help Programme.
Thereafter, the Lt Governor visited New Pahargoan Community Hall. He took a round of the hall and issued directions to PBMC for proper maintenance of the community assets “What made all of us happy is that on our request, the Lt Governor has personally visited the site to see for himself the conditions of the road and thereafter issued directions for early completion of the road”, said a happy resident.
Later, the Lt Governor visited Jogger’s Park. On the demand of the Ward Council to allot a stretch of land developing it into a park, the Lt Governor issued directions to DC (SA) to examine their request. However, he directed that no structure of any form should be allowed on the land due to restrictions of air. The Lt Governor observed that in many areas revenue land has been encroached upon. He, therefore, directed that fresh encroachments will not be accepted and are to be removed immediately. Deputy Commissioners of the three Districts have been asked to maintain constant vigil. He also asked the Chief Secretary to ensure that all Departments put up Boards notifying that the land belongs to them and that strict action will be taken against anyone encroaching on such land.
Thereafter, the Lt Governor visited Gandhi Park. PBMC officials apprised him about the proposed development plan of Gandhi Park. The Lt Governor exhorted the PBMC to work with greater zeal and transparency for the welfare of the people of Port Blair. He also wished the new Chairman, Mr. K. Ganeshan a satisfying and successful tenure in the service of the people.
