New Delhi, Jun 25:The Lt Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) A K Singh, called on Union Minister for Environment & Forest, Mr. Prakash Javadekar on 23rd June 2014, at New Delhi. He apprised the Minister about the problems and issues concerning the Islands. Critical issues of the Islands such as sanction for preparation of ICRZ for 10 major Islands, and the issue of extension of validity period of Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) was taken up in the discussion. Issues concerning the Andaman Forest Corporation were highlighted where a comprehensive proposal has been sent to the Ministry. The Minister assured that all issues will be looked into and action expedited.
He also discussed issues related to local Doordarshan Kendra and All India Radio, Port Blair so that their coverage and time can be extended. This is also essential in view of the fragile nature of the Islands that are often subjected to various natural disaster and the need to reach out to people 24 x 7.
In his meeting with the Union Health Minister, Dr. Harsh Vardhan on 24th June 2014, various issues such as filling up of the posts of Specialists, setting up of the Medical College in A&N Islands, creation of 22 posts of PHC Kishorinagar and hard area entitlement for Specialist & GDMOs were discussed. The Minister assured him that his Ministry will look into all these issues and problems of the Islands on priority.
The Lt Governor also called on the Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Mr. Ashok Gajapati Raju Pusapati on 24th June 2014 and apprised him about the issues and problems faced by the Islands in the Civil Aviation sector. Important issues, such as construction of a New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB) at Port Blair airport, night landing facility at Port Blair, rationalization of airfare on Mainland-Island sector, air connectivity to Car Nicobar, development of International connectivity to and from Port Blair and air connectivity to other places in the country figured in the discussion. The Minister assured the Lt Governor that these issues will be looked into. The foundation stone for the new airport complex is expected to be laid in August 2014 and the air services to Car Nicobar, once a week by Air India, likely to commence in July 2014. A meeting at high level is also being planned with all CEOs of Airlines at Delhi on 18 July 2014 to resolve other issues.
