Car Nicobar, July 24:
The long cherished dream of the people of southern group of Islands, especially the people of Car Nicobar, was fulfilled as India established air connectivity with this remotest part of the country. The historic moment for the residents of Nicobar group of Islands came with the inauguration of a chartered flight service in the Port Blair – Car Nicobar sector by the Lt Governor, A & N Islands, Lt Gen (Retd) A K Singh at the Indian Air Force Station, Car Nicobar today.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor said, “this momentous achievement is an outcome of synergy between the Government of India and Andaman & Nicobar Administration. The task of introducing a chartered flight between Port Blair and Car Nicobar was undertaken as part of the 100 days target of the Ministry of Home, Civil Aviation and the A&N Administration. This significant service has ultimately connected the people of this particular area with the rest of the country”. The Lt Governor reiterated the commitment of the Administration for the welfare of the people of the far flung islands.
The Lt Governor also thanked the Prime Minister for the push that led to the achievement of this target in such a short span of time.
The Lt Governor stated that the Administration is sensitive to the needs of the people of all the islands, right from Diglipur to Campbell Bay.
Reiterating the commitment of the Administration for the welfare of all the tribal people of the Islands, the Lt Governor said, “the Administration remains responsible and accountable for the safety and well being of our tribes”.
Congratulating the people of Andaman & Nicobar, the Lt Governor said, “the services of this Alliance Air Flight would connect the most distant District Headquarter of the country to the capital of the nation in 4-5 hours”.
The Alliance Air flight will give its services in the Delhi-Port Blair-Car Nicobar-Port Blair-Delhi sector once in a week, every Thursday. The Lt Governor also thanked the CEO of Alliance Air, Shri Anil Mehta for his whole hearted support in this endeavour of A & N Administration.
Earlier welcoming the august gathering, the Secretary, Tribal Council, Car Nicobar, Shri Martin Luther expressed his gratitude towards the Govt of India and the A & N Administration for working in tandem to fulfil this demand of the people of Nicobar Islands.
On arrival, the Lt Governor was received by the Chairman, Tribal Council, Car Nicobar, Shri Aberdeen Blair, Dy Commissioner, Station Commander, IAF and SP, Nicobar.
Senior officials from Alliance Air, Commander-in- Chief, ANC, Vice Admiral P K Chatterjee, Adhyaksha, Zilla Parishad, South Andaman, Ms V K Mariyam Bibi, Chairperson, SSWB, Smt Ratna Kannan, PBMC Chairperson, Shri K Ganeshan, State President, BJP A&N Islands, Shri Vishal Jolly, Chief Secretary, Shri Anand Prakash, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Civil Aviation, Shri Mohan Jeet Singh were among the dignitaries present on this joyous occasion besides residents of the Island and students. Adding colour to the inaugural ceremony, the Nicobari youth presented song and folk dance much to the delight of the gathering. The DC Nicobar, Smt Sakshi Mittal proposed the vote of thanks at the end of this function.
At the Veer Savarkar International Airport at Port Blair in the morning, the passengers going to Car Nicobar by this maiden flight were accorded a red carpet welcome.
