Port Blair, Dec 29: The Lt. Governor has taken a serious view of the incident that happened last evening where a number of commuters, including Islanders and tourists got stranded at the convoy point, Baratang. He has expressed his displeasure over the complete lack of coordination among agencies as well as the attitude of the tour operators.
Specific instructions have been given to the Police to take stringent action against operators who take tourists to Baratang and do not report back to the convoy point on time to enable them to return back. He has also reprimanded the Tourism Department for its failure to regulate the flow of tourists going to Baratang.
He has issued directions to the Secretary (Tourism) to place the tourist officer-in-charge of Baratang on suspension as it was found that he has been on leave without any authorization.
He has commended the role of Mr. Kurma Rao, Member, Zilla Parishad from Baratang for being on the spot and bringing the issue to the attention of all concerned agencies.
He has also appreciated the role of the SHO, for ensuring the coordination of these stranded commuters, and facilitating their safe passage back to Port Blair the next morning.
