Port Blair, Jan 05: The Lt. Governor, Lt Gen A K Singh (Retd), visited Long Island on 04.01.2016 and reviewed the progress of development works assigned to various Departments. The PCCF, Shri Omkar Singh, Secretary (GA), Shri Rakesh Bali and APCCF (P&D), Shri D.M. Shukla accompanied the Lt. Governor.
During the visit, the Lt. Governor inaugurated the eco-friendly tented accommodation “Eco-Surmai Reef”, constructed by the Forest Department set up for visitors and tourists.
These six tented accommodation will be made available for the tourists. Apart from this, the Forest Rest House has also been refurbished. The Lt. Governor directed that the construction of remaining tented accommodation be done immediately and a wide publicity given, so that visitors could avail the facilities.
The Lt. Governor also interacted with the PRI members and the local people. The Pradhan and other PRI members appreciated the coordinated efforts made by various Departments in achieving the targets set by the Lt Governor, despite all logistic constraints.
The Lt Governor directed the Deputy Commissioner to look into the issues raised by PRI members and resolve them expeditiously in consultation with the stakeholders for the well being of the people of Long Island. It is a matter of satisfaction that all the issues raised by the people & PRIs during the LG’s visit in November 2013 have been completed/are in progress when deadlines have been fixed. This is a good example of ‘Good Governance’ as per the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister.
The Lt Governor also advised the Pradhan and PRI members to form a Self Help Group and go in for procurement of small boats to be operated between Yerrata, Long Island and Merk Bay. This could help in generating income and also provide gainful employment to the local people.
The Lt. Governor assured that the Administration shall extend all possible help in creating tourism infrastructure in Long Island. The Administration will also help in arranging financial assistance through the Financial Institutions, including Banks for making investment in promotion of eco-tourism.
He also suggested encouraging local people to keep bicycles and give them out on rent to the tourists intending to travel from Long Island to Lalaji Bay. He stated that option of operating of E-Rickshaws can also be explored. These options, besides being eco friendly, will generate substantial income to the local people.
The Lt Governor also visited Merk Bay and Lalaji Bay along with other officers, riding bicycles in order to promote an eco friendly mode of transport in Long Island. He has asked the Deputy Commissioner to send a project report on “Mission Long Island” within two weeks to develop appropriate tourism infrastructure and facilities in Long Island.
Leave a Reply