DJ Venkatesh
Diglipur, Jan 18: Shri Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment, Forests & Climate Change visits Diglipur and Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor on 18.01.2016.
The Union Minister along with Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, Shri Vishal Jolly, BJP State President, PCCF & Pr. Secretary (E&F) reached Diglipur in the morning and visited Ross and Smith Islands where the Chief Conservator of Forests, Divisional Forest Officer, Diglipur, the Deputy Commissioner (North & Middle Andaman), Superintendent of Police (North & Middle Andaman), PRI Members and other senior officers were also present. The Minister took a round of the Islands and admiring the beauty of Ross and Smith Islands, the Minister asked the Department to replicate such successful ecotourism initiatives in other areas as well, as it would provide opportunity for the visitors to explore more areas and enjoy the bounty of nature.
DFO Diglipur informed the Minister about the ecotourism proposal for connecting the Sagardweep Jetty in Smith Island to the ecotourism areas. Shri Prakash Javadekar appreciated the proposal and suggested to include battery operated vehicle, develop nature trail and set up nature interpretation centre for the benefit of visitors and also for employment generation and socio-economic upliftment of the people. Later, the Minister addressed a public rally at the Vivekananda Stadium in presence of the Member of Parliament, BJP State President, Zilla Parishad Adhyaksh, North & Middle Andaman District and others. The Union Minister appreciated the contribution made by the local people towards the development of islands of North Andaman Region.
On reaching Port Blair from Diglipur, the Union Minister proceeded to Wandoor along with Member of Parliament, PCCFs and other senior officers of the Department. He also interacted with Smt Minati Biswas, Adhyaksha, Zilla Parishad, South Andaman District and discussed about the issues related to promotion of Eco-tourism at Mohwadera in Lohabarrack Wildlife Sanctuary as also the issues related to the protection and management of Marine Protected Areas. He was very pleased with the efforts put in by the Department in management of coastal and marine resources of these Islands.
The Union Minister visited the popular tourist spot, the Jolly Buoy Island of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor. He was briefed about the various activities taken-up by the Department in managing the rich and diverse coral reefs and their associated fauna. He was also shown the different varieties of corals, fishes, sea cucumbers, clamp shells existing in nature, etc through glass bottom boat at Jolly Buoy. He appreciated the pristine and serene environment of the National Park and the rich biodiversity particularly the reef fishes, mangroves and coral reefs. The Minister assured all support from the Ministry in augmenting the protection measures of the Department for protection and conservation of forests, wildlife, their habitats as also marine life.
