Port Blair, April 27: A meeting to discuss the pending issues of all the three Districts of A&N Islands was held by the Lt Governor at Raj Niwas on 26th April 2016. The Deputy Commissioner (SA) informed that Havelock and Neil Islands are facing significant electricity and water deficit, due to rising demand/increase in tourism activities. The Lt Governor directed the Principal Secretary (Power) to expedite the matter of procurement of DG set. He directed that the Deputy Commissioner’s should take pro-active steps for identifying and utilization of potential water source/rain water harvesting, check dams etc. Secretary (Tourism) was also directed to call a meeting of Hoteliers, ACCI and other stake holders for framing some regulations for provision of amenities like de-salination plant, rain water harvesting, solar power etc within the resort premises.
On sanitation, the Lt Governor asked PBMC to frame suitable bye-laws for enhancing penalties for creating public nuisance/littering. He further directed PBMC to ensure that the city roads are kept free of stray cattle. He also asked the DCs to ensure proper facilities for the impounded cattle.
The DC (SA) informed that the available land of Primary Health Centre at Neil Island is allotted for Solar Power Plant and no un-encumbered vacant revenue land to accommodate the petty vendors is available. The proposal of PRI members that 2000 sq. mtrs of un-utilized land be transferred from ANIIDCO to Gram Panchayat for providing basic amenities near Bharatpur including relocation of petty vendors was brought to the notice of the Lt. Governor. In this regard, the Lt Governor directed the Managing Director, ANIIDCO to submit formal proposal in this regard. On the condition of roads, he directed APWD to take up the matter on priority.
The DC (N&M Andaman) raised the issue of shortage of government staff, especially outline segments. The Lt. Governor directed Secretary (Personnel) to look into the matter and take necessary action. Further it was directed that each Secretary should also review posting of staff at outline segments and take remedial measures. On shipping sector, the Lt. Governor directed that proper shipping schedule be maintained. On health sector, the DHS informed that the process for procurement of Ultra Sound machine has already been initiated and within two months the machine will be installed in the District Hospital. In the Sports sector, the Lt. Governor directed DC to re-assess the requirement of modern indoor sports stadium in Mayabunder and submit the proposal, if considered as priority. On irregular supply of LPG at Mayabunder and Rangat, the DC (SA) informed that he has taken up the matter with the IOC and they are in the process of inviting application for distributors at four places. The Lt Governor directed Secretary (Civil Supplies) to coordinate and follow up the matter. As regard repair of ATR, Lt. Governor directed the DC to submit photographs of worst affected stretches. Principal Secretary (APWD) was directed to take immediate action.
The Lt Governor directed the Deputy Commissioner’s to act as Nodal Officer for the District concerned and the officials of other line departments should invariably inform and take permission from DC before leaving the District. On the issue of delay in construction of Model Fisherman village at Nimbutala, the Lt. Governor directed the DC to visit Nimbutala and sort out all pending issues.
On the issue of Water Supply in the North & Middle Andaman, the Lt. Governor directed all Deputy Commissioner’s to review water situation in their district. The Deputy Commissioner’s should also take pro-active steps for identifying and utilization of potential water source/rain water harvesting, check dams etc. where necessary additional water tankers be deployed. A weekly report should be put up to the LG on the water situation.
The DC (Nicobar) raised issues pertaining to the Nicobar District. As regard the issue of shortage of staff, the Lt Governor directed that the staff vacancy should be filled at the earliest and also directed that prior station leaving intimation should be given to DC by all HODs/employees. On water scarcity, the Lt. Governor directed the DC to explore alternate sources of water and construct check dams through MGNREGA and APWD and start other water harvesting schemes.
On long pending APWD projects, especially in case of ITI, School and Malacca Guest House, the Lt Governor directed DC (Nicobar) to make arrangements for ITI classes at an alternate place till the completion of ITI building. As regard the issue of connectivity, the Lt Governor instructed Secretary (Civil Aviation) to speak to Air India to ensure least disruption in the weekly flight. He also informed that the Chartered ship ‘Coral Queen” especially for southern group of islands would be able to sail in four months time. The Secretary (Civil Aviation) was also directed to take steps for re-fueling at Campbell Bay so as to allow more number of passengers to fly in the helicopter. On the issue of power supply, the Lt Governor directed that people of Macachua and other villagers of Little Nicobar should be provided with more electricity hours and solar energy project should be completed faster in the southern group of islands. As regard poor BSNL connectivity, there was some satisfaction regarding the establishment of broad band in Campbell Bay and increasing the speed upto 20 MBPS at both Car Nicobar and Campbell Bay. However, issues of call drops and non availability of proper signal may be looked at by BSNL. In connection with the Tsunami shelters, the Lt Governor directed DC, Nicobar to sort this issue in consultation with the Chief Secretary. The LG also asked all Secretaries to give special attention to far away islands specially Campbell Bay.
