Port Blair, Aug 16: The 70th Independence Day was celebrated in a befitting manner in the Islands too together with the rest of the country. The main function for the flag hoisting ceremony was held in the historic Netaji Stadium here yesterday, in which the Lt. Governor, Lt. Gen A K Singh (Retd.) hoisted the National Tri-colour as the chief guest. He inspected the Guard of Honour comprising of different contingents from Defence, A & N Police, India Reserved Battalion, senior and junior division NCC cadets and the Scouts and Guides of various schools. The Lt. Governor also gave away President’s Police Medal to a Police Officer besides Lt. Governor’s Commendation Certificates to sixteen persons for their exemplary performances on the occasion. This year’s Independence Day assumed significance as the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched a mega programme- ‘70 Saal Azadi- Zara Yaad Karo Qurbani’ – on 9th of this month to mark the celebration of the 70th Independence Day, aimed at rekindling the spirit of patriotism among the people and recalling the scarifies of freedom fighters, which will continue till 23rd August.
Addressing the Islanders on the occasion, the Lt. Governor firstly remembered the freedom fighters and paid tributes for their indomitable courage and invaluable contribution in the freedom struggle of our Country and greeted the Islanders on the occasion of Independence Day. The Lt. Governor further said with the visionary guidance of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji and efforts of the Islanders, the A&N Islands are witnessing significant strides in development in every field. In the year gone by, many milestones were achieved while many more are on the anvil, he said. “The Andaman Nicobar Islands are witnessing a golden period of ‘Good Governance and Comprehensive Development’ under the dynamic leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji”, he said.
Speaking about the implementation of the Centrally Sponsored Schemes envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in the Islands, the Lt. Governor informed that the total number of beneficiaries benefited out of Centrally Sponsored Schemes and UT Schemes in the Islands as on last month stands to 1,87,452, out of which 96.74% enjoy the benefit of Aadhaar based Direct Beneficiary Transfer (DBT).
The Lt. Governor also listed out priority areas for development which included sectors such as tourism, telecom services, primary sector, forest, health, education, and power sectors, employment generation besides, various other activities which would be carried out for the welfare of the Islanders.
Regarding connectivity, the Lt Governor said as part of the long term improvement in the tele-connectivity, the Central Government has planned to lay Submarine Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) which will be completed in two phases. It is expected that this project, which costs more than 1100 crores, will get cabinet nod soon, the Lt Governor said.
Informing about the new developments in health sector, the Lt. Governor mentioned about setting up of a Trauma Center with specialists in Mayabunder, the sanction for which has been accorded. A similar centre in Port Blair is also on the cards. He also spoke about the proposed establishment of Cancer Unit and Cardiology Unit at the new Medical college site. The total number of beneficiaries availed the benefits of ANISHI Medical Insurance scheme stood at more than 800, the Lt Governor added.
In the Tourism sector, the Lt Governor said that the Administration is making all efforts to develop new destinations and also encourage tourism throughout the year. For this, views of Administration have been submitted to the Government of India for proposed holistic tourism development of 5 Islands namely Ross & Smith, Long Island, Havelock, Neil and Little Andaman. To speed up the process of development of more ecotourism sites, with focus on North and Middle Andaman, Administration has also moved a proposal under Swadesh Darshan/Coastal Circuit Scheme of Government of India. It has been accorded approval in-principle.
The Administration is also going to encourage “Home stays” to create a product which will give tourists a unique experience of life of people and their history, art, culture and food. We also remain committed to enhancing safety aspects for all tourism related activities, the Lt. Governor added.
Regarding accessibility, the Lt. Governor said that the ship acquisition process for procurement of 17 new ships is being progressed on a fast track while ten harbour ferries will be delivered within 2017, he said. As part of the Govt’s “Make in India” initiative two 1200pax capacity and two 500pax capacity, four new ships will be built by Cochin Shipyard limited, the contracts for the projects have already been done, the Lt Governor added.
The Lt. Governor also reiterated the Administration’s commitment to strengthen the Primary sector, as envisaged by Hon’ble Prime Minister, by creating skilled manpower, assured market, infrastructure for food processing and storage, social security for people engaged in the sector and introduction of new technologies to increase productivity of the primary sector. With this vision, we have gone ahead to create Modern Fish Markets in Port Blair, Model Fisheries Village, Fish Landing Centres, Agri Marketing Store-‘Vatika’ and launching of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. He also spoke about the efforts of the Administration in converting the entire Islands to organic by 2018.
The Lt. Governor also stated that the Administration has implemented the National Food Security Act in this UT w.e.f 1st of March 2016 which will ensure food security to the vulnerable sections of the society.
Turning to power sector, the Lt. Governor said the Administration has taken up projects to replace Diesel based power Generation with Solar power. 50 KWp Grid Connected Solar Power Plant has been established at Raj Niwas. Establishment of 1MWp Grid connected Rooftop SPV Plants in 13 Govt buildings through M/s Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is under process.
He also stated that MOU has also been signed with M/s Petronet LNG Ltd. (PLL) for establishment of LNG terminal for replacement of Diesel with non- polluting LNG along with an LNG- Based 30 MW Power Plant at South Andaman. It is also planned to start pilot projects for wind, biomass and tidal wave based power.
“We are endeavoring to replace present lighting system by Energy Efficient LED lamps under DELP scheme. One lakh LED lamps are under distribution in Ist Phase. Remaining 3 lakhs LED bulbs will be distributed in 2nd Phase during the current financial year itself”, he said.
Mentioning about various others welfare schemes, the Lt. Governor said the Administration has achieved the target of Aadhaar seeding of 96.74% to start the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This will help in stopping leakages in Welfare schemes. He also mentioned about the Centre for Holistic Wellness cum One Stop Centre for women in distress- ‘Arunodaya’, by the Social Welfare Department, to provide services for physical, emotional and mental well being and other referral services.
For Tribal Welfare, 15 Andamanese tribes have been covered under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana for accident insurance and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana for life insurance, he said. About Forest Department, the Lt. Governor said the revised Working Plans of Diglipur and South Andaman Forest Divisions have recently been approved by the Ministry enabling the Department to sustainably use its resources for meeting the much needed requirement of timber and minor forest produce for the islanders.
The lush green forests and pristine beaches of these Islands have been attracting tourists in larger numbers. In order to give further boost to ecotourism, the Department is creating infrastructure at Long Island and also opening up new Islands for promoting ecotourism for providing gainful employment to the youth living in and around the areas.
Work on the Botanical garden is progressing as per schedule and the citizens and tourists alike will be able to avail this attraction soon, he said.
The Lt. Governor also mentioned about the Kamsarat Nallah Dam by APWD in Wimberlygunj benefitting about 40,000 population. He also lauded the APWD for completing various projects in a time bound manner. “Two Desalination Plants at Mayabunder and Chowra will become operational by the next summer season. The tenders for the two major bridges at Middle Strait and Humphry Strait have been called. The National Highway work along with the two major bridges has been assigned to NHIDCL, who will use innovative technology in the construction of roads and bridges. Discussions are also ongoing for the Chatham–Bambooflat Bridge”, he said.
Turning to Smart City project, the Lt. Governor expressed happiness that Port Blair city has been included in the fast track for developing as a smart city and complimented the people and the PBMC team.
The Lt Governor also thanked the Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray for his support. The Lt Governor said that under the leadership of the Chief Secretary the Administration has been able to take up difficult works. He also appreciated the A&N Police under the leadership of Director General of Police in maintaining peace and unity and providing security in different parts of these Islands. He also lauded the media for bringing forth the problems of the people of the Islands which, the Lt Governor said, always help Administration to come out with the best for the Islanders.
The Lt Governor also thanked the A&N Command for their constant support to the Civil Administration. Apart from distributing Commendation Certificates to this year’s recipients, the Lt Governor also handed over President’s Police Medal to Shri RK Singh, ADC to LG. The Lt Governor congratulated the parade contingent including the school students. He also congratulated the recipients of the LG’s Commendation Certificate and hoped that they will further carry forward the social activities benefitting Islanders.
Earlier, the Lt. Governor visited the National Memorial Cellular Jail and laid a wreath at the Martyr’s Column to pay homage to the martyrs of the freedom movement. Among others, the main function of the Independence Day celebrations at Netaji Stadium was attended by the First Lady of these Islands, Smt. Suneeti Singh, Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray & Smt. Rupa Ray, Padmashree, Shri Naresh Chandra Lal, Chief Secretary, Shri Anindo Majumadar, Chairperson PBMC, Smt. Sheela Singh, the Adhyaksha ZPSA, Smt. Minati Biswas, Senior Officers from the Defence and Civil Administration, Councilors of PBMC, PRI members, Leaders of the Political Parties, prominent citizens and general public.
A 20 member team of ex- Andaman Political Prisoners Fraternity Circle including 9 widows of freedom fighters also attended the main function of the Independence Day at the Netaji Stadium. The defence as well as DSS ships anchored near Ross Island were illuminated at evening hours which added color to the Independence Day celebrations.
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