Port Blair, Aug 29: “Power and tourism are the two sectors with immense growth potential and are in my priority list for development in these Islands”, said the Lt Governor of A&N Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi in his maiden interview in a private TV channel shortly after assuming the Office of the Lt Governor of UT. Outlining his focussed areas for development, he thanked the Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi for giving him the opportunity to serve these Islands.
“There is immense scope of development and these Islands fair better from other parts of the country in terms of performance”, he said.
As regard tourism sector, the Lt. Governor said these Islands can be developed as most sought after tourism destinations. Maldives are much popular in terms of tourist destination in the world in comparison to Port Blair, which needs to be developed on a faster pace. For tourism to be developed, connectivity is essential.
The undersea cable project is at advanced stage while the air route and sea route connectivity is also essential for development of tourism in A&N Islands. “If we want to develop these Islands on the lines of Maldives, we will have to provide all these facilities”, he observed.
Turning to power, the Lt. Governor said power generation in A&N Islands, by diesel is costlier and also contributes to pollution. This has to be replaced by developing more solar energy/power. The vast coastline in these Islands also provides ample scope for developing wind energy.
“My priority will be to upgrade power generation by propagating solar and wind energy in these Islands”, he said and added that tourists visit these Islands from different countries to enjoy the pollution free atmosphere and clean & green environment existing here.
“If we stick to diesel generated power system, it will only contribute to pollution. Therefore, it will be my first priority to increase the power with concerted efforts on green energy”, he said.
On improving the mobile and internet connectivity, the Lt. Governor said much progress has been made towards improvement in the connectivity, and the same will continue in future. Once the undersea cable connecting Chennai and Andaman & Nicobar Islands becomes operational, the connectivity problems in these Islands will be solved forever.
On enhancing the revenue generation, he said we should not completely depend on Central Govt. for funds but should become self reliant by increasing our revenue, utilizing our resources in a planned manner.
Referring to the contributions of A&N Islands in the freedom struggle of the country, he said the supreme sacrifice made by the freedom fighters in the Cellular Jail is really an inspiration for the whole country. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Veer Savarkar are looked upon with reverence by the Islanders.
There are many points in the Cellular Jail which the tourists look with awe when they visit the historical monument. “Every tourist must visit Cellular Jail. Directions have been given to further improve the Sound & Light Show at the Cellular Jail.
The dialogue and impression of the Sound & Light Show is very good and this has to be modernized by using lazer technique. Development of the A&N Islands is the main area of focus while patriotism, which is the hallmark of these Islands, has to be maintained in the long run”, the LG observed.
