Viper Island: Bone of contention
Staff Reporter
Port Blair, June 20: Despite opposition the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has clarified that it will go ahead with the ambitious project of developing a Yacht Marina at Historic Viper Island.
A few sections of local society, including a few Journalists of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the BJP party and local Member of Parliament are presently protesting against the move of Andaman and Nicobar Administration to construct the 50 berth Yacht Marina at Historic Viper Island of Andamans.
Journalists, hailing from Subhash Chandra Press Club, have been protesting since March 5, 2012 infront of the secretariat building of A & N Administration.
These scribes are demanding immediate withdrawal of proposal as they believe that such project with ruin the sanctity of the Island, which is a witness of untold sufferings of freedom fighters, who were brought to Andamans from all over India during British era.
In an official release today the A & N Administration today clarified that the proposed Yacht Marina Project will not interfere with the restoration and protection of Historic Viper Island as the monument will be completely barricaded.
“Marina means a harbour for berthing of yachts i.e. creation of jetties for parking of yachts. Presently more than 100 yachts come to the islands every year and these are anchored all over the islands thereby giving ample scope of undesirable activity that may be carried out by some unscrupulous elements without the notice of the government machinery. Therefore, the yacht marina project aims to have all yachts berthed at one place to exercise proper command and control to ensure that no undesirable activity takes place, and also to generate employment for the local youth,” the Administration clarified today.
The Administration has further clarified that no undesirable activities like night clubs or casinos will ever take place as has been rumoured by some vested interests with malafide intention to mislead the people.
“On the contrary the State Heritage Committee and the Administration will ensure that the sanctity of the gallows of the Viper Island and other heritage sites and buildings is maintained, protected and showcased to the visiting tourists,” the Administration added.
However, the Subhash Chandra Press Club has condemned the official clarification of A & N Administration.
“We will continue the protest and demand cancelation of this project,” Mr. Shayam Singh Yadav, General Secretary of Subhash Chandra Press Club told Andaman Sheekha today.
