Port Blair, Feb.20: The Lt Governor, Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd) visited Neil Island today. On arrival, he was greeted by Pradhan, Neil Island, Mr. Ram Krishan Biswas, Panchayat Samiti Member, Smt. Chameli Das, Zilla Parishad Member, Mr. Dasrath Verma. The Lt Governor held a meeting with PRI Members and general public at IP&T Guest House. During the meeting, the PRI members raised various issues which included road widening of National Highway, provision of parking space at Bharatpur Beach, Jetty area and Laxmanpur Beach. They also demanded that the 3G services should be started at Neil Island and Broadband services be strengthened. Other PRI members requested for restarting helicopter and additional boat services to Neil Island. They further requested the Lt Governor that water treatment plant and water pipeline should be installed by APWD at the earliest.
Addressing the gathering, the Lt Governor informed that the Administration has taken up the exercise for determining carrying capacity of the tourist place in A&N Island including Neil Island. Once decided, other facilities like parking, licensing of boat would be allowed. With regards to water supply, the Lt Governor appreciated the efforts being made by APWD. He further said that water harvesting system is the only viable and permanent solution for the Island. The Administration is going to make water harvesting mandatory in Municipal and Panchayat areas. Water harvesting has been made mandatory for all Govt. buildings and for all private buildings while incentive structure is being worked out to offset the cost of water harvesting system, he said.
The Lt Governor also stated that as per the direction of GoI, Neil has been chosen for the Organic Mission as a flag bearer. Administration is committed to provide all organic inputs and manure as well as market to the farmers practicing organic farming in Neil Island.
After the meeting, the Lt Governor visited PHC Neil and interacted with PHC I/C Dr. Gaurav, Medical Staff and general public. He assured to look into the demand for posting of permanent doctor in this PHC. He also visited GSSS Neil and directed the Dy. Education Officer and Principal to explore the possibilities of starting Commerce and Science Stream in the school and up gradation of Hindi and English Medium upto 12th Std.
Thereafter, the Lt Governor visited the Sun Set Point (Laxmanpur), Sitapur and Bharatpur Beaches. He desired that a guideline/ regulation for construction of shacks/shops at the beaches be formulated and wherever possible, the shops should be shifted away from the beaches. He also motivated the PRI members to consider levying of property tax to collect revenue from the resort owners. Later in the afternoon, the Lt Governor left for Havelock.
