Port Blair, Sept 09: The Director of Andaman’s Tourism Department today refuted news item, published by some local and mainland media regarding Viper’s Yacht Marina Project.
“The allegation leveled by Shri. B.P.Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament that the island has been sold for One Rupee is totally false and misleading. The Administration is setting the facts straight for the information of general public so that they are not misguided by false propaganda,” the Director of Tourism Department, Mr. Amit Satija said in a press release today.
In his press release the Director clarified that only 2(two) hectares out of 31.19 hectares of area of Viper Island has been given on Design Build Finance Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) format on PPP mode and the lease is for a period of 35 years with ownership remaining with the Administration.
He clarified that the Concessionaire is not a foreign Company but a consortium of Indian Company M/s Reacon Engineering (I) Pvt. Ltd and a Malaysian Company namely M/s. Pembinaan Megah Mutiara Sdn. Bhd.
“Rs.11.8 lakhs (Rupees Eleven Lakh eighty thousand only) per annum plus 15% of gross revenue (not profit) per annum as the highest offered share in the competitive bidding will accrue to the Administration. Out of the project cost of Rs.52.64 crores, the contribution of the government is restricted upto a maximum of Rs.7.5 crores and it is payable only after the project is completed. 60% employment will go to the locals,” he added.
The Director added that besides, consequent upon sanctioning of this project along with few others by the Planning Commission in 2006 with a view to reviving the tourism sector after the unfortunate Tsunami that hit the islands in December 2004, this project was undertaken after a detailed feasibility study, clearance from the Andaman & Nicobar Joint Defence Command, clearance from Expenditure Finance Committee of Ministry of Tourism in Feb. 2010 and finally clearance from Standing Finance Committee of Ministry of Tourism headed by Union Tourism Secretary in January 2012.
“The Island having infamous gallows and remains of some old structures lying hitherto, in a state of total neglect & shambles has been taken up by the administration & local community and is being simultaneously restored and developed under the overall guidance of an advisory committee that includes participation of local community.
The heritage circuit is being developed along with proper restoration and renovation of all the old dilapidated structures and monuments under the supervision of advisory committee by the administration,” the Director said.
