Trinath & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Feb 05: Due to continuous efforts of Deputy Commissioner of North and Middle Andama, Dr. Angel Bhati Chauhan and the officials of NHIDCL,concerned Ministry has accorded Stage-I clearance to NHIDCL for ATR upgradation works inside forest areas of Kadamtala and Baratang areas.
This is a great news for ATR commuters as getting State-1 clearance means the NHIDCL can atleast start the ground works in ATR stretches, which fall under Forest areas of Baratang and Kadamtala areas and keep those stretches atleast motorable. At present due to restrictions of Forest Department NHIDCL is unable to even bring heavy road vehicles and machineries in ATR stretches, which fall under Forest Area.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha a senior officer of NHDICL said that the NHIDCL is expecting to get Stage-2 approval soon and once Stage-2 approval is obtained NHIDCL will be able to carryout ATR road upgradation works in these areas in full swing.
He added that the NHIDCL is planning to complete the blacktop works of Andaman Trunk Road stretch from Rangat to Baratang by 2021 end.
He also pointed out that in area, where there are no forest restrictions the NHIDCL is carrying out ATR upgradation works in full speed but problems of getting road construction materials and delay in repair of heavy machinery is sometimes causing a little delay.
Villagers of North and Middle Andaman however claim that the progress and speed of ATR work in North and Middle Andaman region could be seen only after intervention of DC of North and Middle Andaman, who have been keeping an eye on the progress of ATR upgradation work in North and Middle Andaman and reviewing the progress, whenever complaints are received from general public.
