Swaraj Dweep, Oct. 9: The Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dr. Dinesh Sharma, today commenced his two-day visit to Swaraj Dweep. Upon his arrival at the helipad, he was accorded a Guard of Honour and given a traditional and cultural welcome. During the visit, the Lt. Governor focused on reviewing the progress of development works, assessing healthcare and educational facilities, improving tourism and transportation infrastructure, and issuing necessary directions for addressing the grievances of local residents.
At the outset of the visit, the Lt. Governor held a review meeting with public representatives, administrative officers and police officials to assess ongoing development works, waste management, law and order, and pending public grievances on the island. He directed the concerned officers to accord priority to development works and ensure the time-bound disposal of matters concerning the general public in accordance with the prescribed rules and procedures.
Following the meeting, the Lt. Governor inspected the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Govind Nagar. During the inspection, he interacted with patients to obtain feedback on the medical facilities available and understand the problems faced by them. He also reviewed the availability of medicines, the establishment of a Jan Aushadhi Kendra, and the staffing position of medical and other personnel. With a view to strengthening healthcare services, he directed the authorities to initiate necessary action for upgrading the Primary Health Centre to a Community Health Centre (CHC).
The Lt. Governor further emphasised the installation of an automatic analyser capable of conducting 40 types of tests, immediate repair of the X-ray machine, provision of computers and Wi-Fi facilities, and early commissioning of the DG set, which had remained pending for the past two years. He also directed the construction of 10 new rooms for doctors and healthcare staff, the commencement of operation theatre services, and initiation of the recruitment process for specialist doctors to ensure better healthcare facilities for the island’s residents.
After reviewing healthcare facilities, the Lt. Governor visited the Government Senior Secondary School at Govind Nagar, where he interacted warmly with the students. He encouraged them to study diligently, maintain discipline and make consistent efforts to achieve their goals. To improve the school’s infrastructure, he directed the construction of four additional rooms, repair of teachers’ quarters and arrangement of an Anganwadi Centre in one room. Keeping the overall development of students in view, he also directed the authorities to take necessary action regarding the construction of a new badminton court, provision of a school van and introduction of Commerce as a subject in the school.
Following his assessment of healthcare and educational facilities, the Lt. Governor inspected the Seaport Terminal at Swaraj Dweep and reviewed the passenger amenities available there. He observed that a modern, air-conditioned terminal would provide tourists with a more comfortable experience, promote tourism activities and create greater opportunities for local employment. To ease traffic congestion in the vicinity of the terminal, he directed the authorities to ensure adequate parking facilities. He also stated that necessary efforts would be made to secure early approval from the Central Government for the proposed construction of a new jetty at Swaraj Dweep.
During the inspection of the Seaport Terminal, the Lt. Governor, in the presence of the Member of Parliament, flagged off three air-conditioned Hop-On Hop-Off buses to facilitate the movement of tourists across the island. Under this facility, tourists will be able to visit various tourist destinations across the island throughout the day at a single fare. The initiative is expected to make tourist transportation more convenient and enhance the overall visitor experience.
Alongside tourism-related initiatives, the Lt. Governor also focused on the basic needs of local residents. He laid the foundation stone for an overhead water tank with a capacity of 2 lakh litres to strengthen the water supply system in Krishna Nagar, Shyam Nagar and Vijay Nagar. The project is expected to improve water supply in these areas.
During the visit, the Lt. Governor interacted with local residents at the ‘Jan Samvad’ programme organised at the Panchayat Community Hall in Shyam Nagar and listened to their grievances and demands. Key issues raised included the provision of a cremation ground at Vijay Nagar, problems faced by water sports operators at Elephant Beach, and the repair of roads in Krishna Nagar.
Taking note of these concerns, the Lt. Governor announced the approval of Rs. 19 crore for road construction from the jetty to Kalapathar and Radhanagar, the operationalisation of a 2 MW power plant, and the upgradation of the Govind Nagar Fish Market at a cost of Rs. 40 lakh. He directed the concerned officers to ensure prompt and effective redressal of public grievances and time-bound action on development proposals in accordance with the prescribed rules and procedures.
The two-day visit of the Lt. Governor to Swaraj Dweep is an important initiative towards reviewing development works, strengthening basic infrastructure, promoting tourism and addressing the concerns of local residents. Special attention was given to healthcare, education, transportation, tourism, water supply, roads and electricity. The Lt. Governor directed the officers to accelerate development activities by according the highest priority to public welfare and to ensure the timely resolution of citizens’ grievances.
Towards the concluding phase of the first day of his visit to Swaraj Dweep, the Lt. Governor laid the foundation stone for the construction of three additional classrooms at the Government Secondary School, Krishna Nagar, with the objective of strengthening educational infrastructure. The initiative will expand the school’s infrastructure and help provide students with a better learning environment.
Thereafter, he inspected Radhanagar Beach, the only Blue Flag-certified beach in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. He directed the concerned officers to address issues relating to parking, public amenities and safety to ensure a better experience for tourists.
The Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray; Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman; Secretary (Transport); Secretary (Tourism); Secretary (Education); Superintendent of Police, South Andaman; Director (Rural Development); Sub-Divisional Officer; Gram Pradhan, Shri Ajit Kumar Ray; and other public representatives and officers were present on the occasion, a press release from Lok Niwas said.
