Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 30: Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dr. Dinesh Sharma, announced several significant initiatives concerning electricity, shipping, transportation, tourism and public welfare during the Janata Darbar held at Lok Niwas on Friday. Responding to concerns raised by representatives of political parties, Panchayati Raj institutions and members of the public, he said that the Administration was committed to addressing the everyday difficulties of island residents while creating opportunities for local employment and economic development.
Among the major announcements, the Lieutenant Governor informed that 11,618 selected households would receive rooftop solar power systems installed entirely at government expense. In addition, steps were being taken to strengthen passenger and cargo shipping services, increase LPG storage capacity and improve transportation facilities in remote islands.
Dr. Sharma stated that the benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana had not reached island residents to the expected extent. Taking this into consideration, the Administration had identified 11,618 households, giving priority to economically weaker sections and middle-income families, for installation of rooftop solar power systems.
Under the proposed initiative, solar power systems with an approximate capacity of two kilowatts would be installed on the rooftops of selected houses entirely at government expense. Each beneficiary household would also be provided with an electric cooking stove to ensure an alternative cooking arrangement during LPG shortages or interruptions in gas supply.
He explained that a two-kilowatt solar power system could generate approximately 200 units of electricity per month under normal conditions. This would provide considerable relief to beneficiary households by reducing their electricity bills, depending on their consumption and power generation.
The Lieutenant Governor informed that the proposal had already been forwarded to the Central Government and approval was expected within the next 10 to 12 days. Following the approval, implementation would begin, with the entire installation process targeted for completion within approximately six months from the commencement of work.
He further stated that around 18,000 households had been identified in total and efforts would be made to cover the remaining eligible families after completion of the first phase.
Addressing the persistent electricity-related concerns, Dr. Sharma informed that work was being taken forward through the National Thermal Power Corporation for establishing a 50 MW LNG-based power generation project at Sri Vijaya Puram.
He said that the proposed project would reduce dependence on diesel-based power generation and help improve the overall electricity supply situation in the islands. The project is targeted for completion by December 2028. The associated oil and gas infrastructure works would also be completed in accordance with the prescribed procedures.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that the LNG-based project would provide a more sustainable solution to the electricity requirements of the islands and strengthen the existing power infrastructure.
Regarding difficulties in passenger transportation and cargo movement, the Lieutenant Governor informed that Cochin Shipyard Limited had given in-principle consent for arranging a new passenger-cum-cargo vessel for the islands.
The proposed vessel would have seating capacity for approximately 700 passengers and would be capable of carrying around 1,300 tonnes of cargo. Dr. Sharma said that the introduction of this vessel would improve transportation of essential commodities, including vegetables, LPG cylinders and other necessary supplies.
He stated that the new vessel would particularly benefit residents of remote islands, where transportation and availability of essential commodities often remain challenging. The vessel is targeted to be brought into service within approximately one-and-a-half to two years.
Responding to complaints regarding shortages of cooking gas and the supply of petrol and diesel in different islands, Dr. Sharma announced that Indian Oil Corporation would now be required to maintain LPG cylinder stocks sufficient for 90 days instead of the existing 16-day requirement.
He said that arrangements had also been made for transportation of petrol and diesel through ships to ensure a more organised and reliable supply of fuel to remote islands.
The revised storage requirement is expected to strengthen the availability of LPG cylinders and reduce the difficulties faced by residents during supply disruptions.
Responding to demands raised during the Janata Darbar, the Lieutenant Governor announced financial assistance for victims of accidents involving government transport buses.
He stated that in the event of a death caused by an accident involving a government bus, financial assistance of up to Rs. 2 lakh would be provided to the affected family. In cases of serious injuries, assistance of up to Rs. 1 lakh would be provided.
Dr. Sharma said that the demand for such financial assistance had been raised by several public representatives and organisations. Taking these concerns into consideration, the Administration had decided to introduce the assistance provision to support affected families and accident victims.
Announcing improvements in local transportation facilities, the Lieutenant Governor informed that five electric vehicles each had been arranged for Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep, taking the total number of vehicles to ten.
He said that these vehicles were expected to become operational from the first week of November. In addition, a new bus would be sent to Campbell Bay during November to improve public transportation facilities in the remote southern island.
The initiatives are expected to benefit local residents as well as tourists by improving connectivity and providing more convenient transportation options.
With the objective of expanding tourism-related economic activities, Dr. Sharma announced changes in the existing homestay guidelines. The maximum number of rooms permitted at a homestay at a time had been increased from six to eight. Further, the requirement for the property owner to reside within the same premises had been removed.
He said that the changes would enable more local families to participate in tourism-related activities and generate additional income through homestay operations.
The Lieutenant Governor also informed that steps were being taken to restart adventure and recreational activities near Elephant Beach at Swaraj Dweep. A Standard Operating Procedure relating to safety requirements was being prepared, and operators fulfilling the prescribed safety standards would be permitted to resume their activities.
In addition, a proposal was being developed to make the light and sound programme based on the life and history of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose more attractive and engaging for visitors.
Dr. Sharma further announced that approval had been granted for the construction of a 10-room old age home at Diglipur for senior citizens. The proposed facility would also have a boundary wall to ensure security and proper management of the premises.
He also directed that toys for children should be provided to all Anganwadi centres within the next three months to improve facilities for young children.
Regarding rural development, the Lieutenant Governor informed that Rs. 144 crore had been released for developmental works in Panchayats. He directed officials to ensure that the remaining funds were also released at the earliest to facilitate the timely execution of pending projects.
He additionally informed that one hectare of land had been allotted for the development of a playground at Brindavan.
Concluding the Janata Darbar, Dr. Sharma reiterated that the Administration was committed to accelerating developmental activities across all regions of the islands and addressing the grievances of ordinary citizens.
He informed that during his proposed visit to Delhi on November 3 and 4, he would meet representatives of the concerned Central Ministries to discuss pending projects and highlight the developmental requirements of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
He assured that suggestions and concerns raised by all political parties and public representatives would receive equal consideration and that applications submitted during the Janata Darbar would continue to be monitored for appropriate follow-up action.
