Sri Vijaya Puram, November 4: A high-level review meeting was held at NITI Aayog, New Delhi, under the chairmanship of the Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Mr. Ashok Kumar Lahiri, in the presence of Member, NITI Aayog, Dr. R. Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog, Mr. Anurag Jain, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Mr. Gyanesh Bharti, Secretaries to the Government of India representing the Ministries of Civil Aviation, Health, Jal Shakti, Tourism, Shipping, Fisheries, Road Transport and Highways, and Power, along with senior officials of NITI Aayog and the Andaman and Nicobar Administration. The meeting deliberated extensively on key issues relating to the overall, inclusive and strategic development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
During the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dr. Dinesh Sharma, presented a detailed roadmap outlining various developmental initiatives.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are not merely an important part of India’s maritime boundaries but also a vital centre for India’s strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region and maritime trade. Considering the unique geographical conditions of the 31 inhabited islands spread over approximately 8,249 sq. km., it is essential to adopt an island-specific approach in formulating development policies and schemes.
During the meeting, considering the increased cost of transportation of construction materials and essential commodities from the mainland, a request was made for suitable flexibility in the cost norms and eligibility conditions of various schemes. The significance of the proposed projects in Great Nicobar was also discussed.
In the field of connectivity, the issue of declining flight frequencies and high airfares was raised. Emphasis was laid on expediting the upgradation of National Highway-4 and the construction of the Middle Strait Bridge, as well as the reconstruction of 13 jetties under Sagarmala 2.0 and strengthening regular cargo vessel services.
Issues directly concerning the day-to-day lives of islanders were also discussed, including the replacement of old water supply pipelines under the Jal Jeevan Mission, improvement of water storage and distribution systems in 265 villages, strengthening of healthcare services, creation of essential medical posts at ANIIMS, expansion of MRI facilities and promotion of renewable energy.
To provide fresh impetus to the island economy, special discussions were held on better utilisation of deep-sea tuna fishery resources, enhancing local employment and export potential, and accelerating tourism development at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island, Viper Island and Swaraj Dweep. Attention was also drawn to issues relating to agriculture, cold storage facilities, agricultural mechanisation and pending rural road proposals under PMGSY-IV.
The Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Dinesh Sharma, stated that our objective is clear: to develop an integrated, sustainable and time-bound development model in accordance with the specific needs of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. NITI Aayog and the concerned Central Ministries were requested to ensure time-bound decisions on pending proposals, suitable flexibility in schemes, clear nodal responsibilities and regular high-level reviews.
Towards fulfilling the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’, strengthening the Andaman and Nicobar Islands strategically, economically and environmentally remains our collective priority.
