Port Blair, May 27: The Lt Governor has directed the Tourism Department to create better tourism facilities in Isles. He also emphasized for giving utmost priority to safety of tourists in these Islands. “All the basic safety measures should be put in place in every tourist spot covering the length and breadth of these Islands to avoid any untoward incident”, said the Lt. Governor Lt. Gen (Retd) AK Singh at a review meeting of the Tourism Department held at Raj Niwas recently.
A presentation was made before the Lt Governor by Department of Tourism in the presence of Chief Secretary, Shri Anand Prakash. Taking stock of the safety requirements, the Lt. Governor instructed that the boat operators and operators of other adventure activities shall accord utmost priority to safety and be held responsible and accountable. The police and other law enforcement agencies shall also carry out necessary checks to ensure that all safety norms are properly adhered to. Periodic surprise checks shall be carried out at various levels.
The Lt. Governor directed that the cycle track and footpath at Havelock should be completed at the earliest. The Deputy Commissioner & Superintendent of Police have been asked to ensure that cycle track and footpath are used for the purpose for which they are constructed. Proper signages are to be displayed for the users. No encroachments, including parking will be allowed. The Lt Governor also directed the PMB to take up face-lifting, cleanliness and improvement of the jetty area at Havelock.
The Lt Governor also directed that plans be finalized for more eco-friendly cottages at Neil Island, Long Island and the Butler Bay Beach at Little Andaman may be developed by Tourism & Forest Departments. He also asked for popularizing the bed & breakfast scheme in all the Islands.
The Lt. Governor underlined the need for revamping the management of Dolphin Resort at Havelock to professionally manage the property. Professionally qualified and energetic personnel shall be hired on contract basis as Managers. He also instructed Director Tourism that the Dolphin Resort should be regularly inspected by senior officials on a regular basis. Further entertainment for guests such as music, karaoke, TV screens etc. can also be made available.
Tourism Department informed that the tariff of the Dolphin Resort is being reviewed to have flexible rates for different seasons. Tourism Department may also have a corpus for management of Dolphin Resort for its management and improvement. The Lt. Governor directed that all facilities including the Convention Centre & new cottages at Dolphin Resort, Havelock should be completed in all respects by October, 2014.
Leave a Reply