Port Blair, Feb 27: To develop and upgrade the tourist infrastructure and facilities in the Islands, the Ministry of Tourism has prioritized three projects for the grant of Central Financial Assistance under Product Infrastructure Development of Destinations and Circuits Scheme to the Department of Tourism, A & N Administration.
The first project prioritized by the Ministry is construction of 20-30 Eco – huts at Long Island (North & Middle Andaman) with an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore. This Island is blessed with serene and pristine beaches but has been largely unexplored due to lack of tourist infrastructure. The project has been assigned to the Forest Department for preparation of Detailed Project Report and its execution.
The second project is related to construction of Eco – accommodation at Laxmanpur Beach, Neil Island, where the tourist inflow is increasing at very fast pace but tourists face lots of problems due to unavailability of comfortable and affordable accommodations. The estimated Project cost is Rs 5 crore and the land required for the purpose has already been recommended by the Land Allotment Committee of the Administration for allotment to the Tourism Department.
Another project is upgradation of tourist facilities at National Memorial Cellular Jail which is one of the most visited by tourists. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 3 crore. The last two projects have been assigned to the APWD for preparation of Detailed Project Report and execution.
Efforts are being made to prepare DPR at the earliest so that the projects are approved by the Ministry and execution started. The completion of these projects will give a fillip to the tourism promotion in the Islands.
