Port Blair, Dec 15: The Adhyaksha, South Andaman ZIlla Parishad, Smt Minati Biswas, during a tour to New Delhi recently along with Member of Parliament, Mr Bishnu Pada Ray, Smt. Sheela Singh, Chairperson, PBMC, Smt. Prababhati Biswas, Adhyaksha, Zilla Parishad, N&M Andaman, Smt Seema Sarkar, Pramukh, Little Andaman and Mr Shyamal Mondal, Pramukh, Diglipur called on the Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi and apprised him of various issues of these islands. The PM asked the elected members to work for the development of these islands and assured all possible support of the Central Government.
On Dec 10, Smt Minati Biswas, Adhyaksha alongwith Mr Bishnu Pada Ray, Smt Sheela Singh, Smt Prababhati Biswas, and other dignitaries met the Minister for Shipping, Road Transport & Highways, Government of India and requested to complete the construction of NH 223 including 2 bridges at Middle Strait, Humphrey Strait and the bridge between Chatham Island and Bambooflat. She also urged the intervention of the Shipping Ministry to solve the shipping problems of the people of Neil Island, Havelock Island, Little Andaman Island, Great Nicobar Island and Rutland for want of boats/ ships in time to come to Port Blair and return back to their homes and vice-versa.
She also informed that prior to tsunami in 2004, a boat was plying in-between Rutland and Manjery. However, the service of the boat was abruptly withdrawn for unknown reasons. The people of these areas are also facing transportation difficulties, she said while holding discussions with the officials of the concerned Ministries. Instant decisions were taken to speed-up the works of construction of NH 223 from Chidiyatapu to Diglipur including 2 bridges at Middle Strait, Humphrey Strait and the bridge between Chatham Island and Bambooflat and other issues.
