Port Blair, Aug 4: The rich forest cover which exists here makes A&N Islands the best hot spots not only in the country but also in the world, said the Lt Governor, Lt Gen AK Singh (Retd) while speaking at the closing ceremony of the 67th Vanmahotsava celebrations held at Tagore Auditorium at Middle Point here today. He said that a strong debate is on from quite sometime between preservation, conservation and development and the balance swings from one end to another. The present Government under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi has taken a balanced approach between development and preservation & conservation of forests, the Lt. Governor said adding that development should go hand in hand as we need to preserve the rich biodiversity for future generation.
The Chief Secretary, Shri Anindo Majumdar, the Chairperson, PBMC, Smt. Sheela Singh, the Up- Adhyaksh Zila Parishad ZPSA, Shri Subir Chander, the Principal Secretary (E&F) & PCCF (ANI), Shri MS Negi, Additional PCCF, Shri D.M. Shukla and other senior officers of the Forest Department besides students in large numbers were also present on the occasion.
The Lt Governor further said “94 percent of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are covered with forests and we are proud to maintain this precious wealth”. The Lt Governor complimented the Forest Department and said that it is doing a stupendous job and their personnel are working with good spirit even in the remote parts of the Islands for protection of our rich forests.
Referring to the just announced results of the ANIPMT-2016, the Lt Governor said that results were very good and a large number of students have qualified. The first 85 students as per the allotment will get admission in the ANIIMS, the Lt Governor added. The Lt Governor also disclosed that a Law College will start by the end of this month while Nursing College and Professional college will come up soon to provide further opportunities for the students of these Islands seeking higher education. He stated that the Administration is absolutely concerned about the opportunities the students must have and in this direction these initiatives are being taken.
Referring to the unemployment problem, the Lt. Governor mentioned that the Govt cannot provide employment to all as the govt jobs are limited and he called upon the younger generation to develop the spirit of free enterprise. With the inception of undersea cable, the Administration will be able to provide platforms in every field for the Islanders to prosper. The Lt. Governor urged the students to work hard to realise their dreams and assured that the Administration will create environment and atmosphere where they will be able to flourish.
Earlier, the Lt. Governor and other dignitaries gave away prizes to the winners of various competitions held as part of the Vanmahotsava celebration under different categories.
Speaking as the guest of honour, the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Anindo Majumdar complimented Forest Department for conducting series of activities during the month long Vanmahotsav celebration. Expressing his happiness for involving the students in such programme, the Chief Secretary said it is a significant approach as the students who are the future generation must know about the importance & benefits of preserving and protecting our rich forest cover & environment.
A report on the month long activities carried out as part of the celebration was presented through a documentary on the occasion.
In his address on the occasion, the Principal Secretary (E&F), PCCF (ANI), Shri MS Negi said that due to awareness and the support of the Islanders’, the Islands are able to maintain 90 percent of forest cover. To contain the effects of global warming, protection of forest has become essential and the need of the hour, he added.
The function concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the Chief Conservator of Forests (R&WP), Shri Rajesh.
