Port Blair, Aug 08: A Delegation consisting of 10 office bearers of the Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry led by President G. Bhasker met the Lt. Governor on 7th August,2012 with regard to the Memorandum submitted by the Chamber on 18th July, 2012. The Lt. Governor was very responsive to all the points raised by ACCI, expressed that they were genuine and for the welfare of the Islands and offered practical redressal to most of them.
Regarding non-availability of building materials the Lt. Governor assured to resolve the matter in best interest of the Islands. It was assured that by mid September,2012 he will be empowered to renew the Quarry licenses. Regarding extraction of sea-sand from some islands on rotation basis also he has conveyed that it is in the final stage of approval and same would be available for local private consumption only.
Regarding the non-availability and cumbersome procedural delay in getting timber from Govt. Saw Mills he assured that the matter would be dealt with in the best possible manner and solutions provided for easy availability of timber for all Local Furniture Industries. Regarding the continuing imprisonment of the local quarry owners, it was conveyed by the Lt. Governor that since the matter is sub-judice, we would have to wait for law to take its own course Regarding Power scarcity, the Lt. Governor conveyed that a 5 MW Genset of Suryachakra Corporation would become operational by 9th August, 2012 and another 10 MW Genset would also be commissioned by mid October 2012 on Power Purchase Agreement which would clear the shortfall. He also mentioned that Solar Power Projects and Bio-mass Power projects should be ommissioned and are welcome by the Administration.
Regarding scarcity of water, the height of the Dhanikhari Dam is already being increased by outsourced Contractor and the work is scheduled to be completed by June 2013. The Administration has allowed the Contractor to import quarry material from mainland on priority for speedy and timely completion of the Project.
With regard to Buffer Zone, the Lt. Governor mentioned that ATR would not be closed for use of Islanders and the Administration has as per guidelines of the Union Government is considering a new sea route. The matter of the Buffer Zone is also being reconsidered in view of prevailing circumstances.
A Committee has been constituted for interacting with the Jarawas regarding their willingness to join the main stream and a decision on the Buffer Zone would be appropriately taken after the recommendation of the Committee. The Member, Planning Commission, during her visit to the Islands has also been suitably briefed about the importance of the ATR and the relevance of the Buffer Zone.
Regarding the new CRZ/ IPZ Notification by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, The Lt. Governor informed that Administration has already represented to the concerned Ministry and is on the same platform as ACCI. The Lt. Governor also requested all Private Project Entrepreneurs whose cases are pending for CRZ clearance to approach the Administration with their proposal as they would be taken up for clearance on the basis of old norms of CRZ/IPZ.
With regard to exemption of Income Tax for Tribals of the Islands The Lt. Governor agreed on principle and assured to take up the matter with the Union Government for necessary approval.
With regard to compensation to Tsunami affected farmers The Lt. Governor expressed concern for them and conveyed that they could appeal to the higher appellate authorities for fair enhancement of the amount paid with due justification.
The Chamber would like to convey gratitude to The Lt. Governor for his concern and response to the Memorandum submitted and would await for the earliest implementation of the assurances received.
