Senthil Kumar
Rangat, Nov 26: Even as the intervention of the Lt. Governor has brought temporary relief, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan teachers remain in unrest over administrative apathy in grant of other benefits. SSA teachers have been long demanding equal pay for equal work at par with their regular counterparts in the Education Department, age-relaxation or regularization of services of teachers who have served the Department since 2003, 30 % hike of salary every year against the current 10% hike, medical leave benefits and accommodation for SSA teachers serving in inter-islands. However, the failure of the administration in addressing these issues has left the SSA teachers in rage and aggrieved lot has now planned to stage a protest on the 7th of next month.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha, SSA teachers of Rangat zone has said that SSA teachers perform duties similar to teachers in the Education Department and their demand for equal pay for equal work is totally justified.
“Currently, SSA teachers draw salaries much less that the regular teachers of the Education Department. Even our demand for 30% annual hike in remuneration has not been met as only 10% of annual hike is granted,” some teachers said.
“We have also been demanding Medical Leave benefits for long, but the administration has till date failed to grant the benefit to the SSA teachers. Moreover, in the absence of government accommodation facilities, SSA teachers are forced to rent private accommodations in inter-island postings on high rates. Many of us serving the department since 2003 have now crossed the age-limit for regular government jobs and persistent appeals for age-relaxation or regularization of services of SSA teachers have yielded no positive results from the Education Department,” said SSA teachers adding that they will hold a demonstration in front of the DEO Office on the 7th of next month to press for their demands.

DJ Venkatesh

Diglipur, Nov 24: For apathy of the authorities, a prominent school in North Andaman is on the brink of collapse posing risk to students and teachers. Constructed in the year 1958, the Govt. Sr. Sec. School, Subhashgram in Diglipur has been facing maintenance issues for long and routine mudslides near the school premises has increased the risk of building collapse that can trigger a big catastrophe in the region.
According to reports, faulty construction and use of substandard materials is alleged to be the main reason behind routine soil erosion along the school premises. The retaining wall constructed behind the school some years ago crumbled this year during heavy rains.
Moreover, the rivulet located just 3-4 feet from the school building has amplified the risk of landslide threatening the school building, which houses more than 900 students and about 50 teaching and non-teaching staff. Even the school fencing was damaged recently due to landslides.
“The building of GSSS Subashgram needs urgent attention as it has become vulnerable to landslides. Heavy rains trigger mudslides along the school premises due to the presence of a nearby rivulet. The retaining wall of the school building and fencing collapsed due to heavy rains and landslides. The reasons for the condition of the school building is primarily due to improper construction planning in a landslide-prone zone and lack of timely maintenance. The authorities concerned should immediately jump into action and embark on measures to ensure safety of the school building,” assert some residents of Subhashgram.
According to information, the Pradhan of Subhashgram Panchayat has also invited the attention of the Secretary Education towards the pressing issue. The APWD officials along with the Assistant Commissioner of Diglipur have also physical inspected the site of the school and remedial measures are likely to be taken soon for the safety of the school children and staff.

Staff Correspondent

Port Blair, Nov 23: To ensure a corruption-free society and administration, the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) here has intensified clamp downs on the corrupt and erring officials exposing underhand deals in the recent months.

The ACU succeeded in trapping several government officials and conduits and arrested corrupt official red-handed for demanding and accepting bribe for execution of government works.

The ACU mechanism to curb corruption in the lower echelons of the bureaucracy has led to arrests of some lower-rung officials like Junior Engineers, Linemans etc on charges of graft in the recent months.

But the let-down of the same reliable mechanism to catch the ‘big fishes’, who have been looting the government coffers without any fear of reprisal, is being questioned by some sections of the society.

“Soon after the administration cleared its stand on corruption and assured a corruption free government to the masses, the ACU intensified crackdowns on corrupt government officials. Several arrests of officials for demanding bribe in the past one year has regained public trust in the ACU. However, the ACU will do a great service to the citizens if it succeeds in unearths corruption from the higher levels of bureaucracy. Corrupt government officials pursue a conduit to execute their misdeeds. As such, possibility of involvement of senior level officials of the different departments of the administration cannot be ruled out. But, the ACU, in its recent crackdowns, managed to arrest only lower-level government officials. It’s understood that arrest of senior officials on charges of corruption will have political influences. But the ACU should be given a free hand for probes and efforts should be made to eliminate corruption from all levels of the government,” opined a senior citizen speaking to Andaman Sheekha.

Senthil Kumar

Rangat, Nov 20: The matter of denying entry to two pregnant ladies in DSS vessel, M V Jolly Bouy by the Captain, has triggered a row in Islands.

The matter has deeply hurt Islanders and all readers. Due to unavailability of officials comment, complete details could not be obtained in first reports. However, further investigation by Andaman Sheekha has revealed that the entire issue happened due to lack of coordination between Shipping and Health Departments and also because of Ego clash.

It has also been reported by Rangat PHC sources that none of the ladies had died, as it was wrongly reported in first report, infact the PHC Rangat officials had to transfer both the ladies to G B Pant Hospital in Ambulances through  ATR, which was too difficult for expecting mothers of eight + months.

Replying to Andaman Sheekha’s 19th November question the Director of Shipping Services, Capt. Rajinder Kumar today replied in a message that due to rough sea conditions, non availability of doctor on-board and complicated cases of pregnancies the master had to decline as it could have created an emergency at sea with no facilities to handle such situation.

“There were two more DSS vessels after that one on 15 and on 17 but nobody approached,” the Director replied.

Meanwhile another source from Shipping Department clarified that as the weather was bad the Captain of the vessel requested for a doctor with the patient. But due to shortage of doctor at Rangat no doctor could accompany the patient. The captain to be in safe side asked the nurse to sign an undertaking but the nurse accompanying the patient alleged refused to sign any undertaking.

However, the CHC Rangat sources alleged that all the captains in Rangat- Port Blair vessels allow pregnant ladies to travel in vessels with Staff Nurses except on particular captain. In both the cases the captain was same.

The Husband of one of the pregnant ladies told Andaman Sheekha that how difficult it was to take an expecting mother to Port Blair from Rangat via Andaman Trunk Road. “It was too painful for my wife and I am sure the other lady had also gone through the same horrific situation. My wife delivered baby on the same day we reached Port Blair thankfully nothing happened while we were in Andaman Trunk Road,” said Mr. Dipankar Biswas the husband of one of the patient.

“When the nurse on duty was repeatedly saying that she will handle the patient in case of any emergency, what was the problem with the captain? How can an expecting mother travel in Andaman Trunk Road, a few days before delivery? There was total lack of coordination between all the departments. At last moment how can a captain keep a pregnant lady waiting at Jetty and ask for various formalities?” questioned Mr. Biswas.

The Chief Medical Officer of PHC Rangat also told Andaman Sheekha that the matter has already been taken up with the Director of Health Services.

Expressing anger on this entire issue the Pradhan of Paranashala Panchayat, Mrs. Shivangini Minj said that both the ladies were from her village. “It is too risky for a pregnant lady to travel in ATR during last days of pregnancy, how can the DSS staff refuses to carry a pregnant lady when senior Staff Nurses were present with the patient, who were authorized by the doctor?” she question.

The Pradhan of Rangat Panchayat, Mr. SK Singh told Andaman Sheekha today that he will be writing a complaint letter to the DSS in this regard.

The million dollar question is that when the Prime Minister Modi is promising ‘Ache Din’ why due to lack of coordination between various departments and lack of a proper SOP for emergency cases, patients, especially expecting mothers are experiencing ‘Horrific Dins’? Who will take responsibility in case of any causality? What is the point giving clarification and explanations after making an expecting mother to suffer for hours and hours? Why different captains follow different rules? Why can’t there be one Standard Operating Procedure, which everyone will follow during emergency cases?

Trinath
Port Blair, Nov 18: Mismanagement in the Civil Supplies Division of Mayabunder is likely to create massive unrest in the North Andaman region.

According to reports, residents of the region are fuming over inordinate delay in execution of various works like issue of new Family Identity Cards, separate FICs, deletion and inclusion of names etc and are accusing the Assistant Director (Administration) of the Civil Supplies Division, Mayabunder for the unprofessional conduct.

People of Mayabunder and adjoining areas allege that mass absenteeism of staff during office hours is the prime reason for the delay in completion of the civil supplies works.

“Every time we go to the Civil Supplies office here, we find no staff except for the Assistant Director. For absence of staff, crucial works like issuance of FICs, deletion and inclusion of names in FIC are inordinately delayed and the top officials of the Civil Supplies Department are to be blamed for the poor functioning of the division,” said some residents of Mayabunder.

An inquiry by this Correspondent revealed that the Civil Supplies Division of Mayabunder has been suffering from shortage of clerical cadre staff for a long time.

Many Clerks posted in the Division have been transferred to other departments and no steps have been taken to fill up the vacant posts. Consequently, the Assistant Director of the division is forced to carry out all works including routine administrative works of the division. Repeated requests by the Assistant Director (Admn) to the higher authorities in the Civil Supplies Department to fill up the clerical cadre vacancies proved futile. Intervention of the top brass of the administration has currently become imperative to overcome the deficiencies in the Civil Supplies Division of Mayabunder or else the region might witness a massive protest in the days to come.

Port Blair, Nov 17: A workshop on ‘promoting sustainable tourism in North & Middle Andaman, Little Andaman and Great Nicobar- opportunities and challenges’, was held in the Megapode Resort here today. The Lt Governor, Lt Gen A K Singh (Retd) graced the workshop as the chief guest. The Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray was the guest of honour on the occasion. The workshop was organized by the Directorate of Tourism in partnership with the Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industries.
Addressing the gathering, consisting of representatives from the tour operators, boat operators, members of the Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, other service providers, PRI Members, students from JNRM besides senior officers of the Administration, the Lt. Governor said that the purpose of organizing this workshop was to obtain views and suggestions from all the stakeholders and draw a comprehensive plan for developing year round tourism, that too, beyond Port Blair, Neil and Havelock Islands.
The Administration is committed to ensure contribution of the business houses and keen to take suitable measures to move forward and expand tourism in the Islands, said the Lt. Governor.
“Though the infrastructure in the middle and lower segment of tourism has been developed to some extent, it is infrastructure at high end tourism, which will boost the growth of the Andaman tourism as a whole,” said the Lt. Governor, calling for developing infrastructure at different levels to attract tourists. He asked the Chief Secretary and other officers concerned to draw a comprehensive tourism plan, with action points, by first week of January 2016.
Acknowledging the difficulties of the persons involved in tourism related activities, the Lt. Governor also asked the Chief Secretary to prepare a comprehensive plan on CRZ and Buffer Zone, reinterpreting the law. The PCCF will be the Nodal Officer for this purpose, and PRI members of the concerned area will be involved while framing the plan.
“Long Island, Diglipur, Hut Bay and Campbell Bay Islands will be developed as a tourism package, so that tourism in A&N Islands does not remain Port Blair, Neil and Havelock Centric,” said the Lt. Governor adding that tourism activities in a controlled manner, can be started in Nicobar also, for which the Tribal Council will have to take the initiative. The Lt. Governor also reiterated that the safety and security of the tourist will not be compromised at any cost.
Calling upon everyone to show better attitude to tourists visiting the isles, the Lt. Governor said that we have to create a ‘Brand Andaman’. He informed that gathering that as the Administration has spent 54% of the allocated fund, another sum of Rs 300 crore under plan sector and 90 crore under non plan sector will be given to A & N Islands by the Central Govt.
The Lt. Governor said that night landing by flights was successful and directed that chartered flight from Kolkata must commence in the isles soon while ATR services will begin in Campbell Bay and Shibpur in Diglipur.
With regard to operating Cruise Ships in Isles, the Lt. Governor called upon the private players to work towards this while the Administration will extend all possible help. He also informed about the upcoming resort by Taj Group, at Radhanagar Beach at Havelock Island.
The Lt. Governor also asked the Principal Secretary Revenue to look into the possibilities of declaring Diglipur and Rangat as towns so that they can see better development under Govt. of India’s scheme.
The Lt. Governor also mentioned that to add to tourist attraction facilities, a laser show will commence in the isles soon while the Botanical Garden will be an attraction for people of all age groups. “While the Sound & Light Show at the Ross Island is being greatly appreciated by the visitors, the show at the Cellular Jail needs to be upgraded,” opined the Lt. Governor adding that tourism projects worth Rs 100 Crore have been sent to the Tourism Ministry.
Acknowledging the suggestion of the Member of Parliament, the Lt. Governor asked the Chief Secretary to look into the possibilities of having a Tourism Advisory Committee in the Isles.
Expressing his concern for the future of the Islands, the Lt Governor also made it clear that no unlawful land transactions will be allowed in the Isles. However, Land rules should be kept simple, he said.
Encouraging the private players to play a pivotal role in tourism development of the Islands, the Lt. Governor also invited them to venture into seaplane, cruise ship etc. “Private players and local businessmen must collaborate to bring about the desired development in the tourism of Isles”, the Lt Governor added.
Welcoming the suggestion of the Member of Parliament, the Lt. Governor asked ANIIDCO to consider opening cold storages at different places in the Islands.
Asking everyone to bring in a positive change in their attitude for faster and smoother progress of the Islands, the Lt. Governor exhorted upon the entire ‘Team Andaman’ to move faster to achieve all-round development.
While speaking on the topic ‘Jobs and opportunities for the Youth of A&N Islands – Tourism and skill development’, the Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray expressed his happiness for organizing a need based workshop for developing tourism in N&M Andaman, Little Andaman and Great Nicobar involving the PRIs and stakeholders of these areas. Mentioning that out of the 7 species of turtles in the World, five are found in N & M Andaman and Great Nicobar during turtle nesting season, the MP said suggesting that by giving proper publicity to the vent, tourists can be attracted to see the turtle nesting. Creek tourism is another area which can be popularized like the Kerala backwater Tourism, he said, urging for forming Tourism Advisory Committee by incorporating members from the PRIs so that they are able to present their needs for the development of tourism in their respective Panchayats which, he said, will not only create employment opportunities for youth but also contribute towards economic development of these Islands. The MP also underlined the need for encouraging the use of furniture created by cane and bamboo in offices, Govt accommodations etc. so that the local artisans also get jobs under skill development. Shri Ray further urged the Administration to entrust work to ANIIDCO to develop 3 cold storages, one each in South Andaman, N & M Andaman and in Nicobar District to keep six months’ buffer stock of essential items. Shri Ray also wanted that under land use, 30 to 40 percent ratio of the land must be fixed for green cover and rest can be used for tourism infrastructure creation by the land owner. He also suggested for creating a crocodile park to shift all the crocodiles so that beaches become safe for the islanders and the visiting tourists alike. Creation of dolphinarium and starting elephant football will be another tourist attraction, the MP said. The other areas where the MP brought the attention of the Administration include development of sewerage system in Neil And Havelock, widening of roads in Havelock, raising of dragon fruit by Agriculture department, distribution of Shrimp napoli to islanders for its rearing, boat connectivity between Shoal bay and Havelock, developing Mini Airport in Kamorta & Little Andaman Island and including PRIs in Land Allotment and Land Use Committees.
In her address on the occasion, the Adhyaksha ZP South Andaman, Smt. Minati Biswas said while developing tourism the valued Indian culture should not be lost sight off. She urged for opening Mahua Dera for tourism purpose. She also expressed her concern over the increasing liquor menace in A&N Islands.
In her address on the occasion, the Adhyaksha ZP N&M Andaman, Smt. Prabhawati Biswas advocated for developing Tourism by striking a balance between environment and development. Non availability of low cost accommodation facilities starting from Baratang to Diglipur and proper medical facilities are the reasons among others, hampering the inflow of tourists in N&M Andaman area, she opined.
In his address, on the topic ‘Minimum Govt; maximum governance-Prime Minister’s mantar to ensure effective and efficient Administration’, the BJP President, Shri Vishal Jolly thanked the ACCI for organizing the workshop and giving an opportunity to all the stakeholders to think clearly about taking tourism beyond Port Blair, Neil and Havelock. There is immense scope of packaged tourism here and tourism must be developed keeping intact the rich Indian culture existing in isles. He stressed that Tourism infrastructure and better connectivity will have to be developed so that tourist can visit maximum number of places by consuming lesser travel time. Once the two bridges in ATR route and airstrips in Diglipur and Campbell Bay are developed, it will surely reduce the travel time in these areas, he said. Referring that the local entrepreneurs have contributed a lot in the development of Tourism in Havelock, Shri Jolly advocated that local entrepreneurs must be encouraged for investments in tourism projects in different islands along with the mainland parties. Yatch Marina concept must be brought back and it should be developed by selecting a new area. Yatch tourism should be promoted by simplifying the procedures of giving permissions; Shri Jolly said adding that a single window system should be put in place to give permissions for the boat operators. An entrepreneur friendly atmosphere should be developed for the business people who wish to invest in isles and he should feel free to work in Andamans, Shri Jolly added. He also pointed out some of the hurdles coming in the way of tourism development. Relaxation in CRZ norms, clear cut marking of the buffer zone area and simplifying maritime laws will surely help in tourism promotion in isles, he said. Shri Jolly also underlined the need for introducing adventure sports such as wave surfing, parasailing, and bungee jumping etc.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary, A & N Administration, Shri Anand Prakash said better connectivity and infrastructure facility is essential for development of tourism in outer islands. Adequate amount of funds and review of outdated laws are equally important towards tourism promotion, he added. He said airports are being expanded in Campbell Bay and Shibpur in Diglipur which will help in providing better air connectivity to these areas. The Administration is taking loan from NABARD for creating assets and developing infrastructure in rural areas, he added.
Presenting summary of the workshop, the Secretary (Tourism), Smt. Ankita Mishra Bundela said that the aim of the workshop was to expand tourism activities beyond Port Blair, Neil and Havelock and get a first hand feedback from PRIs and the stakeholders from N&M Andaman, Little Andaman and Great Nicobar as how Tourism can be promoted in these areas. She said that there was a universal consensus on encouraging local entrepreneurs while developing tourism in isles. The recommendations can be summed up under four ‘A’s i.e access, accommodation, amenities and new activities in these three places, she added.
Shri Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Deputy Commissioner, South Andamans made a presentations on encouraging private investment in Andaman & Nicobar Islands – Issues pertaining to land regulations and also on ‘developing North & Middle Andaman as a preferred tourist destination – way forward’.
The Deputy Commissioner, Car Nicobar Smt. Neha Bensal presented her views about developing Great Nicobar as a preferred tourist destinations and the way forward.
Dr. P. Viswakannan, Director (Tourism) gave an overview of Tourism in A&N Islands.
Shri Dipankar Mistry, Zilla Parishad Member, Diglipur, Shri Satish Singh, Pradhan, Rangat, Shri Sanjay Singh, Ex-Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti, Campbell Bay and Shri Asa Manja Haldar, Pradhan, R.K. Pur, Little Andaman spoke about development initiatives and infrastructure requirements for sustainable tourism in their respective areas.
The Ex- Presidnet ACCI, Mohd. Jadwet spoke on the growth of tourism in the Islands – benefits, bottlenecks and opportunities.
Capt. Rajinder Kumar, Director of Shipping Services made a presentation on enhancing sea connectivity in North & Middle, Little Andaman and Great Nicobar and reforming the existing regulations to promote investments in shipping sector.
The Ex. President ACCI Shri G. Bhasker presented welcome address while the workshop concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the President, ACCI Shri Girish Arora.

Sheekha Bureau

Port Blair, Nov16: The Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lt. General AK Singh (Retd) today urged media persons to practice balanced and factual reporting. He said balance is crucial for a healthy society and the local media should refrain from pushing personal agenda through the media

Addressing the National Press Day celebration at Megapode Nest Resort here this afternoon the Lt. Governor said that cartoons and caricatures are a strong medium to express opinions but the medium should be used to convey issues not personalities. Journalism is a difficult vocation but crucial for a democracy that depends in an informed citizenry. As such, the local media should focus on objective and factual reporting to present the true picture of the government to the masses, he said.
The Lt. Governor also announced a series of welfare schemes on the occasion. Instructions were issued to the Secretary, Information and Publicity to constitute Committee in consultation with the Member of Parliament, members from the local media to review the provisions of the Press Correspondents Rules 1996 in the context of these islands for granting Accreditation to Working Journalists of these islands and dead-line of Jan 10, 2016 was set for the purpose. The Lt. Governor announced resumption of the exposure tours to mainland for the local media. Media trips to inter-islands will be conducted every month from December this year and the Administration will make all necessary for the tours, the LG announced.
The Lt. Governor also announced 25% concession to local journalists in all Andaman and Nicobar Bhawans and APWD-run Guest Houses in these islands. The Secretary, Information and Publicity, was made the official Spokesperson of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, besides announcing resumption of monthly media briefings by various Departments of the Administration. The Lt. Governor declared that the advertisement rates of the administration will be revised based on the inflation index immediately after March 2016 and announced a scheme for distribution of free Laptops to all newspapers and magazines of these islands to be implemented in a phased manner in the next two years.
National Press Day marks the constitution of the Press Club of India as a moral watch dog to ensure that media houses are not fettered by external influences as also to maintain high standards of the medium. The media has the right to express its opinion in public interest but pushing personal agenda is a dangerous trend. The true essence of the media is balanced, objective and factual reporting as it helps develop a healthy society, noted the Lt. Governor.
The Member of Parliament, Mr Bishnu Pada Ray, Chief Secretary, Mr Anand Prakash, Director General of Police, Mr Rajesh Malik, Secretary to LG, Mr SN Mishra and several senior bureaucrats of the administration participated in the celebration.
The Member of Parliament, Mr Bishnu Pada Ray urged the Administration to formulate welfare schemes for the local journalists particularly Accreditation of Working Journalists, quarterly media tours to different islands in the archipelago, check on mainland-based newspapers which venture into the islands for the sake of DAVP advertisements. The Chief Secretary, Mr Anand Prakash also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, the Director of Information and Publicity, Mr MN Murali welcomed the gathering. The Hindi Translator, Mr Jai Nair proposed the vote of thanks.
An interaction session was held from 11.20 am in which journalists, Mr NKP Nair of Dweepon Ki Awaz, Mr AR Biswas of News Spot Light, Ms Tabassum Nisha of The Andaman Express, Mr Karaikalavan, Andaman Murasu, Ms Mary Pee, The Daily Telegrams, Mr SP Ellango, Aspect, Mr Sanjib Kumar Roy of Andaman Sheekha and Mr Denis Giles of Andaman Chronicle presented their views on the theme of the celebration ‘Impact and import of Cartooning and Caricature as a Medium of Expression of Opinion’.

Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Nov 13: The Andaman and Nicobar police has started the process to repatriate two Bangladeshi Nationals, who were caught from Diglipur Islands recently.
Father Son duo, Mr. Pulin Baroi and Pijush Baroi were caught from Diglipur Islands recently, when the police received a complaint regarding their backgrounds, with Bangladesh connections.
Meanwhile, while talking to Andaman Sheekha and Channel One News, the Superintendent of Police, CID Mr. Atmaram Deshpande, IPS today said that the Andaman and Nicobar Police is always alert in this issue and in case of any credible information the police takes immediate steps in investigation.
He also said that the repatriation process for these two Bangladeshi Nationals has already been started by police.
The Superintendent of Police requested people of these Islands to come forward and report to nearest police station, if they have any such credible information of Bangladeshi or any other foreign National living in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, illegally.
This is not the first time when Bangladeshi Nationals were arrested from Andaman, people believe that even today thousands of Bangladeshi Nationals are living in Andaman illegally but it becomes extremely difficult to catch hold of such persons because of the genuine Indian documents based on fake certificates etc they make from West Bengal and other states. In this case the documents were procured from Nadia district of West Bengal.

Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Nov 12: The Ministry of Defence will embark on measures to enhance the operational capacity and capability of the tri-services Command of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Speaking to journalists at BJP Bhawan on Thursday, Mr Manohar Parrikar, Defence Minister of India said that proper security in all the islands of the strategically located Andaman and Nicobar Islands is crucial for the security of these islands and the Defence Ministry is mulling over deployment of Frigates and Defence Warships in the Andaman and Nicobar Command.
“After taking over the charge of the Defence Ministry, I have been touring all Defence establishments in the country and the visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is aimed at obtaining first-hand information about the Andaman and Nicobar chain of islands. I’ve had meetings with the Lt. Governor, Member of Parliament and the Chief Secretary to review the concerns here and will take up the issues with the concerned Ministries for their early redressal,” he said.
The Defence Ministry is keen on expanding the airstrips at Shipur, Diglipur in North Andaman and Campbell Bay to enable landing of larger defence aircrafts.
While augmentation of defence infrastructure will be taken up on priority, preservation of the islands rich forest and marine wealth will be ensured.
Expansion of defence establishments will also be a boon for the civilian population as landing of passenger aircrafts in the remote islands will ease travel woes to a great extent.
Besides, the move will also boost the tourism industry significantly and increase tourist footfalls substantially in the years to come, said the Defence Minister.