Andaman and Nicobar, April 25: Opening doors to enhance and permit access to promote tourism, the authorities have taken off the restriction cap in the Restricted Area Permit regime in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
Chairing the third meeting of the Island Development Agency (IDA) in Delhi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the progress made towards preparation of Development Plans for identified Islands (four in A&N Islands i.e. Smith, Ross, Long, Avis and five in Lakshadweep i.e. Minicoy, Bangaram, Thinnakara, Cheriyam, Suheli).
Aiming to frame out suitable projects intending at creation of more jobs for the Islanders, the NITI Aayog Department along with the UT Administrations have sought out 12 islands in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and 5 in Lakshadweep.
The key infrastructure projects include the creation of jetties and berthing facilities, Roll-on and Roll-off ships, Bridges on Andaman Trunk Road, Upgradation of Diglipur Airport, Construction of Minicoy Airport, and Modernization of existing Jetty at Kavarati among others. However it is seen that almost 18 projects have been identified both in in Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep. Out of these 18 projects, 7 are already under PPP for its launch.
After implementation of these projects, investment of about 650 crore rupees is expected from the private sector. Preference would be given to the local people for employment. Home Minister Rajnath Singh called upon all concerned to expedite implementation of ongoing key infrastructure projects in the islands, particularly for improving air, road and web connectivity, providing good quality drinking water to the residents and power supply.
He directed that designs of these projects be made in such a way to provide maximum benefits to the local population.
