Port Blair, March 31: TheHon’ble Lt Governor, Lt Gen A K Singh (Retd) today called on the visiting Union Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan during his stay at Port Blair. The Hon’ble Minister presented a book titled “A tale of two drops” to the Lt Governor on the occasion. Later on, at a meeting held at Raj Niwas in presence of the Chief Secretary, Shri Anand Prakash and senior officers of the Administration along with Shri Vishal Jolly, President BJP State Unit, the Lt Governor gave a detailed presentation on various issues relating to the A&N Islands.

The LG drew the attention of the Union Minister to the various challenges faced by the Administration and people of the Islands. Using the occasion, he urged the Union Minster to use his good offices to intervene on issues pending with other ministries and also for the intervention sought from the Central Govt. He also apprised the Minister on the strategic importance of the Islands and the rich potential in areas of Tourism and Fisheries. He apprised the Minister on the accelerated pace of development in the islands since the past one year, as per the vision of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Harsh Vardhan thanked the Lt Governor for the excellent presentation wherein he was able to get a complete picture of life in these Islands and challenges faced by the people. He assured the Lt Governor of full support from his side as well from his Ministry for the efforts of the Administration in meeting the challenges and problems of the Islanders. Besides, he also conveyed support on behalf of his Cabinet Colleagues and party as well for the all around development of the Islands.

He mentioned that he was impressed by the beauty of the Islands and the warmth received from the people here. He mentioned that beauty of the Islands and the strong bonds of harmony prevailing here needs to be showcased to the rest of the world and that the Islands be projected as one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Besides, the fact that the southernmost point of the India is not Kanyakumari but Great Nicobar Island needs to be highlighted to the rest of the world and also inserted in the text books in the schools. He further suggested that the great sacrifices made by the freedom fighters should also be projected so that the youth and future generations of the country are made aware of their great sacrifices and instill in them, a feeling of patriotism. 

The Minister also expressed his feelings on the fact that the Administration has embarked on the path of harnessing renewable energy. As a suggestion, he stated that solar energy be tapped and every household in the Islands should be using solar energy. In fact, that should be projected as a model for the rest of the country, he observed.