Lt. Governor Complements Islanders for Protecting and Preserving Andaman’s Forests

Port Blair, Oct 8: The Lt Governor, Lt Gen AK Singh today underlined the need for taking all necessary steps to protect the wildlife and preserve our rich forests. He said this while speaking at the valedictory function of the 61st Wildlife Week celebrations held in the conference hall of the Megapode Nest here this evening.

The Chairperson, PBMC, Smt Sheela Singh, Smt Rupa Ray and other senior officials of the Administration were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, the Lt Governor said that we should take pride in having 94 percent forest cover and mangroves around us. “I compliment the citizens of these islands for protecting and preserving our forests”, he said. Making a special mention of ‘Dugong’, the Lt. Governor urged for restoring its declining population.

Regarding the human-crocodile conflict, the Lt Governor said the Administration will resolve this issue through education, control of crocodile and by adopting safety measures & precautions.

The Lt Governor stated that 9 centrally sponsored schemes, under the Environment & Forest Department has been sanctioned by the Environment & Forest Ministry for conservation related activities in the Islands. Turning to tourism in the isles, the Lt Governor stated that 6 islands have been identified for tourism development purpose, with the support of ACCI and other stakeholders. The Lt Governor desired that tourism should not remain Port Blair, Neil and Havelock centric but should also be taken to other Islands. He said that Diglipur, Long Island, Hut Bay and Campbell Bay must be developed for tourism purpose. Eco resorts will also be created in some of the Islands to attract more tourists, he added. The Lt Governor further informed about the plans of the Administration to start day time tourism activities; as is done at Jolly Buoy Island, in five more Islands before this tourist season starts in Islands.

The Lt Governor informed that proposals worth an amount of Rs 71 crores have been placed before the Tourism Ministry for taking up tourism related projects in Isles. The projects include up-gradation of Cellular Jail, developing eco resorts at Neil and Long Islands besides an Oceanarium. He also informed about the creation of the Botanical Garden at Haddo, as the area is very appropriate for this project. This project will be a pleasure for everyone in the islands as it will offer scope for education, recreation, scientific study related activities etc. This project is to be completed in a year’s time, the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor also emphasized the need to drastically reduce the dependency on diesel for power generation and for going green in the coming days by adopting renewable sources of energy. He also assured that the Administration is committed to resolving the issue of availability of sand for construction purpose in the islands.

The Lt Governor concluded his speech by saying that with the support of the Central Govt and under the dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, these islands will march forward on the path of progress and development.

Earlier, the Lt. Governor gave away prizes to the winners of various competitions like drawing, debate and quiz, held during the week-long celebration under different categories. The Lt. Governor also presented mementoes to some corporate houses and associations for their involvement in the celebration of the Wildlife Week as part of their corporate social responsibilities. They included the Managing Director, Agency House, Shri Avinash Nanda, President, A&N Tourist Boat Operators Association and the President, Andaman Association of Tour Operators, Shri M. Vinod. Shri Jagjivan Ram, Office Assistant, ICMR who created a logo for the Department of Forest and Environment for Wild Life week- 2015 was also felicitated by the Lt. Governor.

The Lt. Governor also released a manual titled ‘Management of Captive Elephants’ in A&N Islands and two pamphlets viz. wetland birds and reptiles & amphibians of A&N Islands.

Speaking as the guest of honour, the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Anand Prakash complimented the Department of Environment & Forests for organizing befitting programmes to mark the Wildlife Week celebration, which he said, is a sign of greater awareness. “Without forests there can be no wildlife. Forests has to be preserved to protect the wildlife”, the Chief Secretary said. He also said that the botanical garden that will come up at Haddo will fully justify our love for nature in the city. “Man and animal must live in harmony”, he said.

The PCCF (Wildlife/Chief Wildlife Warden), Shri G.N. Sinha presented a report about the events and competitions organized during the 61st Wildlife Week celebration in A&N Islands.

The PCCF and Principal Secretary (Environment & Forests), Shri Omkar Singh spoke about the commencement of the celebration of Wildlife Week way back in 1952 with the Constitution of Indian Board for Wildlife. He also informed about the development of 42 eco-tourism sites in A&N Islands besides one city forest here. The function concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Shri Yogesh, CCF (Wild Life).