Port Blair, Aug 30: In a letter to Chief Secretary, A&N Admn, Shri.M.Vinod, President of AATO has requested for immediate appointment of Inland Vessel Surveyor.

Vinod mentioned that there are approximately 600 boats operating in A&N Islands, which are annually surveyed by I.V. Surveyor appointed by PMB. However presently there is no Inland Vessel Surveyor appointed in PMB. As a result, many boats are non-operational, awaiting survey.

In view of the upcoming tourist season, many more boats will be requiring IV survey in upcoming months. Tourism being the backbone of these islands economy. Thousands of local youth depend on these boats for their livelihood. Non operation/delay in operation of these boats shall adversely affect their life.