Port Blair, Oct. 31: The Andaman Public Works Department today celebrated 55th APWD Raising Day-2012 by organising befitting programmes. To mark the celebration, a function was held in the auditorium of Govt. Girls Senior Secondary School here today. The Lt Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM was the chief guest and gave away awards to some of the best staff in various categories. The Lt Governor also released a quarterly newsletter of APWD ‘Nirmatri’ in the presence of the First lady of the Islands, Smt Bhawanee Singh. The Member of Parliament, Shri B. P. Ray, Chief Secretary and other senior officers of the Administration were also present in the function. 

Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor congratulated APWD on 55th years of service in the Islands. He stated that APWD is the most vital department which has not only contributed significantly in the development of infrastructure facilities in the Islands, but also provided the required basic amenities to the people across the Islands. The department has successfully fulfilled the responsibility entrusted to it much to the satisfaction of the people by facing numerous challenges at various fronts.

The Lt Governor further stated that despite tough and treacherous weather condition, inaccessible areas, difficult mode of transportation of construction materials, equipments and manpower in scattered Islands, the department has successfully worked in challenging environment by showing tremendous commitment and dedication. Be it construction and maintenance of ATR, extension of runway at Port Blair, tsunami relief and rehabilitation works and water projects,  APWD since its establishment has executed some of the most important projects which has brought great deal of changes in the life of the people of the Islands, the Lt Governor stated. 

Assuring every possible support to APWD from the Administration, he stated that the department will function in an honest and sincere manner and will ensure timely completion of all the projects. Referring to the usage of modern technology, the Lt Governor stated that since the A&N Islands is located in seismic zone-V, our efforts should be to use pre-fabricated construction materials, at least in far and remote Islands.     

He also appreciated APWD for bringing out a quarterly newsletter ‘Nirmatri’ which will provide information about the activities of APWD. A colourful cultural programme presented by children of APWD staff which enthralled the gathering present in the auditorium.

Smt. Asha, Assistant Architecture, APWD gave a report on the APWD-expectation from the A&N Administration.   

Earlier, welcoming the chief guest and other, the Chief Engineer, APWD gave a detail report of the functioning and activities of APWD.  The function concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the Superintendent Engineer CC-I, APWD, Shri Newazesh Ali.