Unscrupulous People are Behind the Act to close ATR and Create Rift between tribal & Non-tribal: Bhopinder Singh
Port Blair, Jan 27: Addressing the 63rd Republic Day gathering at Netaji Stadium on 26th Jan. 2012, the Lt. Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Bhopinder Singh expressed concern on the news about the Jarawa tribes wherein they were shown to dance for food. Condemning the act, the Lt. Governor stated that some unscrupulous people are behind the act who want to close our ATR and create rift between tribal and non-tribal people. However, we all know that our islands are example of unity in diversity before the world. The Administration is trying that the ATR road is not closed and the cordial relationship between tribal and non-tribals are maintained. The Administration is keeping a strict vigil on the ATR road passing through Jarawa tribal reserve area. In case of untoward incident, irrespective of the status strict action will be taken against of defaulters, the Lt. Governor said.
Speaking about the buffer zone, the Lt. Governor reiterated that all the normal activities and developmental projects by the Administration and PRIs will continue in the villages around ATR. He also mentioned about his visit to the area where he met the public representatives.
The Andaman & Nicobar Administration is committed towards strengthening infrastructure alongwith overall development of the Islands, as per the XIIth Five Year Plan, said the Lt. Governor.
Congratulating the people on the occasion of 63rd Republic Day, the Lt. Governor highlighted the significance of the day when in1950 the Constitution of India came into being providing the citizens justice, freedom, equality and sovereignty. “We are proud that the islands also played an important role in the freedom struggle, of which the National Memorial Cellular Jail is the living example, the Lt. Governor said paying tributes to the freedom fighters and makers of the Constitutions.
Informing further about the developmental activities and future plans of the islands, the Lt. Governor mentioned about the submarine optical fibre connectivity programme, which will solve the connectivity problem of the islands to a great extent.
Speaking about national e-governance plan, the Lt. Governor stated that apart from the ten common service centres opened under it, 45 more centres will be opened, so that a person can avail services of the Administration through any service centre.
As part of the efforts to develop human resources, 35 vocational courses are being run for creating employment opportunities for the youth of the islands under various sectors for developing skills, the Lt. Governor said. He also expressed happiness that not a single child in these islands is out of school.
Turning to health sector, the Lt. Governor informed that work for opening of a Medical College is in the pipeline. He also informed that two CHCs and OPD block in the BJR Hospital, Car Nicobar has been made functional. Two new operation theatres and a fully equipped casualty ward with portable ventilator have been opened while a new CT scanner has also been installed, the Lt. Governor said.
Speaking about the improvement of the shipping sector, the Lt. Governor informed that a 400 pax capacity ship will be taken on wet lease for Southern group of islands. The Government of India has also sanctioned the proposal for procuring two ships of 500 pax and 150 ton cargo capacity while 5 smaller vessels will be used for harbour and vehicle ferry purposes.
Referring to the efforts being made for improving the public road transport further, the Lt. Governor mentioned about the modern workshop that has become functional in Port Blair and stressed on improving public transport system to do away with traffic congestion.
The Lt. Governor also reminded the people on the ban that has been imposed on use of plastic carry bags in the islands. A scheme is being implemented under which transport subsidy is being given for taking plastic wastes to mainland, the Lt. Governor said.
The Administration is paying special attention to Civil Aviation sector and the number of flights arriving here has increased during the last year, the Lt. Governor said. He also informed that the proposal to charter an airbus so that the people can get low fare tickets, is expected to be sanctioned by the Ministry of Civil Aviation soon.
Referring to tourism sector, the Lt. Governor disclosed that steps are being taken to take the sea plane services to Southern group of islands as well. He also expressed happiness that the number of tourists visiting these islands is increasing continuously. The Lt. Governor also mentioned that the Government of India has sanctioned the 50 Yacht Marina Project to come up near Viper Island. The Administration is also working out a scheme under which the tourists stranded due to inclement weather, in these islands, will be given assistance, he said.
The Administration is also striving towards providing clean water and better facilities to the people. The Gram Panchayats have been allowed to charge nominal fee from the tourists which will be utilized for cleaning tourist spots so that domestic wastes do not pollute sea beaches, he said.
The Lt. Governor also informed that the height of Dhanikhari dam is being increased while the work is on for the project under which submarine pipeline will be connected from Rutland to South Andaman. Meanwhile, water treatment plants are also being created in all islands.
The Administration is also paying equal attention to energy sector as 94% of energy is acquired through HSD. Therefore other sources of energy are also being explored. A 5 MW solar project and some 2 MW biomass project are also being established. Ours will be the first island where clean energy will be utilized completely, the LG said.
Referring to the Nicobar area, the Lt. Governor stated that coconut mission is being extended over a large area in Nicobar District. The Administration is also encouraging organic farming of rice and vegetables, the Lt. Governor said adding that the Administration has taken up the work of certification so that the farmers can get premium prices.
Turning to the fisheries sector, the Lt. Governor stated that the Administration is providing better fishing equipment, storage facilities, cold chain and fish landing centres to the fishermen of these islands. The fishermen who would want to go deep sea fishing will be helped with bigger fishing trawlers, cargo transportation, packaging & marketing facilities by the Administration. The Tuna Mission is a big step in this direction which will increase our fishing capacity from 33,000 Metric ton to 50,000 metric ton in 3 years, the LG informed.
The Lt. Governor also mentioned about schemes like PMEGP and MGNREGA that are being run to create employment opportunities for the unemployed islanders. The Administration has also increased the amount of old age, widow, disability pensions while working women’s hostels and multi disabled children home have also being made, the LG said.
Expressing his happiness over the performance of the sports persons of the islands who have won gold, silver and bronze medals in national and international sports events, the Lt. Governor stated that the Administration is paying proper attention towards sports in the islands.
The Lt. Governor also mentioned that 45,000 people have registered their names for the ADHAAR card.
The Lt. Governor also informed that a Forest Training School has been established in Wimberlygunj where training on GPS and GIS will also be provided. The A&N Administration has also strengthened its coastal security keeping in view the geographical location and strategic importance of the islands. The Marine Police Force has been strengthened while the Forest Department has also been in coastal security scheme, the LG said.
The Lt. Governor also congratulated the Andaman & Nicobar Command, Coast Guard, Andaman Police and all other security agencies for performing their duties. He also congratulated the PRIs and local bodies for playing pivotal role in the development of islands. The Lt. Governor also thanked the local media for raising various developmental issues from time to time.