Car Nicobar, Mar. 1: The Lt Governor, Lt. Gen (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM today inaugurated the Pasa Bridge at Car Nicobar.  The Lt. Governor unveiled the plaque to inaugurate the earthquake resistant bridge which was constructed at a cost of Rs 3.5 crores within a period of two years.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lt. Governor expressed happiness that a RCC Bridge has been constructed over the Pasa Nallah, which was a long pending demand of the people of Car Nicobar and would ensure movement of vehicles and people in a safe manner.  The Bridge over the backwaters was damaged during tsunami and a temporary bailly bridge was constructed which too had become non-functional thus restricting the movement of vehicles for the last one year. The Lt. Governor appreciated the efforts of APWD for timely completion of the bridge.

The Lt. Governor also inspected the recently renovated building at Lapathy and gave a nod for starting ITI classes in three different discipline for diploma course.  67 students in three discipline of electrical, plumbing and machinery work were enrolled for diploma certificates.  The Lt. Governor also interacted with the tribal students.

The Lt. Governor also informed the Tribal Council that the matter regarding non-procurement of copra reported to him on 26 February 2013, after the announcement of minimum support price for 2013 had been resolved by the Administration and NAFED will resume procurement of copra from next week.

The Lt. Governor called upon the children to work hard and excel in all walks of life.  The Lt. Governor informed that the Deputy Commissioner had been deputed to select a coaching agency at Chennai where children from southern group of islands will be given free coaching for civil service examination.  The expenditure for this shall be borne by the administration.

The Chief Captain, Car Nicobar in his brief address expressed his gratitude towards the Lt Governor and the Administration for constructing the bridge and for taking-up development projects in Car Nicobar district on top priority.

Earlier, welcoming the chief guest and others, the Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Smt Punya Salila Srivastava gave the technical details of the bridge.  She informed that the construction work of the bridge was taken up in 2011 and completed during January 2013.  The bridge is 48 mtrs in length and 7.0 mtrs in width.

Later, the Lt Governor also held a meeting with the local officers and tribal captains and discussed with them local pending issues and gave directions to all concerned department to attend to the problems of the tribal population of Car Nicobar on priority.