Port Blair, March 20: The Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray has moved a Calling Attention on the matter of 50 Berth Yacht Marina at Viper Islands at 12.30 pm today in the floor of the Parliament. The MP questioned regarding the Situation arising out of permission to a Malaysian Company to develop 50 berth Yacht Marina and 30 bedded 3 Star Hotel on Viper Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and steps taken by the Government in this regard.

The Hon’ble Union Home Minister replying to the Calling Attention has stated in the floor of the Parliament that the A&N Administration have informed the Ministry of Home Affairs that they have taken up the project of setting up of a Marina at Viper Island covering an area of two hectares out of 31.19 hectares of area after a detailed feasibility study following the laid down guidelines. It was taken into consideration that the island is an uninhabited Island which is techno-economically ideal for setting up a Marina. The project was duly approved by the Ministry of Tourism.

The UP Administration have informed the Ministry that presently there is no activity/project on the island and hence it is in a state of gross neglect. It is felt that by setting up this project the island will get an overall facelift and shall be maintained properly thereby attracting more tourists. Such a project would also result in generating employment opportunities for local unemployed youth of neighbouring islands apart from generating revenue for the Government. By setting up a project of International standards the island would get the recognition and attention of all the visitors from world over which would definitely be a better tribute to the island as against the present state of neglect.

The UT Administration have stated that they have all along, since the process of conceptualization of the Marina project, kept in mind that there should be no damage or disrespect to the monuments and the sanctity/ historical significance of the island should remain undisturbed. To this end it was ensured that the Marina should be at a considerable distance from the existing jetty and there should be a separate approach /jetty for the marina visitors. The area of Marina would be segregated and clearly earmarked causing no interference to the historical monuments.

The Island Administration have stated that the Art and Culture Department of UT Administration is already taking necessary initiative for a holistic development plan for the heritage buildings/ structures at Viper Island including preservation of the structure and landscaping of the area.

The UT Administraiton have stated that the benefits of the Project will be as under: It will result in Employment generation since 60% of employees have to be local. It will boost tourism in these islands. It will also result in Revenue earning for the Government.