Proposal to enhance fuel storage from 16 to 90 days; dedicated LPG vessel MV IRIS to be launched this month
Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 30: The Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands, Dr. Dinesh Sharma held a series of meetings today at Lok Niwas, Sri Vijaya Puram with administrative officers, officials of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), representatives of political parties, various organisations and eminent citizens to discuss important issues concerning the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Meeting with Administrative Officers
The Secretary (Health) and Secretary (Civil Aviation), A&N Administration, paid a courtesy call on the Hon’ble Lt. Governor. During the meeting, discussions were held on improving the healthcare services in the Islands. The Hon’ble Lt. Governor directed that the instructions issued following his inspection of G.B. Pant Hospital be implemented in a time-bound manner. The progress of the upcoming seaplane project was also reviewed.
Meeting with IOCL Officials
A meeting was also held with officials of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), during which the following decisions and directions were discussed:
• A proposal was made to increase the storage capacity of petrol, diesel and LPG from the existing 16 days to 90 days to ensure uninterrupted fuel and LPG supplies in the Islands.
• IOCL assured that the dedicated vessel MV IRIS, for transportation of fuel and LPG, would be launched this month.
• Directions were issued to implement an action plan to improve the availability and accessibility of LPG in five islands.
• A proposal was also discussed to provide medical equipment, including ambulances, hearse vehicles and MRI machines, in various islands through IOCL’s CSR funds.
Meeting with Representatives of Political Parties
Representatives of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including Shri Ajay Bairagi, National Council Member and former State President, BJP, A&N Islands; Shri Vishal Jolly, former BJP President; and Shri Anil Tiwari, State President, BJP, called on the Hon’ble Lt. Governor.
The Hon’ble Lt. Governor also received courtesy calls from Shri Satya Raj, State General Secretary, Bahujan Samaj Party; Shri Venkataram Babu, State President, Jana Sena Party; Shri C. Shahjahan Chekku, State President, Janata Dal (United); and Dr. Arun Kumar Mallik, State President, Aam Aadmi Party, along with their respective delegations.
Shri G. Bhaskar, Chairman, Andaman and Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee, and Shri Aboobackar K.P., General Secretary, Indian National Trade Congress Union, along with their representatives, also paid a courtesy call on the Hon’ble Lt. Governor.
Delegations of NGOs and Associations
At Lok Niwas, the Hon’ble Lt. Governor also met delegations representing various organizations and associations, including:
• All India Tribal Development Council, A&N Islands
• Andaman and Nicobar Electricity Workers’ Union
• Fishermen Welfare Association
• Andaman and Nicobar Education Association
• Government Employees Federation
• Federation of Andaman Tourism Organizations
• Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti, Little Andaman
• Adhyaksh, Zilla Parishad, North & Middle Andaman
• Office-bearers of Golden Bird and Pankh NGOs
Meeting with Eminent Citizens
Among other eminent citizens, Padma Shri Naresh Chander Lal, Brand Ambassador, Swachh Bharat Mission; Dr. Chandrasekaran, President, Andaman and Nicobar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ANCCI), along with his delegation; and renowned Urologist (Apollo), Dr. Avinash Dutta Sharma also paid courtesy calls on the Hon’ble Lt. Governor.
During these interactions, detailed discussions were held on strengthening and expanding cleanliness drives across the Islands, enhancing public awareness regarding cleanliness, and important issues relating to industrial and commercial development as well as the healthcare sector.