Port Blair, Sept. 25: The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS arrived at Swaraj Dweep today morning on a one-day visit. Upon arrival, he was accorded a warm welcome at Swaraj Dweep Helipad by the Heads of Department, Pradhan, Govind Nagar, Shri Ajit Kumar Roy, Pradhan, Shyamnagar, Shri Alok Mirdha, Zilla Parishad Member, Shri Apurba Roy and PRI members. The Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Secretary (IP&T), Shri Hari Kallikkat, IAS, Secretary-cum-Director (Transport), Shri Vishwendra, were also present.
Soon after arrival, the Chief Secretary visited the harbor area at Govind Nagar -1 and reviewed the development works for construction of new Sea Port Terminal Building being undertaken by ALHW. Expressing displeasure over the delay in work progress, which is causing inconvenience to the tourists and visitors, the Chief Secretary directed the concerned officials to expedite the work and ensure its timely completion. Noticing the inconvenience faced by tourists at the entry point to Swaraj Dweep, the Chief Secretary directed that as interim measure, to facilitate the tourists, a holding area with proper shed may be created with pre-paid taxi booth, so that tourists can avail the taxi right at the entry point. The Chief Secretary also inspected the Fish Landing Centre at the Jetty and directed the concerned officials to ensure proper upkeep of the facility and its efficient utilization in a time bound manner.
Thereafter, the Chief Secretary visited Elephanta Beach which is famous for water sports activities. During the visit, he inspected the facilities available there for tourists such as washroom, changing room, water etc. and urged for its upkeep, keeping in mind the fragile marine environment. He also interacted with the SHG members selling eatables and fruits to the visiting tourists and suggested them to aesthetically set up the stall, which will create a beautiful ambience. The ex-President, Havelock Tourist Boat Operator Association, Shri Prashant Guchhait briefed the Chief Secretary about various water sports activities being conducted there and requested for regulation of activities at the beach. The Chief Secretary directed the officers concerned to make proper regulatory guidelines immediately.
Later, the Chief Secretary inspected the Power Station at Govind Nagar 2 and Community Wellness Centre (CWC) at Govind Nagar-3 and inspected the facilities and enquired about the problems. The CMO, (i/c) of CWC, Dr. C. Sabeela Banu briefed the Chief Secretary about the new phase of the building, which has been completed while the furnishing of medical equipment is under process. Further, the Chief Secretary directed to make operational the Dialysis Unit as soon as possible, for which the equipments have already arrived. The Chief Secretary also inspected Krishna Nallah water source at Krishna Nagar-6 where water has been overflowing and directed APWD to ensure that water wastage is contained and the issue should be rectified at the earliest for its proper usage for public.
In the afternoon, the Chief Secretary held a meeting with the PRIs at Dolphin Resort Conference hall during which he enquired about the issues and challenges faced by the local inhabitants. He patiently heard the PRI members and assured to resolve their grievances as early as possible. Sector wise issues pertaining to road, electricity, water, school, health, tourism, forests & revenue matter were highlighted by the public representatives. Upon this, the Chief Secretary assured that genuine grievances which require immediate redressal will be looked into and the concerned officials were directed to ensure its speedy redressal for the convenience of the people. The Chief Secretary remarked that Swaraj Dweep is a flagship destination and role of aesthetics is vital for development of the Island to make it an attractive tourist destination. He suggested that in future, the architecture of the place should reflect the aesthetic beauty of the place, with more emphasis on eco-friendly construction materials. As the upcoming international airport in Port Blair is poised to witness the arrival of international tourists to the Island, the role of built architecture and aesthetics became more important. He stressed that along with promotion of sustainable tourism, the aesthetic look of the place and its proper maintenance is important to attract more visitors.
In the evening, the Chief Secretary visited the famous Radhanagar Beach, a Blue Flag Certified Beach which has become one of the most sought after beaches among visitors. He also enquired about the facilities available there for tourists and suggested that stalls selling wares at the entry point to the beach may be aesthetically set up. The Chief Secretary also appreciated the beauty of the beach and its maintenance. He also witnessed the mesmerizing sunset at the beach.