Shaheed Dweep, Jan 13: Fisheries sector has huge potential which will be developed in a broader scale for the economic prosperity of A&N Islands, said the Chief Secretary, A&N Islands, Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS while interacting with the PRIs and the officials of various Departments at Shaheed Dweep today. Picturesque Shaheed Dweep Islands is endowed with abundant potential to attract tourists from across the country and globe, he said adding that Bharatpur Beach is one of the most beautiful beach of international standard. The Chief Secretary also emphasized the need to promote fisheries. He said, rich fishery resources available in Andaman Nicobar waters offers immense scope for export.
During the interaction with elected representatives and different section of people, the Chief Secretary assured that the all genuine demands of the people of Shaheed Dweep will be looked into and will be addressed in a speedy manner. During his field visits to schools, health institutions, etc it was observed that infrastructures built by PRIs are either lacking maintenance or lacking required standards. He informed that the Administration is in the process of Integrating disjointed Engineering setup of APWD and PRIs to enhance the technical capabilities and optimum delivery.
Responding to a farmer’s request, the Chief Secretary assured that the Administration will provide all support to maintain Shaheed Dweep the status of Organic Island. He also informed the gathering that an additional 1 MW power generator set will be installed soon to address the power issue.
At the outset, the Gram Panchayat Pradhan, Shaheed Dweep, Smt. Pinkey Das highlighted the issues pertaining to Shaheed Dweep followed by Smti. Champa Das, Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti Port Blair, Shri Dashrat Verma, Zilla Parishad Member, Shaheed Dweep and different section of people of Shaheed Dweep. The Director, Health Services, Dr. (Smt.) Munni Singhania, SDM, Shri Dilkhush Meena, Shri Aditya Kumar Jha, Director of Education, Shri Linga Raju, SE, APWD and local Heads of different Departments were also present in the meeting.
Earlier, the Chief Secretary visited GSSS Shaheed Dweep and interacted with students. He also planted saplings in the school premises. He appreciated the good ambience and upkeep of the school. Earlier, the Principal of the school, Ms Deepa Nair briefed the Chief Secretary about the students and staff strength of the school.
Thereafter, the Chief Secretary visited GMS Sitapur and Primary School Shaheed Dweep. He urged the SDM to take up the demarcation of all schools and Govt. properties.
The Chief Secretary also visited the E-Patwarkhana at Shaheed Dweep where he directed the SDM to arrange training for all the Patwaris of the Revenue Department, so that they are able to take up the survey and demarcation work independently at their place of posting. He also visited the Health & Wellness Centre at Shantipur and interacted with ANM and enquired about the services being provided through this Centre. He also directed the APWD to repair the defunct RO Plant and take up the repairing of the Health & Wellness Centre wherever it is required.
Thereafter, the Chief Secretary visited the Primary Health Centre and interacted with the patients. While appreciating the functioning of the PHC, he directed APWD to take up the face-lift of the PHC.
The Chief Secretary also visited the eco-friendly PPP Project site at Bharatpur Beach. He also gave instructions to erect eco-friendly passenger waiting sheds at Shaheed Dweep Jetty to facilitate visiting tourists and the Islanders. On completion of his two-day visit to Shaheed Dweep, the Chief Secretary returned to Port Blair in the afternoon today.