Inspects Infrastructure, Welfare Measures of Great Andamanese and Tourism Potential in Merk and Lalaji Bay
Port Blair, Mar. 10: The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri. Keshav Chandra, IAS on second day of his tour to Middle Andaman visited Long Island and Strait Island today. On arrival at the Long Island Jetty, he was received by the Gram Panchayat Pradhan, Shri. B Kamaraju, PRI members and Officials of A & N Administration. Soon after arrival, the Chief Secretary visited PHC Long Island wherein the DHS and the Medical Officer briefed the Chief Secretary about the facilities available in the PHC and the number of patients visiting the PHC on daily basis. Responding to a demand from the Pradhan, the Chief Secretary stated that the request for providing the services of a Lab Technician will be looked into. He also appreciated the Health Officials for better upkeep of the PHC and praised the doctor and the supporting staff for rendering better health services in this remote part of the Island.
Thereafter, he visited Govt. Sr. Sec. School Long Island and interacted with the teachers and the people present there. The Vice- Principal of the School, Ms. Jyoti Joes Lakra informed about the strength of the students and teachers in the school. On the request from the Vice Principal, the Chief Secretary directed the Officials of APWD to construct a multipurpose hall and classrooms for the school. On the request for increasing the connectivity between Yerrata and Long Island and between Port Blair and Long Island, the CS informed that there is a proposal to procure additional ships and in the meantime the Shipping Department will be advised to address the issue.
Thereafter, the Chief Secretary visited Strait Island, an abode of Great Andamanese PVTGs. On arrival at Strait Island Jetty, he was accorded a warm welcome by Rani Surmae, Chief of Great Andamanese. A guard of honour was also presented by the Police contingent. The Chief Secretary was also given a traditional welcome by the tribes present at Strait Island. He also visited the old settlement as well as new settlement homes of Great Andamanese.
On the demand of the tribes, the Chief Secretary directed the APWD to take up basic repair of the houses without dismantling the original structure and replace the roof to prevent leakages. The renovation has to be carried out in such a way that the houses of the tribes should look elegant and vibrant, Chief Secretary said. He directed the APWD and AAJVS to optimally utilize the existing infrastructure created for the Great Andamanese in Strait Island.
The Chief Secretary also attended a function wherein he distributed Participation Certificates to the participants of a short term training course on handicraft making. He also handed over tool kits provided by AAJVS to enable them to carry on handicraft making activities. The training programme was conducted by the Industries Department at Strait Island from Feb. 08 to 18 in which 15 persons belonging to Andamanese PVTGs participated.
The Chief Secretary also handed over a Laptop provided by AAJVS to Great Andamanese girl Ms. Techa, a first year student of ANIIMS. He also inspected the Sub Center and enquired about general health issues faced by the tribes. The ANM, Ms. Sharda Devi informed the Chief Secretary about the functioning of the Sub Centre and availability of medicines. While inspecting the Sub Centre, the Chief Secretary directed APWD to carry out necessary repair works of the Sub Centre.
Thereafter, the Chief Secretary visited Merk Bay in North Passage Island and Lalaji Bay, tourism potential sites near Long Island in Middle Andaman where Eco- Friendly Resorts will be developed to promote high end tourism. The Deputy Commissioner, North and Middle Andaman, Shri. Ankit Yadav, the Assistant Commissioner, Rangat, Ms. Sapna Priya and other officials accompanied the Chief Secretary during his visit to Long Island.