Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 13: Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, A&N Islands has stated that for the past five years, land conversion and diversion activities in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands had been halted by the UT Administration citing various reasons. This prolonged suspension severely affected developmental projects of individuals, private enterprises, NGOs and other organizations, causing delays in housing, commercial ventures and community infrastructure initiatives.
Fulfilling his commitment made in the 2024 Lok Sabha election manifesto, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, took up the land conversion/diversion matter with the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Home Minister. Following his persistent efforts and repeated representations, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued directions to the UT Administration to resume the land conversion/diversion process.
Acting on these directions, the UT Administration has officially confirmed to the Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Mr. Ray through a letter dated 08.08.2025 that the process has now resumed. The Administration further stated that NOCs have already been issued for various Government schemes, including PMAY and PMMS. Further, proposals earlier put on hold have been reinstated; 20 cases have been processed, and over 100 hearing notices have been issued by the Revenue Department. The disposal of remaining pending cases is also in progress.
Hon’ble MP Bishnu Pada Ray has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Hon’ble Home Minister and the UT Administration for taking swift action to restore this vital process. He stated that the resumption of land conversion/diversion will enable landowners to utilize their property for various purposes, including residential, commercial and community development projects, in accordance with the law paving the way for renewed growth and progress in the Islands.