Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 24 November 2023
In a significant move towards addressing key Port developmental concerns, a delegation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Andaman and Nicobar Islands met with the Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, Waterways, and Ayush, Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal. Led by the State President, Mr. Ajoy Bairagi, the delegation focused on pivotal issues crucial for the islands’ progress.
During the meeting, Mr. Bairagi underscored several critical issues. In a letter addressed to the Hon’ble Union Minister, Mr. Ajoy Bairagi mentioned the issues and demands in detail. Foremost among them was the pressing need for the Construction of a Deep Water Harbour at Diglipur—a longstanding demand resonating among the residents of North Andaman.
Among the array of concerns, Mr. Bairagi emphasised the necessity of establishing a ship ticket counter at Billiground. Currently, residents are inconvenienced by having to travel to Mayabunder to book tickets, and this proposed counter would alleviate this challenge.
Another highlighted concern was the empowerment and full delegation of responsibilities for the Construction and Development of ports to the Andaman Lakshadweep Harbour Works (ALHW), a shift from the present oversight under APWD (Andaman Public Works Department).
In addition to these crucial infrastructure concerns, the delegation brought forth the importance of a Dry Dock’s availability and advocated for permitting Foreign Flagged vessels to dock at any port within the Islands, aligning with practices prevalent in other parts of India.
The delegation also turned the spotlight on the tourism sector, stressing the urgency of constructing a Yacht Marina across various islands such as Shaheed Dweep, Swaraj Dweep, Long Island, and Diglipur. Furthermore, they highlighted the necessity of building modern Cruise Terminals in Port Blair and a Sea Plane dome at strategic locations, all aimed at bolstering the Islands’ tourism potential.
A key aspect of the discussion was the promotion of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to attract more foreign vessels to call at Port Blair, ultimately positioning it as a thriving cruise hub facilitating voyages between the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Southeast Asia.
Responding to these concerns, Hon’ble Union Minister Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal assured the delegation that all raised points would be looked into on priority. This assurance marks a significant step towards addressing critical developmental needs in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, reflecting the commitment of the central government to fostering holistic progress in the region.