Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 20 July 2024
A delegation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Mr. Raghunath Kulkarni, National Executive Member and Prabhari for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, along with State President Mr. Ajoy Bairagi, Member of Parliament Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, and State General Secretary (Organization) Mr. Vivek Dadhakar, met with the Honorable Lieutenant Governor Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.). The meeting focused on several critical issues affecting the residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The delegation emphasized the urgent need for the timely and fast completion of National Highway-4 and the Baratang Bridge. Due to delays in these projects, residents of North and Middle Andaman are facing significant hardships.
Another major issue discussed was the resumption of land conversion and diversion processes in accordance with the Citizen Charter. Islanders are experiencing severe difficulties with land matters, including the high rates of stamp duty and circle charges. The delegation suggested consulting with stakeholders to revert these charges to more reasonable levels to alleviate the financial burden on residents.
The chronic issue of drinking water shortages was also highlighted. The delegation proposed the installation of desalination plants to ensure a stable and sufficient supply of potable water. In addition, the delegation addressed the ongoing power crisis, advocating for the establishment of a 50MW LNG plant to provide continuous power supply to the islands.
Furthermore, the delegation raised concerns about the devolution of powers to elected members of the Panchayati Raj system. They emphasized the need for providing sufficient funds and powers to the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to enable them to effectively work for the upliftment of villagers. The delegation pointed out that PRI members have repeatedly been stripped of their powers, undermining grassroots governance.
The Lieutenant Governor gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured them that he would positively consider the issues raised.