Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 13 January 2025
The Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, inaugurated two key road improvement projects during his visit to Shaheed Dweep on 12th January 2025. The projects include the road from Neil Kendra Bazaar to Laxmanpur Sunset Point and the road from Jetty to Sitapur.
The event was attended by senior officials, including the Secretary of Fisheries, Information, Publicity & Tourism, and Art & Culture, Ms. Jyoti Kumari, IAS; Chief Engineer (in-charge), APWD, Mr. Tej Bahadur; Pramukh of Panchayat Samiti, Prothrapur, Ms. Champa Das; Zilla Parishad Member, Mr. Dasarath Varma; and Pradhan of Neil Kendra, Ms. Pinkey Das.
In his address, Dr. Kumar expressed satisfaction with the timely completion of the road projects by the APWD, commending their dedication and ability to overcome logistical challenges associated with transporting men, materials, and machinery to the island. He assured residents that further road improvements on Shaheed Dweep are in the pipeline.
Reflecting on his first visit to Shaheed Dweep in 1997, Dr. Kumar noted the island’s remarkable transformation, with the development of hotels and increased tourist inflow. While emphasizing the importance of development, he called for a balanced approach to ensure sustainable growth.
Highlighting the future energy needs of the island, Dr. Kumar announced plans to transition from diesel-based power generation to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, under a Government of India initiative. He also promoted the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, a scheme providing subsidies for households to install solar panels, urging Panchayati Raj Institutions to encourage participation.
Earlier, the Chief Engineer (in-charge), APWD, Mr. Tej Bahadur, stated that the new roads address long-standing demands of Shaheed Dweep’s residents. He recalled that the foundation stone for the project was laid just a year ago.
During his visit, Dr. Kumar also toured key sites, including the Zonal Library, Power House, Sitapur Beach, and the Solar Project site, and interacted with PRIs, the general public, and hoteliers.
The newly inaugurated infrastructure is expected to enhance connectivity, boost tourism, and improve the quality of life for Shaheed Dweep’s residents.