Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 10 March 2023
Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, Chief Secretary, A & N Administration is on a 3-day visit to North & Middle Andaman District. On arrival at Nimbutala Helipad on 09th March 2023, the Chief Secretary was accorded a warm welcome by the Deputy Commissioner, N&M Andaman, Mr. Ankit Yadav, Assistant Commissioner, Rangat, Ms Sapna Priya, Adhyaksha Zila Parishad, North & Middle Andaman, Ms Elizabeth, Pramukh Rangat Samiti, Ms Sita Majhi, PRI members, senior officers of Police and Heads of different Departments of Middle Andaman and others.
Soon after arrival, the Chief Secretary inaugurated the New Administrative Block of Rangat by cutting the ribbon. After inauguration, he inspected the facilities available in the new building and appreciated the APWD for constructing a spacious building with good ambience which will house Assistant Commissioner’s Office and different Departments. He said that this new Administrative Block will facilitate the general public to get the required services with ease. He also urged AC Rangat to ensure the upkeep of the building. The Chief Secretary further suggested for planting flowering & fruit bearing plants in the premises of the new building. He also interacted with the BDO, officials of Agriculture & Civil Supplies and congratulated them for functioning from the new building.
Informing about the salient features of the new building, Mr. Denis, EE CD-I, Rangat informed that the triple storied state of the art building has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 6.76 crores. He said, the construction of the new building started in the month of January, 2021 and despite COVID challenges it has been completed in a record time in January 2023.
Thereafter, the Chief Secretary held a meeting with the PRIs and Heads of Office in the conference hall of APWD guest house. The public representatives put forth their issues and aspirations related to sectors such as road, water, education, agriculture, revenue, civil aviation, electricity, shipping, rural development, AHVS, Fisheries, Mobile and Internet Connectivity etc. The Chief Secretary gave a patient hearing to the grievances and allowed all the PRI members present in the conference hall to put forth their grievances one by one and also emphasised on the need for participatory management. The CS informed the gathering about the decisions taken by the Administration in many issues in different sectors which will benefit the islanders.
While responding to the demands in fisheries sector, the Chief Secretary said that the Administration’s approach for the fisheries sector is mainly focused on the comprehensive development so that the benefit reaches the last mile fish farmers or those associated with fishing activities. He said, vast fishery potential is available in the EEZ around the Islands. Given the huge potential of tuna resources, the CS emphasised the need to focus on value added fishery product that has potential market in neighbouring south east Asian countries.
The mariculture in the form of sea cage culture is being promoted so that A & N Islands become the major player in sea food export to the South East Asian countries. He also informed about the sea cage culture technology developed by NIOT. He said, four sea cages are being developed in South Andaman District while two will be developed in N&M District. Regarding the issue of poor road condition, the Chief Secretary informed that the Administration has taken up the issue with ministry of MORTH to complete the left out portion of ATR which is solely being executed by NHIDCL. While responding to queries regarding specialist doctors, the CS emphasised that with the launching of e-sanjeevani in A & N Islands the focus is on to provide all kind of speciality treatments/ services through e-sanjeevani which is designed to provide all kind of specialty services to all the remotest part of the country through video conferencing. He also informed about the measures taken for establishment of a Blood Bank at Mayabunder and emphasised that blood bank is not a solution. It should be participatory management of blood transfusion. He appreciated the contribution made by Police personals in meeting the blood requirement in the islands.
Responding to the demand to renovate the dilapidated School buildings, the Chief Secretary informed that the administration has already made and assessment of conditions of the schools and a priority list has already been prepared to facelift/ repair/ renovation of all the schools depending upon the capacity of construction agency and the availability of fund.
On the issue of scarcity of drinking water during dry spell to meet the ever increasing demand, the Chief Secretary instructed the DC North and Middle Andaman to convene a meeting involving APWD Officials/ PRIs to identify more water bodies/ water sources to find a permanent solution. He further directed the officials of APWD to prepare detailed action plan and priority list in consultation with the PRIs. The Deputy Commissioner, North & Middle Andaman, Mr. Ankit Yadav, the Assistant Commissioner, Rangat, Ms Sapna Priya, the Adhyaksha Zila Parishad, North & Middle Andaman, Ms Elizabeth, Pramukh Rangat Tehsil, Ms Sita Majhi, PRI members, senior Officers of Police and Heads of different Departments of Middle Andaman and others were present during the meeting.
Thereafter, the Chief Secretary visited GSSS Sabari and interacted with teachers and Incharge of the School. He appreciated the teachers for producing top rank students from this school and encouraged them to produce more such student. He also advised them to tie-up with private coaching institute for providing online coaching for competitive exams. The CS also inspected under construction Women’s Hostel of Social Welfare Department at Mithila under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram. The Chief Secretary inspected CHC, Rangat and reviewed its functioning. The DHS and the CMO, Rangat briefed the Chief Secretary about the facilities available in the CHC. While interacting with the in-patients, he wished them speedy recovery. Expressing his satisfaction over the functioning of the CHC in a disciplined manner, the Chief Secretary appreciated the efforts of the Doctors for providing better health care to the patients of the area.
Thereafter, the Chief Secretary visited the under construction pond under ‘Amrit Sarovar Mission’ which aims to rejuvenate at least 75 Amrit Sarovars in each district across India to overcome the water crisis in rural areas. He praised the women members who have developed the pond through MGNREGA Scheme. It was informed that 621 Man days were generated under this project through which fish farming activities will be carried out for domestic use and sale. The CS also visited Dhaninallah Beach and experienced Mangrove Nature Walk. He also released sea turtle hatchlings into the sea. The DFO, Mr. Abdul Qayam and other Forest Officials accompanied the CS during the visit. Thereafter, the Chief Secretary visited the Souvenir Shop at Betapur Saw Mill. He appreciated the efforts of Forest Department for setting up Souvenir Shop by making artefacts from waste wood. He also visited fish landing centre at Padmanabhapuram and interacted with fishermen community.
The Chief Secretary also visited Amkunj Beach and Panchawati Eco-tourism site and emphasised the need to maintaining naturality of beach and its adjoining areas. He also inspected Rangat Bay Power House.