Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 03 March 2025
The Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, is on an official visit to Little Andaman. Accompanying him are Director General of Police Mr. Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, IPS; Secretary (PWD/Shipping) Ms. Purva Garg, IAS; Secretary (IP&T/Fisheries) Ms. Jyoti Kumari, IAS; DCF (Wildlife) Mr. Sandeep Divyajyoti Behra; Chief Engineer (APWD) Mr. Prijit Rekh; and other senior officials.
As part of the Fit India Movement, the Chief Secretary and other dignitaries inaugurated various outdoor activities to promote health and wellness. On March 2, he flagged off a cycle rally from the APWD Guest House, Hut Bay, to Chidambaram Park, followed by a yoga session at the park. Addressing the participants, Dr. Kumar emphasized the importance of an active lifestyle and reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to fostering physical well-being across the Islands.
Later, the Chief Secretary, along with the officials, visited the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Hut Bay and interacted with the Medical Officer and other health personnel, reviewing healthcare services and infrastructure.
Subsequently, a high-level meeting was convened under the Chief Secretary’s chairmanship with elected representatives (PRIs) and heads of departments from Little Andaman Tehsil. The discussion focused on key developmental concerns, including infrastructure growth, tourism promotion, public services such as shipping connectivity, and other local issues. Dr. Kumar stressed the need for interdepartmental coordination for the effective execution of projects and assured that the concerns raised by the PRIs would be addressed to ensure the island’s sustainable development.
In a significant outreach initiative, the Chief Secretary visited Harminder Bay Village, the only Nicobarese tribal community settlement in Little Andaman. Warmly received by the First Captain and the Tribal Council Secretary, he attended a community gathering at the Harminder Bay Community Hall, where he interacted with the villagers, listened to their concerns, and assured them of the Administration’s continued support for their welfare and development. The visit was marked by a vibrant tribal folk dance performance by school students, which Dr. Kumar appreciated. He encouraged the younger generation to cherish their cultural heritage while actively pursuing education and development opportunities.
The Chief Secretary and his team also visited prominent tourist attractions, including the Lighthouse and White Surf Waterfall, assessing the island’s tourism potential. In the evening, as part of the Fit India Movement, a beach volleyball match was organised at Netaji Nagar Beach to promote fitness and recreational activities among locals and visitors. The visit reinforced the Administration’s focus on sustainable tourism while ensuring ecological preservation.
Dr. Kumar’s visit to Little Andaman underscored the Administration’s commitment to holistic development, with a strong emphasis on public health, community engagement, and sustainable tourism. (Story Based on a PR)