Shiv Shankar
Port Blair, 26 September 2022
The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS on Sunday visited Swaraj Dweep. Upon arrival, he was accorded a warm welcome at Swaraj Dweep Helipad by the Heads of Department, Pradhan, Govind Nagar, Mr. Ajit Kumar Roy, Pradhan, Shyamnagar, Mr. Alok Mirdha, Zilla Parishad Member, Mr. Apurba Roy and other PRI members. The Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, Mr. Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Secretary (IP&T), Mr. Hari Kallikkat, IAS, Secretary-cum-Director (Transport), Mr. Vishwendra, were also present.
Soon after arrival, the Chief Secretary visited the Harbor area at Govind Nagar -1 and reviewed the work for construction of a new Sea Port Terminal Building being undertaken by ALHW. Expressing displeasure over the delay in the progress of work resulting in inconvenience to the tourists and visitors, the Chief Secretary directed the concerned officials to expedite the work and ensure its timely completion.
Noticing the inconvenience faced by the tourists at the entry point to Swaraj Dweep, the Chief Secretary directed that as an interim measure a holding area with proper shed may be constructed with pre-paid taxi booth, so that tourists can avail the taxi right at the entry point. The Chief Secretary also inspected the Fish Landing Centre at the Jetty and directed the concerned officials to ensure proper upkeep of the facility and its efficient utilisation in a time bound manner.
The Chief Secretary then visited the Elephanta Beach which is famous for water sports activities. During the visit, he inspected the facilities available there for tourists such as washroom, changing room, water etc. and urged for its upkeep, keeping in mind the fragile marine environment. He also interacted with the SHG members selling eatables and fruits to the visiting tourists and suggested them to aesthetically set up their stalls which will create a beautiful ambience. The Ex-President, Havelock Tourist Boat Operator Association, Mr. Prashant Guchhait briefed the Chief Secretary about various water sports activities being conducted at the beach and requested for regulation of activities at the beach. The Chief Secretary directed the officers concerned to make proper regulatory guidelines immediately.
Later, the Chief Secretary inspected the Power Station at Govind Nagar 2 and Community Wellness Centre (CWC) at Govind Nagar-3. The CMO, (i/c) of CWC, Dr. C. Sabeela Banu briefed the Chief Secretary about the new phase of the building which has been completed. The Chief Secretary directed to make the Dialysis Unit operational as soon as possible. The Chief Secretary also inspected the Krishna Nallah water source at Krishna Nagar – 6 where water has been overflowing and directed APWD to ensure that water wastage is contained and the issue be rectified at the earliest.
The Chief Secretary also held a meeting with the PRIs at Dolphin Resort Conference Hall, during which he enquired about the issues and challenges faced by the local inhabitants. He patiently heard all the PRI members and assured to resolve their grievances as early as possible. Sector wise issues pertaining to road, electricity, water, school, health, tourism, forests & revenue were highlighted by the public representatives. The Chief Secretary assured that genuine grievances which require immediate redressal will be looked into and the concerned officials were directed to ensure its speedy redressal for the convenience of the people. The Chief Secretary remarked that Swaraj Dweep is a flagship destination and role of aesthetics is vital for development of the Island to make it an attractive tourist destination. He suggested that in future, the architecture of the place should reflect the beauty of the place, with more emphasis on eco friendly construction materials. He added that the upcoming international airport in Port Blair will bring in more international tourists to the Island and the role of architecture and aesthetics is very important to attract tourists.
The Chief Secretary also visited the famous Radhanagar Beach, a Blue Flag Certified Beach which has become one of the most sought after beaches among visitors. He also enquired about the facilities available at the beach for the tourists and suggested that stalls at the entry point to the beach may be aesthetically set up. The Chief Secretary also appreciated the beauty of the beach and its maintenance. He also witnessed the sunset at the beach.