Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 13 August 2025
The long-pending land conversion and diversion process in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, halted for the past five years, has officially resumed, bringing relief to landowners, private enterprises, NGOs, and other organisations affected by delays in housing, commercial, and community infrastructure projects.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, A&N Islands, had raised the issue with the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Home Minister, fulfilling a promise made in his 2024 Lok Sabha election manifesto. Following his repeated representations, the Ministry of Home Affairs directed the UT Administration to resume the land conversion/diversion process.
In a letter dated 8 August 2025 to Mr. Ray, the UT Administration confirmed that the process has recommenced. NOCs have already been issued for several government schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Additionally, 20 previously stalled cases have been processed, and over 100 hearing notices have been issued by the Revenue Department. The disposal of remaining pending cases is underway.
Expressing his gratitude, MP Bishnu Pada Ray thanked the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and UT Administration for their swift action. He emphasized that the resumption of land conversion/diversion will empower landowners to utilize their property for residential, commercial, and community development projects, paving the way for renewed growth and progress in the Islands.
