Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 30 November 2023
Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, MP, Andaman and Nicobar Islands has formally appealed to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, requesting the allotment of approximately one acre of land in Vizag city. The purpose behind this request is to facilitate the construction of an Andaman Guest House by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration.
Expressing the importance of the diaspora from Andhra Pradesh residing in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for several decades, Sharma emphasized their pivotal role in shaping the peaceful society prevalent in the region today. In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, he highlighted the frequent visits made by individuals from Andhra Pradesh to their native land for various reasons like education, medical treatment, family engagements, and official obligations. Vizag, serving as a central transit point, often becomes the gateway to their respective states and districts.
Sharma underscored that a considerable number of individuals hailing from East Godavari, West Godavari, and Srikakulam Districts find themselves in need of accommodation during their layovers in Vizag, especially students traveling alone. Acknowledging the dearth of affordable and secure lodgings, he pointed out the longstanding demand for an Andaman Guest House in Vizag. Drawing parallels with similar facilities in Chennai and Kolkata for residents from Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and neighbouring states in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Sharma highlighted the necessity of such a provision for the Andhra Pradesh diaspora.
In his plea, Sharma emphasized the significance of allocating a plot of land, ideally around one acre, in Vizag for constructing the Andaman Guest House. He stressed that this initiative would ensure a safe, cost-effective, and comfortable stay for individuals from Andhra Pradesh and nearby regions transiting between Port Blair and Andhra Pradesh.
He noted the existing Andaman House, presently operating with limited facilities in rented accommodation near Vizag port, falls short in meeting the accommodation needs of the substantial population of Andhra Pradesh residents living in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The proposal for the construction of an Andaman Guest House in Vizag seeks to bridge this accommodation gap and cater to the lodging necessities of individuals traversing between Andhra Pradesh and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, ensuring convenience and accessibility during their stays.