Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 15 November 2023
In a bid to reignite stalled developmental projects and alleviate the mounting challenges faced by both public and private sectors, Member of Parliament Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma from Andaman and Nicobar Islands has fervently appealed to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor to consider reopening stone quarries across the islands.
In a formal letter penned to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, Sharma highlighted the pressing issue, citing widespread feedback from various sectors of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He emphasised that the continued closure of stone quarries has significantly hampered the progress of essential development initiatives, creating a critical situation in the region.
“The prolonged closure of these quarries has crippled vital projects and led to an urgent outcry from our local communities for their immediate reopening,” Sharma stated. He underscored the cascading impact of the closure, stressing how it has impeded both government agencies and private entities from accessing necessary quarry materials, resulting in exorbitant costs and undue financial strain on the populace.
Expressing concern over the far-reaching consequences of this impasse, Sharma urged the swift intervention of the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, emphasising the criticality of the matter. “The situation not only obstructs progress but also places an unwarranted burden on individuals seeking these materials for essential projects,” he asserted.
Sharma strongly advocated for the prioritisation of this issue, citing its pivotal role in expediting crucial developmental projects vital for the well-being of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. “The reopening of these quarries will not only alleviate the hardships faced by our local population but will also significantly accelerate the pace of vital projects,” he emphasised.
Highlighting the broader positive impact, Sharma projected the reopening of the quarries as a catalyst for overall regional development. “Beyond aiding local communities, this decision holds the potential to bolster the entire South Andaman division, offering a much-needed boost to government revenue,” he added.
The appeal from Member of Parliament Sharma underscores the urgency and significance of reopening stone quarries in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, signalling a crucial step towards addressing the pressing developmental challenges faced by the region.