Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 21 November 2023
In a significant meeting today, Mr. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Member of the BJP, engaged with Mr. Bhupendra Yadav, the Hon’ble Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of India, highlighting critical concerns surrounding the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Two paramount issues took centre stage during the discussion:
- Re-Constitution of State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) for A & N Islands:
Mr. Jolly emphasized the pressing need for the prompt notification of the reconstitution of SEIAA and SEAC. He underlined that despite the submission of proposed member names by the A & N Administration, pending approval and subsequent notification have halted the finalization of Quarry allotment. This delay, in turn, has stagnated infrastructural developmental activities. Urging the Hon’ble Minister to expedite this process, Mr. Jolly sought appropriate directives to hasten the approval and notification.
2. Lift of Ban on “Trochus Niloticus” Collection in A & N Islands:
The issue of the ban on collecting and storing “Trochus Niloticus” in the A & N Islands was passionately brought forth by Mr. Jolly. Highlighting its abundance in territorial waters and its potential benefit to local craftsmen and artisans, he proposed lifting the ban. Stressing on the artisans’ ability to create valuable handicrafts from this sea shell, he urged for its reconsideration, citing the ban’s removal in several other coastal states of the country.
In response to these concerns, the Hon’ble Minister promptly directed officials to expedite the pending approvals for SEIAA and SEAC, ensuring their early notification. Additionally, he expressed positive inclinations toward lifting the ban on “Trochus Niloticus.” He assured an immediate inquiry into the matter, aiming for a favourable decision soon.
The BJP State Unit expressed optimism following the affirmations made by the Hon’ble Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav, anticipating swift resolutions to the raised issues.