New Delhi, Apr 24 (UNI) In a third meeting of Island Development Agency (IDA), Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reviewed the progress of various developmental plans for Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) islands and other nearby islands including Lakshadweep here.
The Government’s impetus for development in A&N Island and a few others, suggest that the Restricted Area Permit regime is likely to be diluted soon for A&N Island.
The Island Development Agency reviewed the progress made towards preparation of Development Plans for identified Islands of A&N and Lakshadweep Islands. For these Islands, Final Site Suitability Reports have been prepared, carrying capacity determined and Environmental zoning carried out to ensure sustainable development.
Key projects for creating infrastructure like creation of jetties, Roll-on and Roll-off facilities; Bridges on Andaman Trunk Road; up gradation of airports, augmentation of Satellite Bandwidth and helicopter services in A&N have been accorded priority.
“After implementation of these projects, investment of about Rs 650 crore is expected from the private sector. Preference would be given to the local people for employment. A investors' conference would be held in May, 2018”, the home Ministry released said.
Rajnath Singh called upon all concerned to expedite implementation of ongoing key infrastructure projects in the islands, particularly for improving air, road and web connectivity, providing good quality drinking water to the residents, and power supply.
He directed that designs of these projects be made in such a way to provide maximum benefits to the local population.
The meeting was attended by Lt. Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Administrator of Lakshadweep, Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha, CEO, NITI Aayog Amitabh Kant, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, Secretary Defence, Secretary Tourism, Secretary, Tribal Affairs and other senior officers of concerned Ministries. The Vice Chief of Naval Staff and Air Commodore from Indian Air Force were also present during the meeting.
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