Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram): Seeking a development framework tailored to the Islands’ unique geographical, economic and strategic needs, Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dinesh Sharma hasurged NITI Aayog and key Central Ministries to fast-track pending projects, relax scheme norms to offset the high cost of transportation and ensure time-bound implementation of critical infrastructure initiatives.
The demands were raised at a high-level review meeting convened at NITI Aayog, New Delhi, under the chairmanship of its Vice Chairman, Ashok Kumar Lahiri, and attended by its Member Dr. R. Subrahmanyam, CEO Anurag Jain, Chief Secretary Gyanesh Bharti, representatives of several Central Ministries and senior officials of the A&N Administration.
Presenting an integrated development roadmap, the Lt Governor emphasised that the 31 inhabited islands, spread across approximately 8,249 sq km, require an island-specific policy approach, taking into account their geographical isolation, high logistics costs and strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region.
Connectivity and infrastructure figured prominently, with concerns over declining flight frequencies and high airfares, alongside demands for expediting NH-4 upgradation, the Middle Strait Bridge, reconstruction of 13 jetties under Sagarmala 2.0 and strengthening regular cargo vessel services. The proposed projects in Great Nicobar were also discussed.
The meeting also reviewed critical public-service requirements, including replacement of ageing water pipelines and improved storage and distribution systems in 265 villages under Jal Jeevan Mission, expansion of healthcare facilities, additional medical posts at ANIIMS, MRI services and greater use of renewable energy.
To unlock the Islands’ economic potential, discussions focused on deep-sea tuna fisheries, employment and export opportunities, tourism infrastructure at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island, Viper Island and Swaraj Dweep, besides agricultural mechanisation, cold storage facilities and pending rural road proposals under PMGSY-IV.
Calling for coordinated and time-bound action, Dr. Sharma sought suitable flexibility in Central schemes to address the Islands’ higher construction and transportation costs, clearly designated nodal responsibilities and regular high-level monitoring of pending proposals. He said the objective was to build an integrated, sustainable and time-bound development model aligned with the specific requirements of the Islands, while advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and strengthening their strategic, economic and environmental significance.
