PORT BLAIR: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted the role of strategically placed Andaman & Nicobar is a major propeller to the blue economy of India. The Minister, who is on a two days official tour to the archipelago, visited many important projects like International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP) at Galathea Bay in the Greater Nicobar Island as well as the Atlanta Bay near Diglipur in Andaman, where possibility of a harbour is being explored.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Andaman and Nicobar is a crucial and important region of India. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the immense potential of Andaman & Nicobar Islands will be realised for powering the growth of India’s economy. The beautiful archipelago has the potential to act as a catalyst towards unlocking huge value of India’s blue economy. Our ministry is already working on multiple projects worth more than Rs 44,000 crores to develop and unlock the huge potential of the region. We are also working towards ensuring a sustainable development, while ensuring that the flora and fauna of this beautiful region remains safe from any abrasion.”
The Bulk Cargo Transshipment Port, once developed at the Atlanta bay, will be commercially viable for the mainland India as well as other neighbouring countries like Myanmar, Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal region. The feasibility study for developing Atlanta bay major Harbour is under process.The proposed port is 565 Km from Yangoon; 765 Km from Sittwe; 1000 Km from Chittagong; 1100 Km from Kolkata; 1000 km from Barisal and 80Km from the Coco Island. Considering its strategic location, in the northern side of A&N Islands, a 10meters draft harbour is essential to promote high-end tourism and other essential purposes. Once developed the people of north & middle Andaman will be beneficial and the travel time between major ports at Andaman and Kolkata will be reduced from 72 hours to 15 hours.
The Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, took an aerial survey of International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP), a Sagarmala Project being developed at Galathea Bay, and interacted with the various stakeholders, local residents and representatives. Sonowal also visited the site of Berthing Jetty at Campbell Bay and reviewed its progress. Later in the day, he reviewed the various works done by ALHW and appreciated the work done in Andaman.
Speaking about the role of ‘Amrit Kaal Vision 2047’, the Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The immense potential of the Blue Economy will be harnessed responsibly to unlock the immense potential to propel the growth of maritime sector. As per the vision of Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai at the Global Maritime India Summit, entails a roadmap to enable and empower the maritime sector to become a major contributor in the march of Indian economy to become an Atmanirbhar Bharat, a developed country by 2047. These projects in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands plays an important role in transforming the marine transportation sector, of not just our country but for the whole region, towards becoming a better, efficient, economic and ecologically sound system.”
There are 58 projects worth Rs 7,622 crores in Andaman and Nicobar are being monitored under Sagarmala programme. 15 projects worth Rs 469 Crores are being funded under Sagarmala and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS). All projects are being implemented by ALHW. 8 projects worth ~ ?211 Crores are funded by Sagarmala; 4 projects worth Rs 216 Crores are funded under CSS and 3 projects worth Rs 42 Cr are funded by MoCA. One project worth Rs 13.5 Crores is completed; 4 projects worth Rs 173 Cr. are under implementation; one project worth Rs 26 Cr. is under tendering and 9 projects worth Rs 256 Crores are under development.
The Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also visited the Indira Point, the southern most point of India. Sonowal discussed with the officials to explore possibilities to make this as a major tourist attraction and transform it as a major tourist destination.
With the initiative marked in Maritime India Vision 2030 it is planned to develop Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) islands and Lakshadweep Islands for tourism and other initiatives. Initially, development plans have been focused on job creation for locals through tourism promotion and export of locally made seafood and coconut-based products. In the first phase, these plans are being implemented in four islands of Andaman & Nicobar and five islands of Lakshadweep. In the second phase, suitable sites in 12 more islands of Andaman & Nicobar and 5 islands in Lakshadweep will be covered, stated a press release.
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