Union Home Minister reviewed development projects of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
07-April, 2017 19:06 IST
Union Home Minister reviewed development projects of A&N Islands at Port Blair

Shri Rajnath Singh directed MHA officials to take up important issues related to A&N Islands with other Central Ministries for early solution

Home Minister lays foundation stone for 2 Solar Power Plants in South Andaman

The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, who is on a three day visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, laid the foundation stone for the Solar Power Plants of 17 MW capacity (Manglutan) and 8MW (Chidiyatapu), at Guptapara Village in South Andaman District today.

Later, at Car Nicobar, the Home Minister visited the Mus Church and laid wreath at the Memorial of Late Bishop John Richardson. He also visited the Tsunami Memorial and laid wreath there. The Home Minister thereafter inaugurated the new building of Senior Secondary School at Malacca village and interacted with the Captains of Tribal Council and other tribal leaders.

Yesterday, upon his arrival at Port Blair, Shri Rajnath Singh was accorded a warm welcome. On his arrival at the Veer Savarkar International Airport, the Home Minister was received by the Lt Governor, A&N Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Chief Secretary, Shri Anindo Majumdar and CINCAN, A&N Command, Vice Admiral Bimal Verma.

Soon after his arrival, Shri Rajnath Singh visited the National Memorial, Cellular Jail and paid tribute to the freedom fighters by placing a wreath at the Martyrs’ Column there. The Home Minister also visited the Veer Savarkar Cell in the Cellular Jail.

Later in the evening, the Home Minister held a meeting with the Lt. Governor, Member of Parliament and Senior Officers of the A&N Administration at Raj Niwas. Important issues pertaining to the development of A&N Islands were discussed and status of implementation of various schemes and projects was reviewed during the meeting. The Home Minister directed the officials of Ministry of Home Affairs to take up important issues related to A&N Islands with the other Central Ministries for early solution of the issues.

Tomorrow, the Union Home Minister is scheduled to visit Havelock Island. After returning from Havelock, Shri Rajnath Singh will meet various social groups at Raj Niwas before returning New Delhi.

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[Hindustani78]

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh being received by the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dr. Jagdish Mukhi, at Port Blair on April 06, 2017.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh laying wreath at Martyrs’ column, at the National Memorial, Cellular Jail, at Port Blair on April 06, 2017.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh paying homage at the Veer Savarkar Memorial, at National Memorial, Cellular Jail, in Port Blair on April 06, 2017.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh chairing a meeting of the Andaman & Nicobar Union Territory Administration with the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dr. Jagdish Mukhi, at Port Blair on April 06, 2017.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh at the foundation stone laying ceremony for two solar power plants, in South Andaman on April 07, 2017. The Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi is also seen.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh laying the foundation stone for solar power plant, at Manglutan, in South Andaman on April 07, 2017. The Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi is also seen.

The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh laying the foundation stone for solar power plant, at Chidiyatapu, in South Andaman on April 07, 2017. The Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi is also seen.

The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh addressing at foundation stone laying ceremony for two solar power plants, in South Andaman on April 07, 2017. The Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi is also seen.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh laying wreath at graveyard of Bishop John Richardson at the MUS Church, Car Nicobar on April 07, 2017.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh laying wreath at the Tsunami Memorial, in Car Nicobar on April 07, 2017.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh visiting the gallery at the Tsunami Memorial, in Car Nicobar on April 07, 2017. The Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi is also seen.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh at the Tsunami Memorial, in Car Nicobar on April 07, 2017. The Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi is also seen.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurating the new building of Government Senior Secondary School, at Malacca, Car Nicobar on April 07, 2017. The Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi is also seen

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh looking at the display of paintings and craft works by the children after inaugurating the new building of Government Senior Secondary School, at Malacca, Car Nicobar on April 07, 2017. The Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi is also seen.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh chairing a meeting of the Andaman & Nicobar Union Territory Administration with the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dr. Jagdish Mukhi and Senior Officers, at Port Blair on April 06, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh visiting the Ross Island on April 07, 2017. The Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi is also seen.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh witnessing the Sound & Light Show, at Ross Island on April 07, 2017. The Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi is also seen.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh at the Civic Reception by the Port Blair Municipal Council on April 07, 2017. The Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi is also seen.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh being felicitated during the Civic Reception by the Port Blair Municipal Council on April 07, 2017.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh being felicitated during the Civic Reception by the Port Blair Municipal Council on April 07, 2017.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh addressing during the Civic Reception by the Port Blair Municipal Council on April 07, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
08-April, 2017 17:40 IST
Union Home Minister concludes his three-day visit to Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Reiterates Commitment of Central Government for Development of Andaman & Nicobar Islands

The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh concludes his three-day visit to Andaman and Nicobar Islands today. During his tour to Andaman & Nicobar Islands he visited four islands including South Andaman, Car Nicobar, Ross Island, Havelock Island and did aerial survey of volcanic eruptions at Barren Island.

On the first day of his visit on April 06, 2017, Shri Rajnath Singh was accorded a warm welcome at Port Blair. On his arrival at the Veer Savarkar International Airport, the Home Minister was received by the Lt Governor A&N Islands Professor Jagdish Mukhi, Member of Parliament Shri Bishnu Pad Ray, Chief Secretary Shri Anindo Majumdar, Chairman Port Blair Municipal Council, senior officers of A&N Administration and general public. Soon after his arrival, the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh visited the National Memorial, Cellular Jail and paid tributes to the freedom fighters by placing a wreath at the Martyrs' Column. The Home Minister also visited the Veer Savarkar Cell in the Cellular Jail.

Later on arrival at Raj Niwas, the Home Minister reviewed the progress of all important projects and schemes being implemented in these Islands. On account of very large distance from the mainland, he particularly held detailed discussion on the issues, which affect the life of people most, in these remotely located Islands, like transport including shipping and civil aviation, communication, power, tourism and fisheries . The review meeting was attended by Lt Governor Professor Jagdish Mukhi, Member of Parliament Shri Bishnupad Ray and the senior officers of the Union Territory and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Shri Rajnath Singh addressed 3 public meetings including the huge one that was held to accord him the civic reception by Port Blair Municipal Council at ITF ground. He reaffirmed the deep emotional connect of the Central government with the people of the islands and the strong commitment of the Government towards inclusive and all round development of the country with special focus on the outlying regions.

While addressing the public meeting, the Home Minister described the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as “Mini India” a unique example of Unity in Diversity and national integration. He acknowledged the historical significance and distinguished contribution of the islands in the national freedom struggle. The Home Minister also recollected the contribution of freedom fighter, Veer Savarkar towards the country’s freedom struggle movement. He said that politics should be done with a motto of service to the humanity. “Politics should not be done merely for formation of Governments but it should be for creating a better society and development of a strong nation”, he said. Shri Rajnath Singh outlined that fight against corruption is key for achieving the mandate of development. He mentioned that the decision of demonetization for eliminating the parallel economy of black money and fake currency thus blocking illegal sources of fund flow for terrorists, Maoists and Naxalites, has been a path breaking step towards curbing corruption. He added that all measures towards promoting a cashless economy are aimed at reducing corruption. Opening zero balance accounts under the Jan Dhan Yojana has successfully brought 99% of the population under the umbrella of banks. The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from 1st of July, 2017 will be a game changer as there will be a single tax for the entire country, he added.

During his address, Shri Rajnath Singh made some important announcements like revolutionizing the telephone and internet connectivity by laying of submarine optical fibre cable between Chennai and Port Blair and other 5 islands (Havelock, Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, Kamorta and Campbell) by December, 2018 at an estimated cost of Rs 1102.38 Cr and adding 14 new ships to the fleet from May, 2017 and March, 2020 for the transport of passengers and Cargo from the mainland to islands and between different islands. A detailed plan for holistic development of 5 islands including Smith Island, Ross Island, Long Island, Avis Island and Little Andaman is being planned by NITI Aayog and that would be put into action for over all development of these islands, he added.

While speaking about welfare measures and steps being taken to remove unemployment by the Central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Home Minister also underlined the resolve of the Government to attack and continue attacking corruption..

While laying the foundation stone of 25 MW Solar Power Plant integrated with battery energy storage at Guptapara Village in South Andaman, which is first of its kind in India, Shri Rajnath Singh said that the projects of solar energy parks of 100 MW have been sanctioned for the islands and all efforts would be made to commission all of them by 2018. As the total installed capacity of power generation in these islands is 109.45 MW of which 99.10 MW is from diesel, he announced that in order to save the beauty and pristine environment of these islands and to produce green and clean as well as comparatively cheaper energy highly polluting diesel generation would be replaced by solar, wind and sea-wave energy.

In Car Nicobar Island, he visited areas affected by Tsunami of 2004, talked to tribal people of a number of villages and enquired about their well-being and progress of rehabilitation. In one of these villages namely, Malacca, he inaugurated a newly constructed and furnished building of senior secondary school, which was totally damaged by tsunami. He laid wreath at the tsunami memorial built in the memory of those who lost their lives in the devastating catastrophe, visited the picture gallery of the disaster and met the Tribal Council Captains and other Tribal leaders at Malacca. In Mus village he laid wreath at the Memorial of Padma Shree, Padma Bhushan and Ex-Member of Parliament, late Bishop Richardson, who is credited for integrating these islands.

Today on the last day of his visit, the Home Minister visited the Barren Island. The island, located 137 km north east of Port Blair, is India’s only active volcano . It was recently in news when researchers from the Goa based National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) reported the volcano to be active and spewing lava and smoke . The Union Home Minister also visited the famous Radha Nagar Beach at Havelock Islands. The beach has been rated as the best beach in Asia and seventh best in the world. On his return to Port Blair, Shri Rajnath Singh also met the representatives of the different sections of the civil society.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
24-July, 2017 15:46 IST
Union Home Minister chairs first meeting of Islands Development Agency (IDA)

IDA focuses on Holistic Development of Islands

The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh chaired the first meeting of the newly constituted Islands Development Agency (IDA), here today. The IDA was set up on June 01, 2017 following the Prime Minister’s review meeting for the development of islands.

The Union Home Minister presented the vision for developing India’s maritime economy while preserving the natural eco-system and addressing the security concerns. He emphasized upon the need for sustainable development of Islands with people’s participation.

The CEO, NITI Aayog made a detailed presentation on the current status and the way forward for holistic development of identified islands. He informed that Concept Development Plans and Detailed Master Plans are being prepared for identified islands with principles of sustainability, people’s participation, eco-system preservation and determination of carrying capacity as the guiding principles. Such an exercise is being taken up for the first time in the country.

Admiral D.K. Joshi, former Navy Chief and Vice Chairman of IDA suggested taking up suitable interventions for sustainable implementation of planned projects.

During the meeting, the progress being made for the formulation of integrated master plans and other matters concerning the islands development were reviewed. It was also decided that Lt. Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Administrator of Lakshadweep Islands will be included as members of IDA.

After detailed consultations with key stakeholders, 10 islands namely Smith, Ross, Aves, Long and Little Andaman in Andaman & Nicobar and Minicoy, Bangaram, Suheli, Cherium and Tinnakara in Lakshadweep have been identified for holistic development in the first phase. With this meeting, the efforts for holistic development of Islands of India received a major boost.

Other Members of the IDA including Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary, Secretary (Environment, Forests and Climate Change), Secretary (Tourism) and Secretary (Tribal Welfare) also participated in the meeting.



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Ministry of Tribal Affairs
24-July, 2017 15:57 IST
Housing for Primitive Tribals

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing the “Scheme of Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups(PVTGs)” which aims at planning their socio-economic development in a comprehensive manner while retaining the culture and heritage of the community by adopting habitat development approach and intervening in all spheres of their social and economic life, so that a visible impact is made in improvement of the quality of life of PVTGs. Funds are allocated to State Governments based on proposals submitted by them in their Annual Conservation-Cum-Development(CCD) Plan, which are considered and approved by a Project Appraisal Committee in the Ministry , Headed by Secretary, Tribal Affairs. Activities under the Scheme includes (a) Livelihood, (b) Employment opportunities and economic development of PVTGs through Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy, and Skilling/ Vocational Training (c) Education, (Literacy, Drop-out, Residential schools in addition to SSA/RMSA). (d) Health, (Gap filling for effective health service delivery beyond NHM etc). (e) Provision of safe drinking water (gap filling where line Ministries do not provide complete/universal coverage), (f) Land distribution, land development, (g) Social security, (h) Housing and Habitat, (i) Connectivity (Road and Telecommunication), (j) Supply of Electricity (gap filling where line Ministries do not provide complete/universal coverage), Solar power, with provision of maintenance, (k) Irrigation (gap filling where line Ministries do not provide complete/universal coverage), (l) Urban Development, (m) Culture, (n) Sports including traditional and tribal games and sports, (o) Any other innovative activity for the comprehensive socio-economic development of PVTGs.

Housing and Habitat covers funds for housing for PVTGs, primarily through special assistance under IAY and additionally through this scheme, for gap filling and for enhancing scope of coverage. While releasing funds under the scheme for construction of houses State Government are advised to maintain the traditional architectural style of the PVTGs. During the last year- 2016-17, amounts of Rs 927.50 lakhs and Rs 57.00 lakhs were released to the state of Tamil Nadu and Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Island, respectively, under the Scheme for construction of houses for PVTGs.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Jaswantsinh Bhabhor in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh chairing the first meeting of the Islands Development Agency, in New Delhi on July 24, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
28-July, 2017 19:47 IST
Shri Rajnath Singh chairs meeting of Home Minister’s Advisory Committee for Andaman & Nicobar

The meeting of Home Minister Advisory Committee for Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar was held here today under the Chairmanship of Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh. The Union Territory was represented by Dr. Jagdish Mukhi, Lieutenant Governor, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament and other Members.

The members had suggested 60 agenda items relating to different fields of development and security in the Islands of Andaman & Nicobar. The status on Risk and Hardship allowance to Fire Service personnel, release of pending payment under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and constitution of Committee on land matters were informed in the meeting.

Keeping in view the tourism potential of the islands, issues such as development of tourist circuits and opening of more islands for tourism were discussed. The members raised the issues pertaining to construction of roads and bridges and it was informed by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) that in the last 6 months, projects worth Rs. 800 crore approx have been sanctioned for development of National Highways in A&N islands and construction of two bridges at Humphrey Strait Creek and Middle Strait have been started. It was also informed that MoRTH is in process of declaring 6 State Highways as National Highways.

In the shipping sector, the issues that were raised by the members included augmentation of shipping facilities and setting up of ship repairing yard/dockyard & ship wrecking yard. It was decided to strengthen the local shipyard/dockyard and improve the infrastructure facilities at port and harbour. 14Ships has been ordered to augment the existing fleet of ships.

The issues related to Civil Aviation were also discussed in the meeting including introduction of flights on International route via Port Blair. It was informed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation that it is exploring the possibilities of starting international operations to/from Port Blair. It was also mentioned that the airfare has come down drastically because of the increase in number and frequency of flights to Port Blair. Works have been started for development of existing airport as International airport which is likely to be completed by 2020.

The other items that were discussed during the meeting included revision of Minimum wages, filling up of Group ‘B’ & ‘C’ posts from the candidates belonging to A&N, establishment of AYUSH hospitals, implementation of Shekhar Singh Commission report and setting up of cold storage.

Shri Rajnath Singh thanked the Members for the extremely fruitful and detailed deliberations. He expressed hope that the decisions taken during today’s meeting will be implemented in a time bound manner. The Union Home Minister directed the MHA officers and UT administration to expedite the pending issues and also follow up the issues pending with other Ministries. He also said that the administration of Union Territory should take initiative in implementation of Government of India’s flagship programmes. Being administered by the Central Government, the UTs should take the lead role and set example for the other States in this regard, he added.

Other participants of the meeting included Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Minister of State (Home), Shri Rajiv Gauba, Officer on Special Duty (Home), Shri Durga Shanker Mishra, Secretary, MoUD and senior officers from MHA and other Ministries viz. Civil Aviation, Road Transport and Highways, Shipping and Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

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The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh chairing a meeting of the Advisory Committee associated with the Minister of Home Affairs for the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar, in New Delhi on July 28, 2017. The Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dr. Jagdish Mukhi, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir and senior officers of the MHA and members of Andaman & Nicobar Advisory Committee are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
16-August, 2017 16:00 IST
Cabinet approves closure of Andaman & Nicobar Islands Forest and Plantation Development Corporation Limited (ANIFPDCL), Port Blair

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the closure of Andaman & Nicobar Islands Forest and Plantation Development Corporation Limited (ANIFPDCL), Port Blair, a Central Government Undertaking and discharging the liabilities of all the employees.

The closure will help to stop unproductive loans to ANIFPDCL from Gol and would enable a more productive utilization of assets.

This would be achieved by offering Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) / Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) package to willing employees and by retrenchment under Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 of those not opting for VRS/VSS including settlement of other liabilities, if any.

At present, there are 836 employees on the rolls of the Corporation.

The closure will be done by infusing funds in the following manner:

• Infusion of funds of Rs. 125.72 crore through budgetary support from Gol for funding VSS of all employees on 2007 notional pay scales and for discharging other liabilities.

• Write-off of Gol loans of Rs. 186.83 crore given to ANIFPDCL and accrued interest of Rs 185.18 crore with freezing of interest as on 31.03.2017 after closure of the Corporation.

• Auction of movable assets (Plant & machinery, electrical equipment, vehicles & office equipment, furniture & fixture, elephant & livestock, plantation & other inventories etc.) of ANIFPDCL through Metal Scrap Trading Corporation Ltd. (MSTC Ltd),

• Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) will transfer/sale of immovable assets i.e. land and /or buildings of ANIFPDCL through NBCC Ltd.

Background:

The ANIFPDCL, a Government of India Public Sector Undertaking was set up in 1977, with the objective of development and managing forestry plantations in the Islands. The ANIFPDCL has been operating three main projects viz., Forestry Project, Red Oil Palm Project (ROP) and Katchal Rubber Project (KRP). The forestry operations were the main activities of the Corporation and contributed around 75% of the total revenue. Due to suspension of the forestry activities in view of the order dated 10.10,2001 and 07.05.2002 of Supreme Court, the ANIFPDCL has become an overall loss making venture since 2001 onwards. As a result, the ANIFPDCL was not able to pay salary and wages to its employees. In order to ensure disbursement of salary to the employees of tine Corporation, and other statutory payments, the GoI provided financial assistance to the ANIFPDCL in the form of interest bearing loan.

During the last fifteen years, various committees were appointed and professional agencies were engaged by the Ministry from time to time and they have thoroughly examined all possible avenues that could be availed for revival of the forest Corporation, including right sizing the staff. Based on those decisions, several proposals were examined, but none of them fructified. After thorough examination, Government of India decided to close down the Corporation.



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The Lt. Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi calling on the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, in New Delhi on September 11, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dr. Jagdish Mukhi calling the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi on September 13, 2017.

 

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President's Secretariat
30-September, 2017 10:50 IST
Press Communiqué - President appoints Admiral (Retd.) Devendra Kumar Joshi as Lt. Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands


The President has been pleased to appoint Admiral (Retd.) Devendra Kumar Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM, as the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands in place of Prof Jagdish Mukhi, with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
04-October, 2017 16:33 IST
Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh to pay a two-day visit to Andaman and Nicobar Islands tomorrow

Shri Rajnath Singh to launch various development projects during the visit

The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh will pay a two-day visit to Andaman and Nicobar Islands tomorrow. He will launch various development projects during the visit.

The Union Home Minister will lay Foundation Stone of Shipping Projects at the Marine Dockyard soon after his arrival in Port Blair tomorrow afternoon. On October 6, 2017, he will lay the Foundation Stone of various National Highway Projects at Diglipur and at Uttara Baratang bridge, Humphrey Strait in the Andaman Islands.



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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
05-October, 2017 14:05 IST
Home Minister and Minister for Road Transport, Shipping and Water Resources on a two day visit to Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Shri Rajnath Singh and Shri Nitin Gadkari will lay the foundation for several National Highways and Shipping projects worth about Rs 1321 crore

Total highways works worth Rs 6330 crore under various stages of progress

The Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Nitin Gadkari, along with Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, will lay the foundation stone for four National Highways projects worth Rs 1121 crore and several shipping projects worth Rs 200 crore in Andaman and Nicobar Islands in events at Port Blair, Diglipur and Baratang today and tomorrow.

The highways projects for which foundation stone will be laid include construction of 26 km of NH between Beodnabad- Ferrargunj at a cost of Rs 170 crore and 56 km of NH between Austin Creek and Kalra Junction at a cost of Rs 410 crore. In addition, foundation stone will be laid for construction of Middle Strait Creek Bridge and Humphrey Strait Creek Bridge at estimated cost of Rs 262.97 crore and Rs 277.17 crore respectively.


In addition to the above, work is also in various stages of progress for other highways projects. National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) is handling highways work amounting to Rs 6330 Crore in A&N Islands. Much of these works pertain to rehabilitation and upgradation of NH-4 .


On the Shipping side an Alternate Sea Route to Baratang Island will be launched. The project has been completed at a cost of Rs 45.16 crore and aims to improve connectivity of the island from Port Blair, reduce traffic on the route which passes through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve, thus promoting tourism without disturbing the tribal areas. The Ministers will also lay the foundation stone for Extension of Wharf in Hope Town, Port Blair by 200 meters at an expenditure of Rs 17.49 crore. The Wharf is used by Indian Oil Corporation for discharging LPG and other petroleum products. The extension of jetty would allow berthing of bigger vessels of upto 160 meter length and higher capacity. This will help in increasing availability of LPG cylinders in the area while reducing logistic costs. In addition to this, foundation stone will also be laid for construction of Additional Approach Jetty, extension of Berthing Jetty & Dredging in front of Jetty, Neil Island at a cost of Rs. 38.19 Crore and extension of existing New Dry Dock – II in Port Blair at a cost of Rs 96.24 Crore.


In addition to the above, shipping facilities in the inter- island sector are being augmented. New vessels are being constructed across various categories at a total cost of about Rs 1350 Crore. Total 25 ships are proposed for acquisition by the A&N Administration.



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Andaman and Nicobar Islands (A&N Islands) are located in the Bay of Bengal at a distance of 1200-1400 km from the mainland India. A&N Islands is one of the Union Territories of India being administered by Andaman & Nicobar Administration (A&N Administration) headed by Lt. Governor .

Port Blair is the Head Quarters.A&N islands are connected with main land from Kolkatta, Chennai &Vishakapatnam by air and sea routes.

Port Blair Harbour includes Phoenix Bay Harbour Complex (PBC), Chatham Jetty, Haddo Wharf,Hope Town Wharf
, Junglighat Harbour, etc.

The Jetties in different locations of Port Blair Harbour are being utilized for the above mentioned usage in an organised/specified manner.Visiting Tourist or other Foreign Vessels are calling at Haddo Wharf.

The Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) had commissioned a 5,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) capacity LPG Bottling Plant at Chunna Bhatt a, Hopetown in 2003 and is now translating the LPG to 3,52,112 cylinder refills per year for distribution in A&N Islands. The plant has six storage bullets of 150 tonnes each (900 tonnes storage). It receives bulk LPG through sea-going tankers.

The Hope Town Wharf is located in the northern parts of Port Blair Harbour, opposite to Chatham Island.
A Wharf of 100 x 30 m was constructed during eighties to cater the Vessels of about 10 m draft and later the Wharf was further extended to another 40 m (size 40m x 20.50 m). Thus, Hope Town Wharf is having a berthing face of
140 m.

The alongside depth is about 10 m so as to cater the Mainland going Vessels, large Cargo Vessels and Oil Tankers.
The infrastructures such as Port Management Board Office, Cargo Shed,Generator Shed, Fire Hydrants, etc. were also created. The Wharf is now being utilized mainly for handling of LPG and other Petroleum products by IOCL, thus,Hazardous/Dangerous Cargo handling Wharf.

The LPG tankers are being berthed at Hope Town Wharf for unloading bulk LPG from Vessel and direct to the LPG Bottling Plant for bottling and distributing to local needs. Thus, considerable revenue saving to the Government of India is derived as transportation of the LPG gas cylinders from mainland is dispensed with.

Due to shorter length of the Wharf, normal size LPG tankers are unable to berth and IOCL has to put extra efforts to bring smaller tankers by spending extra money towards ocean freight for placing product at Port Blair. Also,
IOCL wants to augment the LPG storage facility from existing 900 tonnes to 2,700 tonnes. Due to the constraints
on berthing of regular size vessel (13,000 metric tonnes -13 TMT or more) at Hope Town Wharf, IOCL is spending huge money towards ocean freight. The 13 TMT size LPG vessels are in use for positioning LPG imports at other Indian Ports.

Moreover,requirement of special size Vessel does not leave the option of diverting any other Vessel in case of
variation in demand in A&N Islands or any delay in already planned supplies. Thus, they have requested suitable infrastructures for berthing of 13 TMT parcel size LPG Vessels so as to reduce the financial outgo on higher freight cost and also to ensure availability of LPG in the Islands at all times.

IOCL prefers the commonly operated Indian LPG Tankers like Nanga Parbat and Annapurna for berthing at Hope Town Wharf.

To meet to the requirement of berthing of regular LPG Tankers which are 160 m in length, the existing
Wharf has to be extended by 60 m, so that final length reaches to 200 m. In confirmation to therequirements as stated above and in the light of the factual position prevailing at site and after hydrographic survey, the project
‘Extension of Hope Town Wharf by 60 m’has been sanctioned by the Ministry of Shipping on 29th July 2015 for an amount of Rs.17.49 crores.
The Proposal broadly,envisages the following components :

- Extension of Wharf of Size 60 m x 20.50 m founded on bored Cast-in-situ RCC piles of 800 mm dia.

-Dredging of 8,400 cu.m in 3,000 sq. m area (100 m X 30 m) to clear cast-in/cast-off route of the Vessel while
berthing alongside.

The Project activities are proposed in the designated Harbour Area of Port Blair, Port Blair Town, Port Blair Tehsil, South Andamans District of Andaman & Nicobar Islands Union Territory.

The 10-km study area of project site falls in part of Mount Harriet National Park (@ 800 m in north)in South Andaman Reserved Forests.Saithankari Protected Forests, Port Mout Brindraban RF, Jirkatang RF, etc. exist in the study area.
There are no eco sensitive areas like Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves,Elephant Corridor,etc.
within 10 km from the site.

The National Monument Cellular Jail is at a distance of 3.4 km in southeast from the site.

Lohabarrack Salt Water Crocodile Sanctuary is at a distance of 13 km in west and Mahatma Gandhi
Marine National Park is at 17 km distance in southwest.
.

Phoenix Bay Jetty: Pheonix Bay, Andman Islands, India

Havelock

Chatham Saw Mill

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Shipping
06-October, 2017 14:26 IST
Union Home Minister and Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways inaugurated sea route to Baratang and laid foundation stone for shipping projects in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh and Minister for Shipping, Road Transport & Highways and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurated an alternate sea route to Baratang Island and laid the foundation stone for extension of dry dock in Port Blair, extension of wharf in Hope Town and construction of an additional jetty along with extension of Berthing Jetty in Neil Island at an event in Port Blair in A&N Islands yesterday. Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir and Lt. Governor of A & N Islands Prof. Jagdish Mukhi were also present on the occasion.


In his address, the Home Minister said that it is his second visit to A & N Islands within six months. He said the Home Ministry’s Advisory Committee on A & N Islands had held a meeting to discuss and sort out various problems and issues of the Islands recently. Shri Singh lauded the efforts of Shipping Minister Shi Nitin Gadkari and said that development projects like the ones inaugurated on the occasion contribute towards development of the country’s economy. He stated that under PM Shri Narendra Modi’s dynamic leadership, India which now figures in the top ten economies of the world, will emerge as one of the top three economies by 2025-30.


The Union Home Minister said that both development and security aspects of the country are of utmost importance. He stated that India has a 7300 Km long coastline and the geographical location of the country is vast, hence security management is vital. “Erecting walls and boundaries will not provide security to the country, our strength lies in sea and air which need to be strengthened”, he added.


Shri Rajnath Singh also mentioned that earlier A & N Islands had only one national highway, but in the last three years 7 NHs have come up in A & N Islands. He also said the ‘blue economy’ which thrives in A & N Islands contributes about one trillion dollars to the economy.


Speaking on the occasion Shri Gadkari said that the new projects will now make it possible for repairing ships in A & N Islands itself instead of sending them to faraway and foreign places for repair, which also becomes costly. He said, these islands have a huge potential for ship building and ship repair industry. Stating that innovation, technology, research and entrepreneurship are the need of the hour, he urged for private investment for developing ship building industry in the islands, for which Ministry of Shipping is ready to extend necessary assistance. He said, the Ministry is focussing on ‘Make in India’ programme under the Sagarmala Project. Efforts are on to bring in new technology for manufacturing ships in the country.


Speaking about the shipping sector, the Shri Gadkari said, most of the ships in A & N Islands are old and need to be replaced. He announced that 14 new ships will be added in A & N islands by 2020. The Minister further stated that under Sagarmala Project around Rs 4 lakh crores have been earmarked for port-road connectivity, port-rail connectivity, modernisation and mechanisation of ports. He further stated, India’s 7300 km long coastline and rivers have potential for big-scale development of cost effective waterways transportation which will bring down logistics cost significantly and also be a convenient mode of transportation.


Speaking about power generation in A & N Islands, he said diesel generated power causes environmental pollution and needs to be replaced. Instead, development of hydel, solar and wind power in A & N Islands must be explored. As a step towards curbing pollution caused by diesel power generation, plans are being made to set up LNG and CNG based power in the Islands soon.


Shri Gadkari also said that development of cruise terminals will further boost tourism in the A & N Islands. He urged private investors for developing cruise tourism in the islands. The Minister said, tourism could further be boosted through Sagarmala Project which will ultimately generate employment. He assured of exploring ways to make cruise tourism a part of Sagaramala Project for extending benefits. This apart, Shri Gadkari said the development of services of amphibious vehicles is ideal for the islands, and urged for initiatives in that direction.


Shri Gadkari also mentioned about schemes launched for benefitting sea fishing and deep-sea fishing, fish processing and fish export which will add impetus to the ‘blue economy’ that flourishes in the A & N Islands. He stated, the Government is committed for infrastructure and overall development, job creation and welfare of the islands which is located away from mainland.


Minister of State for Home, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir reiterated the commitment of the Central Government towards the development of A & N Islands.


The sea route to Baratang that was inaugurated today will provide an alternative to the National Highways-4 route that linked Baratang to Port Blair, passing through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve. This sea route will thus help promote tourism without disturbing the tribal areas.


The project for extension of wharf in Hope Town will allow berthing of bigger vessels than is possible at the moment. The wharf is used for movement of petroleum products, and berthing of bigger vessels will increase the availability of products and bring down logistics cost. The project is expected to be complete by February 2018.


The construction of additional approach jetty and extension of existing jetty at Neil Island would help in accommodating more than one ship, which was not possible earlier. Dredging upto 5m would help in berthing higher draft vessels , especially cargo ships. This would enable abundance supply of vegetables and other cargo to and from the island. The project would hence help in economic development of the area by promoting tourism and would also help in optimal utilization of available resources. The project is expected to be complete by March 2018.


The extension of Dry Dock –II at Port Blair will help augment the available ship building and ship repair facilities. The project is expected to be complete by September 2019.



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The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir and the Lt. Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi at the inaugural ceremony of a number of shipping projects, at Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands on October 05, 2017.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh lighting the lamp along with the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari at the inaugural function of sea route to Baratang Island, foundation stone laying ceremony of extension of new dry dock at Port Blair, extension of wharf at Hope Town, construction of additional jetty and extension of Berthing Jetty in Neil Island, at Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands on October 05, 2017. The Lt. Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh and the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari unveiling the plaque to mark the inauguration of Alternate Sea Route to Baratang, at Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands on October 05, 2017.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh addressing at the inaugural function of sea route to Baratang Island, foundation stone laying ceremony of extension of new dry dock at Port Blair, extension of wharf at Hope Town, construction of additional jetty and extension of Berthing Jetty in Neil Island, at Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands on October 05, 2017.

The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari addressing at the inaugural function of sea route to Baratang Island, foundation stone laying ceremony of extension of new dry dock at Port Blair, extension of wharf at Hope Town, construction of additional jetty and extension of Berthing Jetty in Neil Island, at Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands on October 05, 2017.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir addressing at the inaugural function of sea route to Baratang Island, foundation stone laying ceremony of extension of new dry dock at Port Blair, extension of wharf at Hope Town, construction of additional jetty and extension of Berthing Jetty in Neil Island, at Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands on October 05, 2017.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir and the Lt. Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi at the inaugural ceremony of a number of shipping projects, at Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands on October 05, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Shipping
07-October, 2017 16:04 IST
Union Home Minister and Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport & Highways and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation laid foundation stone for roads and bridges construction projects at Andaman & Nicobar Islands

The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh and Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport & Highways and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone for rehabilitation and upgradation of NH-4 to a two-lane from Austin Creek to Kalara at Diglipur and Beodnabad-Ferrargunj Section of NH-4 at Bartang, construction of major bridge over Humphrey Strait Creek and Middle Strait Creek also at Baratang in Andaman & Nicobar Islands on October 6, 2017. The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Lt. Governor of A & N Islands Prof Jagdish Mukhi, M.P. Shri Bishnupada Ray, Chief Secretary of A & N Islands Shri Anindo Majumdar were also present amongst the dignitaries on the occasion.

In his address at Diglipur, Union Home Minister said, India is emerging as a powerful nation in terms of economy and security and is being recognized and respected by other countries. Lauding the untiring efforts of the Armed Forces in protecting the borders of the country, he said, no nation, including any neighbouring country, can destabilize the security of the country as the Government is strengthening the security at all fronts. Stating that A & N Islands truly depict Mini India where people of diverse culture and languages live in peace and harmony, Shri Singh also said, these Islands have played significant role in the freedom struggle, where brave sons of India who fought for freedom were repatriated. Referring to the series of developmental activities taking place in A & N Islands, he said, Union Government under the dynamic leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi has taken initiatives for overall development of A & N Islands. He stated that Prime Minister desires that all states & union territories must be well connected to streamline the process of development and that out of 1382 islands in the country, 10 have been selected for infrastructure development of which 5 are located in the A & N Islands. He also stated that infrastructure development in these islands will boost tourism and generate employment. Later in the day, at Baratang, the Union Home Minister stated, A & N Islands are strategically important and thus the Central Government is developing these Islands while acknowledging its strategic importance. He also stated that an Island Development Agency (IDA) has been created for taking care of the development and security of these Islands. He further said, A & N Islands may be far from New Delhi geographically, but are close to New Delhi emotionally.

Speaking on the occasion at Diglipur, Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport & Highways and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation stated, the Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi plans to invest Rs 15,000 crore for various developmental projects at A & N Islands, of which projects worth Rs 10,000 crores have already commenced. He also announced a series of projects that will be started in the Islands. At the other function held at Baratang, Shri Gadkari informed that for the first time in the history of A & N Islands, foundation for so many development projects has been laid. He stated that NHIDCL has been constituted to create basic infrastructure facilities in remote areas and state-of –the-art infrastructure like tunnels and bridges being constructed in different states. He stated that 12 expressways are under construction in the country and road construction work has increased from 2 Km to 28 Km per day during the last three years. Referring to the tourism sector which has good prospects in the A & N Islands, Shri Gadkari said, better roads, round the clock power and good hotels are needed to boost tourism which will also generate employment for the youths.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir stated that the naturally beautiful A & N Islands is poised to become most sought after tourist destination with better connectivity.

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[Hindustani78]

45T Bollard Pull Tug for Gujarat Maritime Board

The sophisticated 45t bollard pull tug was a turnkey order from Gujarat Maritime Board. The tug with azimuth propulsion was successfully commissioned and is operating at Porbunder, a sea port in the north west coast of India.

Multi-purpose Tug

SHOFT’s own SHOFT 1 is a muti-purpose vessel used for assisting in berthing operations for vessels either non-propelled or with propulsion not yet commissioned and as escort during preliminary sea trials.


LPG Cylinder Carrier

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