Andaman and Nicobar Administration

Directorate of IP&T

Information & Publicity Division

 

 

 

Port Blair 15 April, 2015.

 

 

 

Press Release

 

 

 

 

 

Isles tourism to get further boost

Lt. Governor takes up tourism related

projects with Tourism Ministry

 

Setting up of Oceanarium, marine drive,

 development of Gandhi Park major initiatives

 

 

 

         

          Port Blair, Apr 15: With a view to give further impetus to the tourism sector in these Islands and also to create more tourism facilities so as to make Andaman and Nicobar Islands an attractive and unique tourism destination, the A&N Administration has been working on a number of promising projects. In a letter written to Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge), Dr. Mahesh Sharma, the Lt. Governor, A&N Islands, Lt. Gen A.K. Singh (Retd.) has highlighted four major projects and requested for central financial assistance from the Ministry of Tourism for materializing these projects. 

 

          These include setting up of an Oceanarium at Port Blair, showcasing the rich and unique marine wealth of the Islands as the Islands are endowed with exquisite underwater marine life and corals, offering a rare view of the precious bounties of nature. It may be recalled that following a feasibility study for setting up of an Oceanarium by the A&N Administration in 2010, a site near Corbyn’s Cove was selected with an area of 4700 sq.mts. The Ministry of Tourism had prioritised it as a mega project for the year 2012-13. The Lt. Governor has requested the Minister to consider funding this project on 100% grant under Central Financial Assistance.

 

        This will be part of the overall development of the sea front of Marina Park. This beach front, stretching from Foreshore road- Marina Park to Corbyn’s Cove, is the most beautiful landscape in Port Blair which could be developed further as an ‘activity hub’ with intermittent sit-outs stretching out to sea, improved theme lighting, seating arrangements, parking, kiosks, place for entertainment/weekly flea markets, etc. The surrounding area has many spots of tourist interest like the Ross Island, the Cellular Jail, Netaji Stadium, Andaman Club, Param Vir Chakra Memorial etc. Beautification of this area would lend a special character to the city and it essentially could be one of the most attractive marine drives in India.

 

        The A&N Administration proposes to engage a professional agency for preparation of a DPR for this project, taking into consideration the historical character of the place, the monuments located there and the potential for becoming a tourist hub. Central Financial Assistance has been requested for this project.

 

        These apart, the Lt. Governor has also highlighted the proposal for development of Gandhi Park, situated at the heart of Port Blair City, as a one-day tourist destination. The Port Blair Municipal Council has prepared a DPR for the project costing about Rs.22 crore. The envisaged development component involves multimedia laser shows, theme park, eateries, handicrafts emporium etc. The Lt. Governor has requested the Ministry of Tourism to consider funding of this project under Central Financial Assistance.

 

        The Lt. Governor has also urged the Central Government to treat Andaman Islands on the lines of North-Eastern States. He has requested that similar to special tourism promotional campaigns by the Tourism Ministry for J&K and North-Eastern States in print, electronic and social media, and organising travel marts viz. India Travel Mart, the Ministry of Tourism may consider promotion of tourism under ‘Incredible India’ campaign to tap the vast potential the remote Island territory offers to attract foreign and domestic tourists.

 

        Knowing the overall development thrust of the Central Government under the dynamic leadership of our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modiji and the synergistic focus of our Lt. Governor, it looks to be a win-win situation for the Islands and our people. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Parliamentary Committee on Subordinate Legislation, headed by its Chairperson, Shri Dilip Kumar Mansukhlal Gandhi

calling on the Lt Governor, Lt Gen A K Singh (Retd), at Raj Niwas on 15.04.2015.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hon’ble Lt Governor, Lt Gen A K Singh (Retd), interacting with the mediapersons at Raj Niwas on 15.04.2015.