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Port Blair, March 5: With the A&N Administration bent upon changing the present face of tourism in the islands, Andamans is soon expected to become the much sought after tourist destinations of the world. As announced by the Secretary Tourism Shri Saxena IAS during the Island Tourism Festival, there are many major projects being executed by the A&N Administration with world class tourist infrastructures to project the islands as a major tourist destination of the world. Some of the projects which are on the pipeline are canopy walks at Mt. Harriet and Chidiyatapu, Biological Park, star resorts at 5 different islands etc.
It is learnt that after the announcement was made many proposed projects are being taken up. Of late the A&N Administration had called in for bids to construct star resorts at Neil Island, Hut Bay and Long Island. The bidding for the three islands was over and CGH Earth group came out to be the highest bidder for Long Island with Rs. 1.75 Crores per annum as land rent. The bids for Hut Bay and Neil Islands were also opened but sources informed that the bid was quite low than what was expected and is likely to be re-tendered again.
Further the Forest Department of A&N Islands in consultation with Jungle Resorts, Karnataka would be constructing resorts in dense forest of Mt. Harriet, Long Island and Ross & Smith Island. This project is in the study stage.
Talking to Andaman Chronicle, Shri Mohammed H Jadwet, former President Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry said, “The present developments are a very positive sign for the future of the islands. This could have been done a bit earlier but then its never too late”.
Jadwet appreciating the efforts of the Lt. Governor & Chief Secretary said “We need such positive people to lead our islands”. He further said, the Marina Project where a 50 unit yacht marina would be set up in Viper island to offer berthing facilities to the vessels visiting the islands, Canopy walkways etc. would soon change the face of the islands. The best part in these developmental projects is that it is being done under a Public Private Partnership project where the A&N Administration will be able to generate income as well as provide employment to many unemployed youths in the islands.
Jadwet said in the tenders there is a criteria to provide employment to 60-70% locals after training them. This is again a laudable thought of the A&N Administration. With all these activities & developments Andaman will soon become a the much sought after tourist destinations of the world, he added. |
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