Lok Sabha Debates
Shri Bishmu Pada Ray Called The Attention Of The Minister Of Home Affairs To The ... on 20 March, 2013
> Title: Shri Bishmu Pada Ray called the attention of the Minister of Home Affairs to the situation arising out of permission given to Malaysian Company to Develop Yacht Marina and Star Hotel in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
MR. CHAIRMAN: Shri Bishnu Pada Ray.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI BISHNU PADA RAY (ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS): Sir, I call the attention of the hon. Minister of Home Affairs to the following matter of urgent public importance and request him to make a statement thereon:
“Situation arising out of permission to a Malaysian Company to develop 50 berth Yacht Marina and 30 bedded 3 Star Hotel on Viper Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and steps taken by the Government in this regard.” THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI R.P.N. SINGH): Sir, with your permission, I beg to lay the statement on the Table of the House.
[1]The A&N Administration have informed the Ministry of Home Affairs that they have taken up the project of setting up of a Marina at Viper Island covering an area of two hectares out of 31.19 hectares of area after a detailed feasibility study following the laid down guidelines. It was taken into consideration that the island is an uninhabited island which is techno-economically ideal for setting up a Marina. The project was duly approved by the Ministry of Tourism.
The UT Administration have informed the Ministry that presently there is no activity/ project on the island and hence it is in a state of gross neglect. It is felt that by setting up this project the island will get an overall facelift and shall be maintained properly thereby attracting more tourists. Such a project would also result in generating employment opportunities for local unemployed youth of neighbouring islands apart from generating revenue for the Government. By Setting up a project of international standards the island would get the recognition and attention of all the visitors from world over which would definitely be a better tribute to the island as against the present state of neglect.
The UT Administration have stated that they have all along, since the process of conceptualization of the Marina project, kept in mind that there should be no damage or disrespect to the monuments and the sanctity / historical significance of the island should remain undisturbed. To this end it was ensured that the Marina should be at a considerable distance from the existing jetty and there should be a separate approach/jetty for the marina visitors. The area for marina would be segregated and clearly earmarked causing no interference to the historical monuments.
The Island Administration have stated that the Art and Culture Department of the UT Administration is already taking necessary initiative for a holistic development plan for the heritage buildings/structures at Viper Island including preservation of the structures and landscaping of the area.
The UT Administration have stated that the benefits of the Project will be as under:
• It will result in Employment generation since 60% of employees have to be local. • It will boost tourism in these islands. • It will also result in Revenue earning for the Government.
श्री विष्णु पद राय (अंडमान और निकोबार द्वीपसमूह): मुझे गृह मंत्रालय के माध्यम से जो स्टेटमेंट मिला है, इस के अंदर कुछ भी नहीं है। ...( व्यवधान) गृह मंत्री द्वारा जो स्टेटमेंट दिया गया। ...( व्यवधान) अंडमान का मुद्दा क्या है? अंडमान निकोबार द्वीप समूह के इतिहास में, वर्ष 1857 में जब पहला क्रंतिकारी आंदोलन शुरु हुआ था।...( व्यवधान)
MR. CHAIRMAN: Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, you may kindly take your seat.
… (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: Nothing will go on record.
(Interruptions) …* MR. CHAIRMAN: Hon. Members, please go to your places.
… (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: The House stands adjourned to meet again tomorrow at 11 a.m. 12.34 hrs The Lok Sabha then adjourned till Eleven of the Clock on Thursday, March 21, 2013/Phalguna 30,1934 (Saka).
* Annual Report and Audited Accounts were laid on 13.03.2013 * Not recorded * Not recorded.