On January 13, 2020 the Union Minister of Home Affairs (MoHA) Shri Amit Shah chaired the 6th meeting of Island Development Agency (IDA) in New Delhi. During the meeting progress made towards “Holistic development of islands” were reviewed. It is also for the first time in India, under the IDA’s guidance an initiative of sustainable development has been undertaken with scientific assessments.
26 islands selected to promote tourism:
A total of 26 islands i.e, 16 from Andaman & Nicobar Islands and 10 from Lakshadweep islands have been identified for promoting tourism.
6th Island Development Agency highlights:
i.1st phase: 4 islands of Andaman & Nicobar and 5 islands of Lakshadweep will be implemented the development plans with focus on job creation through promoting tourism and through export of seafood and coconut-based products made in the Islands.
ii.2nd phase: In the 2nd phase 12 more islands of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and 5 islands in Lakshadweep will be covered.
iii.Obtaining clearance: Necessary clearances will be obtained before finalization of bids. 4 tourism projects of Andaman & Nicobar Islands have already obtained Environment and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances.
iv.Improving connectivity:
- Digital connectivity by june 2020: In order to strengthen the infrastructure improving air, sea and digital connectivity are also being implemented. Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar) and 7 islands of Andaman & Nicobar will be digitally connected through submarine optical fibre cable by June, 2020.
- Communication services: Information Technology (IT) based and other Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the islands would be set up through Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands Industrial Development Scheme (LANIDS), 2018 notified on 1st January, 2019.
- Airport development in Great Nicobar Island of Andaman & Nicobar and Minicoy Island of Lakshadweep have been proposed.
v.Tourism projects: Land based tourism projects and water villas are some of the plans that has been invited for private sector participation. Technology-based facilities will be provided to enhance fish collection, storage, processing and export of value-added products.
vi.Members present: Lt. Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi (retd); Administrator of Lakshadweep Shri Dineshwar Sharma; Shri Rajiv Gauba Cabinet Secretary; Shri Amitabh Kant, Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog and other officials were present during the event.
About Ministry of Home Affairs(MoHA):
Founded- 15 August 1947.
Headquarters- New Delhi.
Minister of State(MoS)- Gangapuram Kishan Reddy (constituency- Secunderabad, Telangana).
