The Prime Minister
Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee chaired the Tenth Meeting of the Island
Development Authority (IDA), at Port Blair today.
Following is
the text of the Prime Minister’s closing remarks at the meeting:
"We have had
a fruitful meeting today. I thank all the participants for their
useful contributions.
The discussion today
highlights the fact that logistical constraints and strategic
considerations arising from their geographical location have come
in the way of the development of these islands at a satisfactory
pace. The imperative to harmonise the concern for preserving the
rich environmental resources of these regions with the developmental
aspirations of their residents has also posed a significant challenge
that needs to be suitably addressed.
This delicate balance
has to be carefully worked out in a manner that ensures compliance
with the directions of the Supreme Court in this regard. The direction
taken and the approach adopted must take into consideration the
comparative advantage enjoyed by these islands in areas like tourism,
fisheries and high value agriculture.
There is a need to
expeditiously move forward from the state of ambiguity and indecision
created by the various circumstances I have just highlighted,
and formulate and adopt a suitable strategy in these matters.
I am proposing to
entrust the Standing Committee of Secretaries with the time-bound
responsibility of developing and recommending a policy for development
of tourism, fisheries, high-value agriculture and hydro-carbon
energy resources in these Islands that harmonises the need to
meet developmental aspirations with environmental and strategic
concerns that have been raised.
This Committee will
ensure compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court in
this regard, while determining the optimal approach. It will also
formulate operational guidelines for harmonization of these concerns
with development efforts in other areas.
The recommendations
of this Committee, which shall be finalized within 90 days, will
be considered by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Reforms.
The Member of Parliament,
Andaman & Nicobar Islands has brought several issues to our
attention. I am happy to note the Lt. Governor’s assurance that
several of these would be considered positively and suitable decision
would be taken soon.
These would be announced
separately."
