Rajnath for holistic development of islands

New Delhi, Feb 19 (IANS) Home Minister Rajnath Singh here on Tuesday reviewed the progress on the "Holistic Development of Islands" programme and said expeditious implementation of various projects will provide high economic return to the private sector, satisfactory jobs, additional income to islanders and enhance revenue to the government.

It's "a win-win situation for all," the minister said.

Singh, after chairing the fifth meeting of the Island Development Agency (IDA), said bids for the private sector participation in three tourism-based projects had been invited by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration.

The projects, "include eco-tourism projects in Smith Island and Long island and tent city project in Aves island. Bids will be invited shortly for one more project in Neil island of Andaman and Nicobar. Three projects in Lakshadweep have been identified for bidding," he said.

He directed that adequate care should also be taken for maintaining a clean, green and healthy environment in the islands. Stability of the island eco-system would be maintained with effective execution of well-planned environmental safeguards, the Minister added.

A detailed presentation was made by NITI Aayog CEO, highlighting the status of projects being implemented for islanders' benefits.

Key infrastructure projects like operationalisation of Diglipur airport for civilian aircraft and construction of a new airport in Minicoy Island have been accorded high priority by the government.

Four islands (Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Hutbay and Long) in Andaman and Nicobar and three islands (Kavaratti, Agatti and Minicoy) in Lakshadweep have been identified for seaplane operation.