Govt to relax Restricted Area Permit regime in Lakshadweep,Andaman & Nicobar to promote tourism

The Restricted Area Permit regime in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep will be relaxed for tourism promotion. 

This was decided during the third meeting of Island Development Agency chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi yesterday.The Agency reviewed the progress made towards the preparation of Development Plans for four identified Islands Smith, Ross, Long and Avis in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Islands and five islands Minicoy, Bangaram, Thinnakara, Cheriyam, and Suheli in Lakshadweep. 

12 other islands in Andaman and Nicobar and 5 in Lakshadweep have been identified by NITI Aayog in consultation with the UT Administrations, for planning of suitable projects aimed at creation of more



jobs for the Islanders. 

Key Infrastructure projects include the creation of jetties and berthing facilities, Roll-on and Roll-off ships, Bridges on Andaman Trunk Road, Upgradation of Diglipur Airport, Construction of Minicoy Airport, Modernization of existing Jetty at Kavarati among others.

18 Projects, both in Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep, have been identified for implementation, out of which 7 Projects are ready for launch through PPP.

After implementation of these projects, investment of about 650 crore rupees is expected from the private sector. Preference would be given to the local people for employment.