Fund shortage stalls development works in tsunami hit islands

Port Blair, Oct 13 (UNI) Acute fund shortages have stalled development works in the tsunami hit islands.

This has prompted the Zilla Parishad Chairman of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to write a letter to the Prime Minister, requesting him to release the approved Central funds.

After the devastating tsunami of December 2004, the territory's Zilla Parishad has spent about Rs 54 crore for rebuilding the tsunami ravaged islands, after Centre's approval.

''About Rs 20 crore has been released in the first phase which is insufficient to undertake the schemes,'' said the Zilla Parishad chairman.

In the absence of an Assembly, the Zilla Parishad rules most of the villages in these islands.

He told the chairman that there was a shortage of funds after the tsunami hit but the Zilla Parishad diverted funds form other sectors and had taken several initiatives to develop the state.

He said saving ATR, the lifeline connecting the South Andaman and North Andaman , is one of the greatest achievements of the Zilla Parishad.

UNI SKR PP PB DS1135