302 Tsunami shelters at Car Nicobar Islands

Car Nicobar, Jul 17: Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Bhopinder Singh has handed over a symbolic key, signifying the handing over of 302 Tsunami permanent shelters, to Chief Captain of the tribal-dominated Car Nicobar Island Aberdeen Blair.

Official sources said the dwelling units had been constructed by Central Public Works Department (CPWD) in coordination with the administration for the tsunami affected people of Perka, Kakana, Malacca and Kimious villages of Car Nicobar Islands, which were ravaged by the Tsunami in 2004. Expressing his happiness on handing over the permanent shelters to the tsunami affected persons, the Lt Governor said here yesterday that 7,001 permanent shelters will be constructed in Nicobar district, out of which 3,941 will be made in Car Nicobar.

''By the end of March, 2009, all the permanent shelters to be constructed will be completed and handed over to the beneficiaries,'' the Lt Governor said to the gathering after handing over the symbolic key.

Mr Singh appreciated the efforts being put forth by CPWD in the construction of permanent shelters and its timely completion despite the difficulties faced by them.

He also lauded the cooperation being extended by the Tribal Council, Car Nicobar to the Administration in respect of tsunami rehabilitation programme.

The Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, APWD, Fisheries and Social Welfare departments were providing financial assistance under different schemes to the affected families, Mr Singh added.

By August another 300 shelters will be ready to be handed over to the beneficiaries, Deputy Commissioner, Nicobar District, T Sreekanth said.

The 302 permanent shelters have been constructed for 84 families of Kakana, 140 of Perka, 34 of Kimious and 44 families of Malacca villages of the remote tsunami ravaged island.

UNI