Discrepancies found in developing Andaman as international tourist destinations

New Delhi, Aug 4: The National Democratic Alliance government plan to develop Andaman Nicobar and some other island like Lakshdweep into a tourist destination on the lines of Maldives and Mauritius may hit a road bloke as Parliament's Public Accounts Committee headed by Mallikaruj Khadge sights many discrepancies before it could be developed international tourist destination.

There are several projects right from the time when the island was hit by Tsunami. But the committee report headed by Khadge says, "Out of the 26 major works identified by the Administration of Andaman and Nicobar Islands under the Tsunami Rehabilitation Programme (TRP) and various schemes of the Ministry of Tourism, 18 projects were either dropped or not taken up at all and out of the remaining eight projects two projects were further dropped at different stages of implementation."

The committee also noted that out of the six completed works three were either not utilized or partially commissioned. The Committee are perturbed to find the dismal record of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration in execution of projects. The committee are of the view that lack of foresight and proper planning are the reasons behind the delays in project implementation, non-fruition of projects and the consequent loss and unfruitful expenditure.

The Committee, therefore, recommend that henceforth the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration should follow a systemic planning and effective decision making and take into consideration all variables like availability of resources, credibility of implementing agency based on past performances, time frame for completion of projects, maintenance and economic viability of the project etc. at the planning stage of any project.

Sources said that the Prime Minister wants to develop these islands a good tourist destinations. Niti Aayog has been entrusted with the responsibility to develop Andaman and Nichobar and Lakshdweep as tourist destination. The Niti Aayog will have a detailed meeting in this regard with island administration.