A day before the launch of the 2,300-km optical fibre cable connectivity project in Andaman & Nicobar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the Union Territory would be developed as a hub of 'blue economy' and 'high-impact' projects would be developed in 12 islands.
The Prime Minister was interacting with BJP workers of Andaman and Nicobar Islands through a video conference in the presence of party president J P Nadda.
The meeting comes a day before inauguration of the submarine optical Fibre cable connecting Chennai and Port Blair which would provide fast internet to the archipelago.
The submarine cable, which will also connect Port Blair to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, Kamorta, Great Nicobar, Long Island, and Rangat of the Island group, is expected to transform life in the remote Island including defence, business and tourism sectors.
An estimated 2,300 km of submarine optical fibre cable has been laid at an expenditure of about Rs 1,224 crore and the project has been completed well within deadline.
“The internet connectivity in Andman and Nicobar will go through a sea change after the inauguration of the facility on Monday. This will facilitate online education, tourism and business in the island,” said the Prime Minister who also pointed to the strategic location of its ports which he said are established in “competitive distance” with many places and countries.
He said “high-impact projects would be developed in 12 islands” and Andaman and Nicobar would emerge as a “blue-economy” front in the country.
Addressing the workers, Modi again stressed on “do gaj ki doori” and the importance of wearing facemask to keep away coronavirus. “We need to insist on these two things and also spread awareness...”, the Prime Minister said.
Modi said in the time of pandemic it is important that “dialogue should continue” with all and “ we should be useful for all”.
During the interaction, party workers described to the Prime Minister how they provided food and medical aid to people stuck in the island during the lockdown. Modi praised their efforts in serving the distressed people in the island during the coronavirus pandemic saying “you have passed with flying colours”.
He asked party workers to continue their work with the spirit of ‘Seva hi sanghthan’ motto.
The total number of coronavirus patients in Andaman and Nicobar Islands reached 1,222 on Saturday. The Union Territory has 778 active cases, while 425 have been cured of the disease so far. In all, 19 patients have died in the islands.
