Land conversion and diversion in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands have resumed after a five-year halt, following persistent efforts and intervention by Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray. The resumption comes after a prolonged period of inactivity, which had stalled the disposal of several land conversion applications and raised concerns about speculative and purposeless use of land in the Islands.
The MP, Bishnu Pada Ray, had raised these concerns formally in multiple letters addressed to the administration, highlighting the growing scarcity of available land and the need for stricter oversight in conversion matters. In response, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directed the local administration to take appropriate steps for the early disposal of all pending land conversion and diversion applications.
Official replies to the MP indicate that the administration had taken several measures to address these issues. Over the years, NOCs (No Objection Certificates) were issued to government schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), ensuring that public projects requiring land were not delayed. Additionally, proposals that had been pending for long periods were reinstated, with 20 cases already processed and more than 100 hearing notices issued.
The halt in land conversion, which began in 2018-2019, had left numerous applications pending for years. This pause created challenges for development schemes and fueled concerns over land being held for speculative purposes rather than genuine developmental needs. The MP’s persistent follow-up, backed by directives from the MHA, has now led to a revival of the process, ensuring that land matters in the Islands are addressed more efficiently.
A letter received by the MP from the administration on 8 August 2025 confirmed the restart of land conversion activities. Authorities emphasized that all pending applications would be dealt with promptly, and closer monitoring would be implemented to prevent misuse of land. The measures aim to balance the demand for land for public and government projects while curbing speculative practices.
The resumption of land conversion is expected to positively impact various developmental initiatives across the Islands. It signals a renewed commitment by the administration to regulate land matters effectively and ensure that conversions are carried out in a transparent and timely manner. Stakeholders and government departments involved in land use projects have been advised to adhere to the updated regulatory framework and expedite their proposals.
With land scarcity being a growing concern in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, these steps are considered critical for sustainable development. The intervention by the MP and the guidance from the MHA reflect an increased focus on governance and accountability in handling land-related matters, providing much-needed relief to both government authorities and citizens awaiting land approvals.
The revival of land conversion marks a significant administrative shift after a five-year pause and sets a precedent for efficient resolution of pending applications in the future, ensuring that developmental schemes across the Islands can proceed without further delays.
