Car Nicobar: A two-day official visit by the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, along with a team of senior officers, concluded on August 9 after a detailed review of government schemes and developmental priorities in Car Nicobar. The exercise, held on August 8 and 9, focused on health, education, power, agriculture, transportation, water supply, sports, and social welfare, with an emphasis on tribal welfare in Nicobar District.
The delegation comprised senior administrative heads from key departments including APWD, shipping, agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, health, consumer affairs, power, education, and sports. Their itinerary involved both inspections of facilities and meetings with local stakeholders to evaluate ongoing projects and address emerging issues.
On August 8, the Chief Secretary began his programme by paying homage at the Tsunami Memorial in Lapathy before inspecting the Mus Jetty area, where he reviewed sea erosion concerns. He later visited GSS Tamaloo School, interacting with students and urging them to remain committed to their education. Meanwhile, other officers from the team conducted site visits to BJR Hospital, agricultural plantations at Arong, the Electricity Power House, schools, and the Veterinary Farm at Arong.
Engagement with the local community was a central feature of the visit. A meeting with the Tribal Council and Village Council representatives brought up a range of issues affecting the population. The Chief Secretary instructed concerned departments to address these matters promptly. Later, in a meeting with local Heads of Departments, he called for coordinated efforts to improve service delivery and ensure all necessary assistance reached residents. The day’s schedule concluded with a visit to the District Library at Perka.
The second day began at the SAI Stadium, where the Chief Secretary interacted with athletes and reviewed training programmes. His subsequent visit to the farm of a local farmer in Tapoiming included planting and distributing spice saplings, an initiative aimed at promoting spice cultivation in the region. He also stopped at the Tapoiming Anganwadi to interact with children and assess the facility.
A highlight of the day was the inauguration of a mass livestock distribution programme at the Community Hall in Tapoiming. Chicks, goats, and piglets were handed over to farmers as part of an integrated farming promotion drive. The Chief Secretary outlined the benefits of integrating spice cultivation with livestock rearing, citing its potential to enhance nutritional security, boost incomes, and support sustainable farming practices. He called on tribal captains and local farmers to adopt diverse farming methods including vegetables, spices, poultry, goat, and pig farming to build resilience and self-sufficiency.
The Deputy Commissioner of Nicobars, representing the District Administration, reaffirmed a commitment to act on the concerns raised during the visit. Coordination among departments was emphasised as essential for ensuring that the development agenda in Car Nicobar advances swiftly and effectively.
The visit reinforced the administration’s focus on community participation, progressive agricultural methods, and infrastructure improvement as critical drivers of development in Nicobar District. By directly engaging with residents, inspecting facilities, and launching livelihood initiatives, the review aimed to address gaps, accelerate project execution, and strengthen support for the tribal community.
