Sri Vijaya Puram, July 15: Hindu Rashtra Shakti has sought a review of the proposed ₹296 crore Public-Private Partnership (PPP) eco-tourism resort project at Megapode Resort in Sri Vijaya Puram, urging the Central Government and the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to ensure transparency, public accountability and enforceable safeguards for local employment before the project proceeds.
In a memorandum addressed to the Union Home Minister, the Lieutenant Governor, the Member of Parliament for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Administration, State Youth President Angshuman Roy requested a transparent review of the project and the commitments linked to the use of public assets.
The representation clarified that the organisation is not opposed to the establishment of the proposed five-star eco-tourism resort or private investment in the tourism sector. However, it questioned whether a project involving public land and facilitated by ANIIDCO has been structured in a transparent manner and whether it would deliver measurable and long-term benefits to Islanders.
The memorandum stated that while the project is being executed under the PPP model and the stated project cost may not represent direct government expenditure, the public has the right to know the extent of land, infrastructure, concessions, guarantees, exemptions or other support being extended by ANIIDCO or the Administration and the corresponding benefits expected to accrue to the Islands.
The organisation urged the Administration to incorporate enforceable provisions in the concession agreement to ensure preference for permanent Island residents in employment at all levels, including managerial and skilled positions. It also sought mandatory skill development for local youth before operations begin, procurement from local farmers, fishermen, self-help groups and entrepreneurs wherever feasible, participation of local transport operators, artisans and service providers, and adequate arrangements for water supply, power generation, sewage treatment, solid waste management and environmental protection without adding pressure on existing public infrastructure.
The memorandum further called for periodic public disclosure of employment generated, local procurement undertaken and revenue earned by ANIIDCO and the Administration. It also sought the publication of key project documents, including the feasibility report, tender conditions, concession period, revenue-sharing arrangement, environmental studies, land commitments and safeguards for local employment and environmental protection, while allowing commercially sensitive information to remain protected.
Hindu Rashtra Shakti also requested that consultations be conducted with public representatives, tourism stakeholders, environmental experts, local entrepreneurs and residents before irreversible commitments are made, stating that such engagement would strengthen the project and help avoid future disputes.
The memorandum also raised broader public infrastructure concerns, stating that tourism projects should not replace the Administration’s responsibility to address healthcare, emergency medical evacuation, drinking water, electricity, roads, public transport, technical education and employment generation. It referred to the recent STS bus accident at Rangat and called for phased replacement of ageing buses, improved driver training, GPS-based monitoring, regular mechanical safety audits and stronger emergency response systems.
It further sought improved healthcare infrastructure, including diagnostic and critical-care facilities, specialist services and institutional strengthening of the Directorate of Information Technology. The organisation also recommended reviewing the composition of the ANIIDCO Board by examining the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the applicable legal framework to consider the induction of suitable non-official members with expertise in sectors including tourism, fisheries, agriculture, finance, law, environment, infrastructure, information technology and entrepreneurship, along with representation of elected institutions wherever legally permissible.
Concluding the representation, Hindu Rashtra Shakti urged the authorities to ensure that major development projects involving public assets create tangible employment opportunities, strengthen local participation and deliver lasting public benefits for the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
