The three-day meeting of the District Planning Committee (DPC) of South Andaman District began in Sri Vijaya Puram on October 7 to review and deliberate on the draft Three Years Action Plan 2026-2029 and the Supplementary Action Plan for 2025-2026. The sessions are chaired by Prakash Adhikari, Chairperson of the DPC and Adhyaksh of the Zilla Parishad, South Andaman.
At the outset, Chief Executive Officer and Ex-Officio Secretary of the DPC, Azharuddin Zahiruddin Quazi, welcomed the members and participants. He outlined the objectives of the meeting and emphasized the importance of comprehensive discussions to finalize the action plans that will guide the district’s development priorities in the coming years.
The meeting was attended by several key officials and representatives including Hon’ble Member of Parliament from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Bishnu Pada Ray, Secretary (RD/Panch) Arjun Sharma, Secretary (Planning & Finance) Aman Gupta, Chairperson of Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council Shahul Hameed, Zilla Parishad Members, Pramukhs of Panchayat Samitis, and senior officers from multiple departments.
Chairperson Prakash Adhikari, in his address, highlighted that the DPC plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the development trajectory of South Andaman remains inclusive, coordinated, and aligned with the aspirations of the local population. He underscored the importance of detailed discussions on the plans to ensure their feasibility and timely implementation.
During the proceedings on the first day, the draft plans of various departments including Health, Public Works, Electricity, District Administration, Agriculture, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Institutions, Shipping, Port Management Board, and Industries were reviewed in detail. Each department presented its proposed action plan for the upcoming three years as well as the supplementary actions for the ongoing year.
The deliberations focused on identifying development gaps, aligning departmental priorities, and ensuring that projects are executed in a time-bound manner. Special emphasis was laid on strengthening healthcare services, improving infrastructure, expanding agricultural productivity, and boosting industrial and shipping-related activities.
Several recommendations and suggestions were put forth by the DPC Chairperson, the Member of Parliament, and other members present. These inputs will be incorporated into the final versions of the action plans before they are approved and implemented. Officials highlighted the need for better inter-departmental coordination, effective monitoring mechanisms, and community-level involvement to ensure that the plans meet their objectives.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of financial planning and timely allocation of resources to avoid project delays. Participants stressed the need to prioritize projects that directly impact local livelihoods and contribute to sustainable development across both rural and urban areas of the district.
The first day’s proceedings concluded at 7.30 PM with a vote of thanks. The subsequent sessions over the next two days are expected to finalize the details of the plans and lay down clear timelines for implementation.
By addressing sectoral priorities in a collective manner, the South Andaman District Planning Committee aims to ensure that the development agenda reflects the needs of the people and provides long-term benefits to the district. The focus on health, infrastructure, agriculture, and governance demonstrates the administration’s commitment to coordinated and inclusive growth.
