Boost to Airport Facilities in Lakshadweep

KOCHI: The air operations in Lakshadweep islands may soon get a boost as the Centre has decided to take major steps to develop the airport facilities in the islands. A decision was taken by the Islands Development Authority (IDA), which met under the Prime Minister on Wednesday to expand the existing airport in Agatti and carry out an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed airport on Androth island. The IDA standing committee under Planning Commission vice-chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia was also present at Wednesday’s meeting. A decision has been taken to further develop the existing airport on Agatti island. “The IDA meeting took some crucial decisions regarding the Lakshadweep islands. It was decided to look into the possibility of expanding the runway in Agatti by increasing its length by connecting it with another island - Kalpethi, an uninhabited island. Here an EIA is needed,” said Lakshadweep MP Hamdulla Sayeed.   Similarly, a decision was taken regarding the proposed airport on Androth island. It was in 1996 that the foundation stone was laid for the Androth airport.  After this, there were no major developments in this regard. The IDA meeting has decided to carry out the EIA, based on which a final decision would be taken, he said. He added that the Prime Minister had directed the standing committee to review the progress of the project.  Introducing night-landing facilities at different helipads in various islands in Lakshadweep is also under consideration. “We have also raised the issue of giving hard area allowance to government employees on the island. Only then more people will come forward to serve in such places.  The Finance Ministry has agreed to consider the demand. Also, we have taken up with the Home Ministry the issue of India Reserve Battalion in Lakshadweep islands. It should be given equal status of the state police force. A decision regarding this would be taken by the Union Home Minister,” Sayeed said.