Develop maritime economy, Rajnath tells IDA's first meet

After a month Prime Minister Narendra Modi formed Island Development Agency (IDA), Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh chaired its first meeting and emphasised on the need to further develop India's maritime economy, along with preserving the natural eco-system and addressing the security concerns. The sustainable development of the islands was also discussed with people's participation.

IDA was set up on June 1, 2017. While addressing the meeting here on Monday, the CEO of NITI Aayog emphasized on the identification of islands and made a presentation on 'Concept Development Plans' and 'Detailed Master Plans' on the principles of sustainability, people's participation, eco-system preservation and determination of carrying capacity as the guiding principles.

Admiral DK Joshi, former Navy Chief and Vice Chairman of IDA, also suggested taking up suitable interventions for sustainable implementation of planned projects. During the meeting, it was also decided that Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Administrator of Lakshadweep Islands will be included as members of IDA.

After detailed consultations with key stakeholders, ten islands namely Smith, Ross, Aves, Long and Little Andaman in Andaman

and Nicobar and Minicoy, Bangaram, Suheli, Cherium and Tinnakara in Lakshadweep have been identified for holistic development in the first phase.

Other Members of the IDA including Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary, Secretary (Environment, Forests and Climate Change), Secretary (Tourism) and Secretary (Tribal Welfare) also participated in the meeting.