The Hindu : National : Quick decisions helped, says Ram Kapse

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Saturday, Jun 04, 2005

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Quick decisions helped, says Ram Kapse

S. Dorairaj

Andaman Lt. Governor says MSSRF's environment plan will be helpful

Lt. Governor Ram Kapse

PORT BLAIR: : Andaman and Nicobar Lt. Governor Ram Kapse said on Friday that quick decisions and collective efforts with the support of the Centre have resulted in the successful implementation of the rehabilitation programmes in the tsunami-ravaged areas in a short period against all odds, more particularly logistical problems.

The administration was fully satisfied with the helping hand extended by the Central Government, the Lt. Governor told The Hindu. "The Centre has acted upon our suggestions and requests wherever it has been feasible. All of us — the Administration, Defence and Non-Governmental Organisations — work together even as the whole nation stands behind us like a rock. We thank everyone who have helped us."

Dedicated work

Right from the Chief Secretary to the secretaries of various departments and all the Government personnel worked with total dedication and commitment in a systematic way without any set working hours to tackle the extraordinary situation caused by the natural disaster, Mr. Kapse said.

Under the Integrated Relief Command, a large quantity of materials procured by the Union Home Ministry was successfully transported to the affected islands, he said. The progress of rehabilitation work had been constantly reviewed and monitored.

Asked if the administration needed more officers of the Indian Administrative Service, he said: "We have got whatever we requested for." Though the administration expected more officers for a better management and technological improvement, the requirement was not very urgent, he said.

On the "Action Plan for the Development of post-tsunami New Andamans" presented by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Mr. Kapse said it would be helpful for protecting the environment even while ensuring the welfare and progress of the people.

Tribal councils consulted

To a query on the rehabilitation measures undertaken in the tribal areas, he said the tribal councils and chieftains were consulted. Whenever we were not in a position to concede their demands immediately, they were briefed of the situation. "They are sensitive but sensible people, who never complain," he said.

Though as per law any missing person could be declared dead only after seven years of disappearance, the Centre had authorised the administration to treat the "missing persons" as dead. Compensation to their kin was disbursed after receiving affidavits from them.

On distribution of relief to the tsunami victims, he said: "Our policy is that every genuinely affected person will get whatsoever is due to him."

The Chief Secretary to administration, D.S. Negi, said that in view of the large number of applications (around 82,000) for relief, the Deputy Commissioners had been asked to go into each case.

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