THE
LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | VOL 36 | ISSUE 01 | 01 OCT 2012
INTERVIEW: Amit Sateja, Director, Tourism
Focus on Basic Infrastructure: Amit Sateja
Amit Sateja, Director, Tourism,
AN Admn tried to clarify issues related to Viper Yatch Marina Project. However,
he has set his priorities right with focus on basic amenities at tourism sites
and building a convincing "Brand Andaman". Excerpts from the
interview:
There is an allegation that the revenue model adopted in Yatch
Marina Project is flawed? What if the Company shows loss in the books?
We have not mentioned about
profit sharing. Its revenue sharing and the company is bound to share 15% of
the revenue with the Admn.
What was the criterion for fixing Re 1 for the land component for
the next 35 years?
We have followed the guidelines
set by Planning Commission and in PPP mode; the land is leased out for Re 1
only.
What about the concession fee for the water front, which is fixed
at Rs 11.38 lakhs per annum? Is there any clause to increase the charges if
it's revised by Port Management Board (PMB)?
Yes, in the agreement, we have
clearly specified that the charges will increase if PMB revises it.
When the L1 bidder quoted 15% revenue sharing, the L2 has quoted
just 5% percent. Don't you think that the vast difference suggests foul play?
In PPP model, many figures are
arrived based on assumptions. How can we question them? If they have quoted 15%
revenue share, it's a good preposition for the government.
You have not specified the services for which the Company has to
share the revenue. What if the Company diverts its activities thus diverting
revenue as well?
They have the right to utilise
the services of other service providers.
The Planning Commission had raised many objections about the
project. Why did EFC or ANI Admn overlook it?
See, in a meeting, diverse
views come up. However, the final decision arrived by the Committee has to be
accepted.
Coming to tourism sector, why the whole focus is in South Andaman?
North and Middle Andaman remains neglected.
The Ministry of Tourism has
already engaged Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Ltd (IL&FS)
for a project circuit starting from Port Blair to Diglipur touching 8-9 tourism
spots. Basic amenities with required infrastructure will be provided at each
site and a circuit will be developed, for which the survey will start very
soon.
Moreover, for tourism to take
off, we need to have an anchor Island . For
South Andaman, it's Havelock
at present. We need to sort out the connectivity issues for tourism to develop
in the Islands .
What is the status of Canopy Walk? The Admn lost two years in vain
trying to procure Padauk.
Yes, now the proposal to use
Padauk has been dropped. We are using galvanised steel for the pillars and for
the walkway, steel covered with padauk. We need five clear months to complete
the project.
Don't you think that tourism is highly subsidised in the Islands ? Instead of earning revenue, we are spending on
tourists.
We need to look into
differential pricing for tourists and local population for the same services
like transportation fares to make tourism profitable. I will look into it.
What is your focus area? Do you have any projects in the anvil?
My first priority is to create
basic facilities like change rooms, drinking water and sheds at tourism sites.
Building Brand Andaman is
another area where we are concentrating. The tourism website is being revamped
and service providers' directory is in the process of updation. Once, we have
the list of registered service providers, we will share the Tourism Insignia
with them to be used on tourist vehicles.
We are also planning to take
the representatives of Associations to all festivals, national and
international.
This year in the IITF, 40%
space of the ANI stall is reserved for tourism. Moreover, we are continuously
pursuing the issue of exorbitant airfare in the mainland sector. Hopefully, the
issue will be resolved soon.
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