NEW DELHI: Ten islands from Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshdweep have been identified by the government for improving maritime economy, preserving the eco-system and addressing security concerns.

The islands include Smith, Ross, Aves, Long and Little Andaman in Andaman and Nicobar and Minicoy, Bangaram, Suheli, Cherium and Tinnakara in Lakshadweep, a home ministry statement said.

The decision was taken at the first meeting of the newly- constituted Islands Development Agency (IDA), chaired by Union home minister Rajnath Singh here today.

The IDA was set up on June 1 this year following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's review meeting for the development of islands.

During the meeting, the home minister presented the vision for developing India's maritime economy while preserving the natural eco-system and addressing the security concerns.

He also emphasised on the need for sustainable development of islands with people's participation.

The CEO of the NITI Aayog made a detailed presentation on the current status and the way forward for holistic development of identified islands, it said.

Such an exercise is being taken up for the first time in the country, it added.

The home minister said concept development plans and detailed master plans were being prepared for identified islands with principles of sustainability, people's participation, eco-system preservation and determination of carrying capacity as the guiding principles, according to the statement.

During the meeting, the progress being made for the formulation of integrated master plans and other matters concerning the islands development were also reviewed.

It was also decided that Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Administrator of Lakshadweep Islands will be included as members of IDA.

Admiral D K Joshi, former Navy chief and vice chairman of IDA, suggested taking up suitable interventions for sustainable implementation of planned projects.

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.

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10 islands from Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshdweep identified for development - Economic Times