The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is fully-prepared to thwart any threat to the security of the strategically located islands, but infrastructure development to support the Unified Command assets and future accretions remain a major challenge, said ANC Commander-in-Chief (CINCAN) Vice Admiral P K Chatterjee.
"Infrastructure development of defence forces spurs local economic activities in any region. For instance, if the air strip at Campbell Bay is extended to 10,000 ft, the local population will be benefited as it will enable landing of larger passenger flights in the region.
"With about 26 per cent of India's coastline, rich marine wealth, potential for oil and natural gas and a growing tourism destination, augmenting the defence infrastructure will catapult economic activity in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which has the potential of acting as the spring board for India's Look East policy," Vice Admiral Chatterjee said.
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"Obtaining environmental clearances after extensive procedures remains a hurdle in augmenting defence infrastructure as 90 per cent of area in these islands are declared as forests.
"But, with existing resources and synergy between all four defence components Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, the Unified Command has grown manifold since inception and is prepared to face any challenge," the CINCAN told reporters here today.
"Synchronisation between different defence components has helped in building quality military troops over the years. Apprehension of foreign poachers have come down from 93 in 2013 to 27 this year. 24x7 surveillance of the seas and coastal areas by Navy and Coast Guard and agencies of the local administration has been ensured.
"But, the issue of illegal immigration needs to be addressed as it may become a cause of social unrest in future," stated Vice Admiral Chatterjee.
The ANC plays a crucial role in Defence Diplomacy through coordinated patrols with littoral nations like Myanmar, Indonesia and Thailand, the officer said adding, seamless integration of all elements in the recently held Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Management Exercise, Jal Suraksha, and other such exercises only strengthens humanitarian aid and disaster management of the ANC.
