Kerala Ports Dept chosen consultant for Andamans

Thiruvananthapuram: The Centre has approved Kerala Department of Ports as the consultant for the construction of a port of international standard in Andaman-Nicobar Islands. The proposed port is aimed at making good the heavy losses caused to the fishing sector of the islands by the tsunami in 2004.

The port will comply with the standards prescribed by the European Union and it will be located at the most suitable place, after conducting studies at important fishing areas in the islands such as Campell Bay, Hut Bay, Port Blair, Rangar Bay and Diglipur. The studies will cover aspects such as seabed mapping, direction of wind, wave and tidal currents, socio-economic issues of the areas and environmental impact. Based on the findings, the department will prepare blueprint of the project within one year and submit it to the Centre, according to the officials.