Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that numerous developmental projects have been completed in Lakshadweep over the past 10 years of his government, and the Centre is committed to the progress of the islands.

The Prime Minister addressed a public function immediately after his arrival at Agatti Airport. During his address, Modi noted the immense possibilities that Lakshadweep offers and alleged that the islands faced neglect for many years after independence.

“The union territory is full of many possibilities, but for a long time after independence, the infrastructure of Lakshadweep was not given much attention,” he said. He mentioned weak port infrastructure, despite shipping being the lifeline of the islands. This applies to education, health, and even petrol and diesel as well, he said.

“Even though shipping is the lifeline of the archipelago, the port infrastructure is weak. Whether it’s health, education, or even petrol and diesel, we had to face a lot of problems. All these challenges are being addressed by our government,” Modi said.

He said the government has now taken up the task of developing the Lakshadweep Islands in earnest. Expressing optimism about the newly introduced ice plant at Agatti, the Prime Minister emphasised that it would pave the way for enhanced seafood processing possibilities on the island.

The Prime Minister said that many development projects were completed in Agatti in the past 10 years and mentioned the creation of modern facilities, especially for fishermen. He also touched upon the fact that Agatti now has an airport as well as an ice plant.

Thanks to this, Modi said, new possibilities are being created for the seafood export and seafood processing sectors. He mentioned the initiation of the export of tuna fish from Lakshadweep, which has also paved the way for increasing the income of the fishermen in the union territory.

Referring to new development projects, the prime minister mentioned the inauguration of a solar plant and an aviation fuel depot to meet the electricity and other energy needs of Lakshadweep.

He also spoke about providing tapped water connections to all houses on Agatti Island and reiterated the government’s efforts to ensure houses, toilets, electricity, and cooking gas for the poor.