Mukherjee to inaugurate Andaman and Nicobar Tribal Research and Training Centre

President Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate the Andaman and Nicobar Tribal Research and Training Centre here on Sunday.

He arrived from West Bengal here on Saturday and visited the national memorial cellular jail and placed wreath at the Martyrs' column.

He also addressed a civic reception hosted by the Port Blair Municipal Council.

Mukherjee said the Andaman and Nicobar islands have the potential to be a spring board for India's engagement with South East Asia and the Pacific region.

"These islands can be developed as a significant trading, shipping and tourist hub. These islands' rich tourism potentials need to be harnessed in an eco-friendly manner to preserve their extraordinary beauty," he said.

Highlighting the importance of disaster control measures in these disaster prone islands, Mukherji said the islands witnessed two severe cyclonic storms of Phailin and Lehar within two months, and complimented the administration for managing the situation.

He said the Union Government would extend support for developing communication, transport and healthcare facilities in the islands.