Question : CONSTRUCTION OF RESIDENTIAL HOUSES

(a) whether the residential housing units of airforce officers/staff at Car Nicobar were damaged by Tsunami waves;

(b) if so, whether the Government has constructed the residential housing units at Car Nicobar;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) if not, the reasons therefor alongwith the time by which these housing units are likely to be constructed;

(e) whether tribals of these areas have been asked to provide land for constructing houses for airforce officers/staff;

(f) if so, whether any agreement has been reached with the tribals in this regard; and

(g) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) & (c): Ready made prefabricated structures have been installed as a temporary measure for the Air Force personnel. Construction of permanent infrastructure for families will be undertaken when land is made available.

(d) to (g): Post Tsunami, the coastline has shifted and the area on which the erstwhile Married Accommodation of the Air Force was constructed has been inundated. The matter relating to allotment of land has been taken up with Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Administration. The A&N Administration has approached the Tribal Council to make available the required land. As soon as the land is made available, the houses will be constructed.