Govt to soon appoint consultant to explore opportunities for shortlisted Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep island clusters The Centre is going to implement a comprehensive plan to develop Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands, for an integrated modernisation of the region, under its 'Sagarmala' initiative. The plan is to develop these islands under the 'Swiss challenge system', where third parties make offers (challenges) for a project within a designated period to avoid exaggerated project costs. As a step forward in this direction, the government will soon appoint an island development consultant to identify opportunities for each of the shortlisted island clusters and prepare a detailed project report. The consultant will also manage the bidding process for the clusters and set up a cell to monitor the project implementation process. Islands with more than two sq km in area are to be taken up for commercial activities like tourism, agri...