Kochi/Lakshadweep, May 28 (Reporter) The Union Territory of Lakshadweep is fully committed to the growth of its islands through port-led development, Administrator Praful Patel said. Development projects include state-of-the-art jetties and port facilities, sea protection walls, acquisition of new ships and barges, water aerodromes, and development of a dedicated jetty in Old Mangalore port, along with other associated infrastructure for handling both cargo and passenger movements, the Administrator told UNI. Cochin Port Authority (CoPA), the implementing agency for port development projects, has initiated the requisite studies and tendering process. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) has accorded in-principle approval for the development of eastern and western jetties in Kadmat and Kalpeni islands and further accorded concurrence for the development of port facilities at Androth, at an estimated cost of Rs 1,664.88 crore, Patel said. The proposals for the development of port facilities in two other islands, namely Kiltan and Chetlat, at an estimated cost of Rs. 724.91 crore, are also under the active consideration of the MoPSW, said the Minister. According to him, a detailed project report is under preparation for the strengthening and modernisation of the eastern and western side jetties in Kavaratti, Agatti and Minicoy. The MoPSW has also accorded in-principle approval for the construction of beachfront facilities, including island peripheral roads and beach protection walls in Agatti (East & West), and accorded concurrence for the construction of beachfront facilities in Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti and Minicoy at an estimated cost of Rs. Rs.2128.86 crores, Patel said...////...