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Milan – 2010 culminates with Traditional Naval Seeing off Ceremony
Port Blair, Feb 8: All the foreign ships, except Myanmar Naval Ship UMS Anawyahtar from Myanmar sailed out to return to their respective countries from the Naval Wharf on 08 Feb 10. The Ships were seen off at a traditional ceremony attended by Indian Naval Officers and the impressive Military Band. The Military Band present during the ceremony played melodious and impressive military tunes along with our, as well each respective country's National Anthem.
The first warship to depart was Bangladesh Naval Ship Kapatakhaya in the morning and the last Ship to leave the Naval Jetty was Singapore Naval Ship RSS Katong. Indian Naval Ship INS Kesari and INS Battimalv also sailed out for the Passage Exercise (PASSEX) which is the standard procedure during departure of foreign Naval Ships. Commodore P Suresh, Naval Officer-in-Charge, Andaman & Nicobar was the overall in-charge of this exercise. During the exercise the ships carried out Manoeuvres and Communication drills. The exercise was terminated by an impressive steam past after which all the foreign Ships were bid ‘Bon Voyage’. The PASSEX exercise is aimed at enhancing the level of understanding between the Asia-Pacific countries and strengthening "Friendship Across the Seas". Indian Naval Ship INS Battimalv will proceed for international exercise with the Singapore Navy.
The littoral counties of the Asia-Pacific departed with a message of harmony and peaceful coexistence and with a promise to meet again in 2012 at Port Blair with same spirit and enthusiasm.
The entire range of activities of the MILAN 2010 was appreciated by all the visiting foreign delegates and naval ships. The visitors were highly impressed with the cultural programmes at various functions and the City Parade. Andaman and Nicobar Command is extremely thankful to the guidance and the blessings of the Honourable Lieutenant Governor and also expresses appreciation and a sincere thanks for the whole hearted support and cooperation extended by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and the people of Port Blair for the successful conduct of the MILAN 2010.
3rd Indian Navy - Myanmar Navy Sports Championship from Today
Port Blair, Feb 08: The third edition of Indian Navy-Myanmar Navy Sport Championship will commence on 09 Feb 10. This Championship will be conducted over three days from 09 - 11 Feb 10, in five disciplines – Sailing, Golf, Football, Basketball and Volleyball.
The players of the Myanmar Navy have come onboard their ship UMS Anawrahta, which was here for MILAN - 2010. Both the teams have been practicing hard and the Championship is sure to a competitive one. The first edition of the Championship was held at Port Blair in Jan 2008 and second edition was played at Myanmar in Oct 2008.
The Championship will be inaugurated by Commodore P Suresh, Naval Component Commander on 09 Feb 10 at the Naval Sailing Club. The first event of the championship will be the Sailing Regatta conducted by Indian Naval Ship Jarawa.
The Golf tournament and the Football match are scheduled on 10 Feb 10. The Golf tournament will be played at ANCOM Golf Links, Birchgunj. Football match will be held at the Netaji Subhash Stadium from 1500h onwards on 10 Feb 10.
The final day of the Championship will witness the Basketball and Volleyball matches between the two navies. These matches will be played at the Command Gymnasium, Minnie Bay.
30 percent curtailment in treated water supply
Port Blair, Feb 08: Keeping in view the availability of water in Dhanikhari Dam, APWD will be imposing 30% curtailment in the supply of treated water to PBMC w.e.f. 15th Feb. 2010. Due to above curtailment of water, the distribution of water supply will be made every third day instead of alternate day by PBMC in the municipal are till further notice w.e.f. 15th Feb. 2010.’
CARI to organize Island Kisam Mela Today
Port Blair, Feb 08: The Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) will be organizing Island Kisan Mela on the theme “Livestock and Poultry Farming for Decent Livelihood” at its CARI premises, Garacharma, Port Blair from 9th to 10th February, 2010. Dr A. K. Singh, Deputy Director General (Natural Resource Management), ICAR, New Delhi will be the Chief Guest and inaugurate the mela at 10.30 am on 9th February, 2010. Mr. M.A. Salam, Director, Agriculture, Dr. V Krishnamurthy, Director, Fisheries, and Dr. B. Mahto, Director, AH&VS, A&N Administration will be the guests of honour and Dr. R. C. Srivastava, Director, CARI will preside over the function.
To make the island agriculture, a vibrant occupation for the youths and to provide perishable livestock products to local population at reasonable cost, few technologies will be on the display viz; Rural poultry, Quail, Turkey and Guinea Fowl production , AI for upgradation of the goats, Oestrus synchronization and Clean milk production technology. Other attraction of the mela will be Pond based Integrated Farming System, Broad Bed and Furrow system, drudgery reducing farm implements Apart from CARI Division, line department of A & N Administration, NGOs, Private groups will be putting up stalls to showcase their technologies in the Mela for the betterment of the stakeholders.
Visit of students to facilitate scientific temperament and urban dwellers to provide first hand information on the activities of our institute is also planned during the mela. The two day programme will be also have Kisan Gosthi, Farmers quiz, Khulla Munch, Film shows on the technologies in agriculture and allied fields, awareness programme on Potential Fishing Zone and many other interactive session for the benefit of the target group. More than 500 farmers representing all the three districts will be participating in the two day Island Kisan Mela.
City Parade: Sukhoi, Sky divers leave spectators spellbound
SL Navy personnel march to 'Sare Jahan se Achha'
Port Blair, Feb 08: It was a moment of applause for Sri Lankan Navy personnel as they marched to the tune of Mohammed Iqbal's 'Sare Jahan Se Achha', drawing cheer from the crowd at the grand finale of the 13-nation Milan-2010 naval exercise here on Sunday.
Heads turned and eyes widened as the song was played to marching tunes by the 30-man contingent from the island nation who joined the "city parade" through the main thoroughfare of this town. The men were from the Sri Lankan Naval Ship Samudura, an offshore patrol vessel.
The parade, attended by top dignitaries of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and senior officers from the Tri-services command, was marked by a fly past by Chetak helicopters from naval air station INS Utkrosh, twin-engine Mi-8 transport helicopter from the IAF, Dornier aircraft from the navy and Coast Guard and IAF Sukhoi fighters.
The Sukhois, which took off from Kalaikunda in West Bengal, flew over Port Blair after mid-air refuelling by IL-78 tankers. There was also a demonstration by Marine Commandos (MARCOS) who para jumped into the water from AN-32 transport aircraft and Mi-8 helicopter, carrying out a simulated attack on a dummy oil rig platform and destroying it with clock work precision.
Overall the MILAN 2010 is successful in terms of energy, attention and enthusiasm the event has generated not only in these islands but all around the globe. The Public Relations unit of Andaman and Nicobar Command and done a wonderful job by wonderfully coordinating with local and national media during the event. Almost every task during MILAN 2010 was well-planned and wonderfully executed.
Coast Guard apprehends fourteen foreign poachers from Andaman Sea
Port Blair, Feb 08: The Indian Coast Guard apprehended 11 Myanmarese and 3 Thai poachers, alongwith their boat namely ‘Sa Pong Khol’ near Bompaka Island of Nicobar Group of Islands on Sunday after a hot pursuit, officials said today. Interestingly, India’s first Tri-Service Joint Command, Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is presently organizing MILAN 2010, a biennial gathering of navies of the Indian Ocean region to foster friendship, at Port Blair in which Navies of Myanmer and Thailand are also participating.
Coast Guard Ship on its patrol mission sighted the suspicious boat near Bompaka Island between Chowra Island and Tillangchong Island on Sunday afternoon. On sighting CG Ship the boat recovered diving equipments and increase speed and tried to escape but out CG Ship intercepted the boat and poachers involved in illegal activities,” Commandant Vijay Singh, the Public Relations Officer of Indian Coast Guard in Andaman told ‘Andaman Sheekha’ Today.
Indian Coast Guard Ship Kanaklata Barua carried out this mission. The operation was coordinated by newly commissioned Indian Coast Guard Station Hut Bay of South Andaman. “Post commissioning of Coast Guard Station Hut Bay, Coast Guard operation in the region has been given an impetus and now Coast Guard Ships can handover the apprehended poachers and boat to Hut Bay rather than getting them to Port Blair. This is facilitating enhanced presence of ship in operational area and reduced time on transit,” the Coast Guard PRO added.
As per details the poachers were carrying equipments like VHF set for communication, diving compressor and other accessories that are used to conduct diving operation. “Initial interrogation revealed that the poachers were carrying out diving in search of sea cucumber, coral and valuable ornamental fishes etc. The ship's boarding party during search of boat seized approximately 700 kg ornamental fish. It is believed that these catches have a high value demand in international market,” he added.
After this incident Indian Coast Guard has further increased its surveillance in the area. The poacher’s boat will be handed over to Police authority at Hut Bay for further investigation after reaching Hut Bay Port by Monday evening, the PRO added.
05.01.09
Indian Olympic Association told to comply with RTI Act
Units under IOA functioning in Islands should declare names of PIOs and Appellate authorities
Staff Reporter
Port Blair, Feb 04: As it is known to all that the Sports Ministry has recently asked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and 2010 Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee to comply with Right to Information Act and immediately appoint Central Public Information Officers and Appellate Authorities. The IOA and 2010 CWG OC has been sent communications to this effect in pursuance to the Delhi High Court order of January 7, which has declared both entities as Public Authorities.
The IOA and CGO committees tried to keep themselves out of the reach of Right to Information Act pleading that they are the independent body so they should not be come under the RTI but the Government discarded their appeal saying that it may be an independent body but the budget is sponsored by the government itself which is nothing but the hard earned money of the tax payers or the general public. So, the logic behind the enforcement or enactment of the RTI is very simple.
Hence, it can be expected by the games and sports lover and even for the general public of these Islands that the unit of Olympic Association functioning in these Islands and all the Local Sports Associations working under it will also be come under the orbit of Right to Information Act.
The people of these Islands are keenly waiting for the enactment of the same rule in Andaman too, so that public could know the fact behind hundreds of allegations of corruption against various sports Associations of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Many allege that these sports associations are law unto themselves and neither their style of working is legal nor the way of maintaining accounts. Things will become crystal clear only when Administration will bring IOA and other Sports Associations under RTI Act.
As the Sports Ministry has asked the Indian Olympic Association and 2010 Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee to comply with Right to Information Act and immediately appoint Central Public Information Officers and Appellate Authorities, the Andaman & Nicobar Administration should also ask the units of the IOA to comply with Right to Information Act and they also should be asked to appoint Public Information Officers and Appellate Authorities as early as possible for the practical execution of the Act.
LG, First Lady interacts with participants of Milan-2010
Port Blair, Feb 04: The Lt. Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, today interacted with naval delegates from several countries who are here to participate in the Milan-2010 at Raj Niwas. The First Lady of these Islands, Smt Bhawanee Singh, Member of Parliament, Mr. B. P. Ray, senior officers from the Defence service and civil administration were also present on the occasion.
Chief of Naval Staff to Address International Seminar on MILAN
Port Blair, Feb. 04: The main attraction of MILAN 2010 on 05 Feb 10 will be a day long International Seminar on ‘Navies in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Operations’. The seminar will be inaugurated by Lt Gen (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, the Lt Governor, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Admiral Nirmal Verma, the Chief of Naval Staff will deliver the Keynote Address.
The seminar will focus on issues pertaining to Systemising Logistical Challenges and Solutions for Integrated Emergency Response Management, Community Response and Inter Agency Civil Cooperation for Disaster Management and Naval International Cooperation for HADR Operations in South Asia – Forgoing New Alliances and Mechanisms. During the proceedings of the seminar a total of 10 papers will be presented out of which 06 will be by speakers from Singapore, Bangladesh, Indonesia, New Zealand, Australia and Sri Lanka.
The Seminar will culminate with a brain storming Open House session which is likely to throw up fresh ideas and innovations in the field of HADR operations.
Military Bands Enthrall Port Blair
Port Blair, Feb 04: A scintillating band concert was organised at Marina Park in the evening hours of 04 Feb 10. The musical extravaganza, consisting of exhilarating performances by the bands of the Indian Army and Indian Navy, was conducted as a part of Milan-2010. In addition to an enthralling variety of martial music, the concert also featured popular Indian numbers like Jai Ho, Mera Mulk Mera Desh, Kal Ho Na Ho and Western numbers like Hotel Californis, The Stars and Stripes Forever. Major Gen AK Chaturvedi, Chief of Staff, Andaman and Nicobar Command was the Chief Guest during the event.
The Naval Band at Port Blair maintained by INS Jarawa, was commissioned in 1985 with 11 musicians. The band presently has 16 musicians who performed under the baton of CP Singh Master Chief Petty Officer Musician II. He has the distinction of conducting the band at various local, national and international musical festivals. The band was recently deployed onboard Indian Naval Ship Kesari to Malaysia during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA 09), where the Naval Band entertained an audience of 20 countries with delightful music and scored third position in the international band competition. The 28 member Indian Naval Band which performed at the international Band concert at Marina Park, was augmented by 12 musicians from Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam.
The impressive Military Band of the Army Ordnance Corps was inducted in 1953. The Band has performed several times at Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, Beating Retreat, Republic Day Parade and Independence Day Parade as also in the SAF Games in 1993 and the Military World Games in 2007. The Band has entertained music lovers in various events and also stood first in the prestigious Indian Army Band Competition. The Band Concert was open to general public and was received enthusiastically by a large crowd at Marina Park.
Table Top Exercise Organised during Milan
Port Blair, Feb 04: In the first operational interaction of MILAN 2010, officers from all nine ships from various Navies of the region and three ships from the Andaman and Nicobar Flotilla came together to participate in a Table Top Exercise called 'Milan Perseverance'. The Table Top Exercise was conducted at the Naval Component Headquarters on 04 Feb 2010.
Exercise 'Milan Perseverance' was aimed at enabling all the participating ships of various Navies of the region, to undertake joint planning towards building mutual confidence and improving inter-operability in dealing with present day problems of piracy, gun & drug running and illegal migration.
Ops Teams from various ships were grouped in mixed syndicates and were given a specific situation to respond to and formulate plans jointly. The lessons learnt from Exercise 'Milan Perseverance' will go a long way in improving inter-operability in dealing with present day maritime problems of the region.
ANCOFED release payment for arecanut farmers
Port Blair, Feb 04: The ANCOFED has released the payment of two arecanut farmers who are yet to collect their payment cheques. Accordingly, Shri Ramesh Nair of Calicut (Rs.2200/-) and Shri Nirupada Ray of VK Pur, Hut bay (Rs.6060/-) have been asked to collect their respective cheque after submitting their valid documents like identity card, original receiving challan issued by the Sub-Agent/ Federation, land document, legal heir certificate in case of the deceased farmer if any, within 15 days time or otherwise the amount of the respective farmers will be returned back to the Registrar of Coop. Societies, A&N Islands. For any details one can contact the General Manager, ANCOFED Ltd. over ph. no. 245590/ 233195/ 243916/ cell no. 9933286362, a communication said here.
Workshop on Tobacco Control by UNNATI
Port Blair, Feb. 04: UNNATI is organizing a workshop on Tobacco Control in association with the Directorate of Health Services and Zilla Parishad with the support of Health Related Information Dissemination Among Youths (HRIDAY), Delhi based Organisation for enforcement officials and non officials on 17.02.2010 at Zilla Parishad Conference Hall. For conducting the Workshop Resource persons were also arranged from Delhi
Port Blair, Feb 04: The State Bank of India will be opening its Havelock Branch on 05th February 2010 at 11.30 a.m. The Regional Manager of SBI Mr. Subhash Ranjan Banik, will inaugurate the Branch.
IGNOUs Entrance tests for OPENMAT
Port Blair, Feb 04: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is conducting Entrance tests for Management Programmes (OPENMAT-XXVII) on Sunday, 7th February, 2010, between 10 am to 1pm AT IGNOU SC 0201, JNR Mahavidyalaya, Port Blair. The entrance test is for the academic session starting July 2010. The Entrance Test is being organized in 131 examination centres including Port Blair, accommodating 16,712 candidates for Management (OPENMAT-XXVII). In view of the MILAN related arrangements, all the candidates are advised to report at the Examination centre 45 minutes before commencement of the Entrance test.
The Hall tickets have already been dispatched to the candidates by IGNOU. The particulars of Hall tickets are also available on the IGNOU website, www.ignou.ac.in. In case of non-receipt of Hall ticket by any candidate, it can be downloaded from the University website by entering Name and Date of Birth of the candidate.
In case candidates are unable to download the Hall ticket, they can contact the Regional Centre and obtain the information of Examination Centre allocated and report to the Examination Centre with proof of submission of Entrance test application form, along with a recent passport size photograph. In this case, they have to submit an undertaking at the Examination Centre stating that if the information furnished by them is found to be incorrect, their candidature will be cancelled. The Regional Centre, Port Blair shall be kept open on Saturday, 6th February 2010 between 10 am & 3 pm for this purpose. IGNOU has deputed Central observers in all the 131examination centres to ensure smooth conduct of the entrance test.
04.01.09
Mad run for mega tourism projects but what about maintenance of existing tourist spots
Staff Correspondent
Hut Bay, Feb 03: The Island Tourism Festival is over along with the fever of tourism promotion. Sadly, for promotion of tourism a lot has been claimed in past but nothing concrete has happened on ground. Many projects have been declared by the tourism department very recently but nothing has been planned for the maintaining or developing existing tourist spots by the department. One such example is the exquisite water fall of Little Andaman Island, which is one of the most wonderful nature’s gifts, for these islands. The Little Andaman has also got magnificent butler bay beach and beautiful plantation of oil palms.
But a recent visit to the Islands has once again showed that how visionless is our Administration towards promoting tourism. Sadly all these places are under Andaman Nicobar Forest Plantation Corporation Ltd., a sick farm. Since nearly last decade no effort was undertaken to beautify these places or to market these sites for tourism. Sadly from the side of Administration
The water fall, oil palm plantation and Butler Bay beach of Little Andaman provide an ideal location for the tourists especially the nature lovers and bird watchers but tourists visiting water fall site has to walk for more than 4 kilometer through an uncarpeted road, which is presently in worst condition. Presently person visiting the waterfall site feel like as he if he visiting some ruins of old civilization. The tourism department, PRI and the APWD should come forward to maintain the waterfall for the greater interest of the development of tourism sector and the islanders alike.
The Administration should think of starting luxury boats or helicopter service especially for tourist for encouraging tourism in Little Andaman, which most of the tourists prefer to skip due to the long boat journey. Proper maintenance will not only promote tourism but also general more employment for the residents of Little Andaman Island.
Set platform for harnessing synergy among research institutions: Andaman LG
Staff Reporter
Port Blair, Feb 03: The Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands today urged all the research Institutions of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to set up a suitable platform for harnessing synergy among different research institutions based in Andaman and Nicobar Islands for the betterment of the Islanders.
The XXIst All India BTISnet (Bioinformatics Network Programme) Coordinators’ meeting was inaugurated by the Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bhopinder Singh at Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) premises of South Andaman Islands.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion he said that there are various research institutions such as CARI, Regional Center of National Institute of Ocean Technology and Regional Medical Research Center (RMRC), which are involved in diverse area of research relevant to these islands.
“These islands represent one of the richest repositories of biodiversity in the whole of south and South East Asia. They are a virtual bio-reserve, which is unique both in terms of biodiversity and abundance. Situated between two major biodiversity hot spot- the Indian subcontinent and Malasia-Indonesia region, it is hardly surprising that the islands manifest biodiversity of extraordinary range with a limited geographical area,” the Lt. Governor said.
Expressing gratitude to the Department of Biotechnology, GoI New Delhi for running BTISnet successfully over two decades, bringing together huge number of institutions working in different life sciences and biotechnology, the Lt. Governor said that the network certainly has enormous impact on the nation growth especially in Research & Development Advancement and Human Resource Development.
Referring to the meeting, the Lt. Governor expressed hope that experts cutting across specialization would share their experiences and exchange ideas towards achieving the goal.
“21st century is going to revolutionize the science especially biology. Many areas such as genomics, proteomics, cheminformatics and drug design, molecular phylogenies have shown considerable advancement with the support of bioinformatics. These are the frontier areas of science where success will promise better health for human kind,” he said.
The Lt. Governor also released the proceeding of the meeting on the occasion.
Speaking as the guest of honor on the occasion, Dr. Vishwa Mohan Katoch, Secretary, Department of Health Research, Ministry of health & Family Welfare, also the Director General, ICMR underlined the need for strengthening the bio-information network by developing more manpower.
“There are lot to be done including human resource development to fill the lacuna with specialty in agriculture and forestation. Success lies in the human resource capability to identify problems and solve them,” he said.
Dr. M Vijayan, Chairman BTISnet Task Force and Dr. T Madhan Mohan, Advisor, Department of Biotechnology New Delhi were among others who addressed the gathering highlighting the need for combine efforts of biologists and computer scientists in collecting and storing bio-information data and research works.
FOREIGN WARSHIPS ARRIVES FOR MILAN – 2010
Port Blair, Feb 03: The arrival of nine foreign Naval ships and delegates from the participating countries in the MILAN - 2010 at Port Blair from Australia, Brunei, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam during the morning hours of 03 Feb to participate in the biennial mega event marked the beginning of MILAN 2010. The ships were given the traditional welcome with military bands playing martial tunes at the Naval Wharf. In addition, school children from local schools waving flags added to the gaiety and colour as the foreign warships came alongside.
On arrival, the Commanding Officers of the warships and the delegates, comprising of senior officers, were briefed about the itinerary of MILAN 2010 and the alluring Andaman and Nicobar Islands. During the forenoon hours, the delegation of Brunei headed by Lt Col (L) Haji Otha Bin Suhaili, Commodore Joel T Babas of Philippines and Commodore Ross Smith of New Zealand RNZM and the senior officer from the Singapore delegation Col Chua Meng Seng and the Commanding officers of the Royal Singapore Ships (RSN) called on Vice Admiral D.K. Joshi, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN).
The Vietnam delegation headed by the senior most visiting officer RAdm Nguyen Viet Nhien, the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff called on the CINCAN.
During the afternoon hours the delegation head and the Commanding officers of the visiting foreign ships which included Commander Ismail Bin Othman of Malaysia, Capt Myint New of Myanmar, Commodore DMS Dissanayaka of Sri Lanka, Capt I Wayan Suarjaya, S.Sos of Indonesia, Commodore Kaji Sarwar Hossain of Bangladesh, Capt Leslie Vaughn Henry Rixon, CSC, ADC, RAN of Australia and Lt Cdr Patiroop Khemtis of Thailand called on Vice Admiral D.K. Joshi.
The delegations along with the Commanding Officers of the visiting ships also called on Commodore P Suresh, the Naval Officer-in-Charge (A & N). The officers and men of the foreign warships visited places of historical importance in and around Port Blair, including a visit to the National Memorial.
International Band Concert at Marina Park Today
Port Blair, Feb 03: As a part of MILAN 2010, an international band concert is being organised at Marina Park at 1730 hrs on 04 Feb 10. The musical extravaganza will consist of exhilarating performances by the bands of Indian Army, Indian Navy and the visiting Bangladesh and Sri Lankan Navies. In addition to an enthralling variety of martial music, the concert will also feature popular Indian and Western numbers. The Indian Naval Band performing at Marina Park will be a 28-member team including 12 musicians from Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam. The Band Concert is open to general public and all are cordially invited for the event.
A Triumphant Return for J-24 from Phuket
Port Blair, Feb 03: The sailboat J-24 arrived Port Blair on 03 Feb 10, from her maiden voyage to Phuket in Thailand. The 24 foot long sailboat, commandeered by five experienced crew and led by Commander Rahul Sinha, had sailed on its maiden voyage to Phuket in Thailand across the Andaman Sea on 17 Jan 10 and reached Phuket on 22 Jan 10, along with the escort ship INLCU-38. The return leg of the journey commenced on 24 Jan 10 from Phuket. J-24 covered over 800 Nautical Miles (nm) of distance from Port Blair to Phuket and back.
In a colourful and buoyant ceremony at the Naval Jetty this morning, Geminis and boats along with two tugs of ANC sailed off Chatam Island to welcome the J-24 in Port Blair harbor. She was received by Vice Admiral D.K. Joshi, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command at the Naval Wharf. As per tradition, Indian Naval Ships berthed at the Naval Wharf blew their sirens and manned the shipside to welcome the sailboat as the Army and Navy bands played welcome tunes.
At a small presentation on arrival, the skipper of the J-24, Cdr Rahul Sinha recounted the crew’s travails and experiences on this unique adventure. Vice Admiral D.K. Joshi felicitated the crew and presented them with mementoes. The J-24 led a host of foreign naval ships from eight countries into Port Blair as they arrived today for the eagerly awaited biennial professional and cultural conglomeration of navies of the region – MILAN 2010.
Port Blair, Feb 03: Super Specialists of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Kerala will be rendering their services in GB Pant Hospital, Port Blair starting from Feb 8 to 14, 2010. Cardiologist, Dr. K.U. Natarajan, Urologist, Dr. Balagopal Nair and G.I. Surgeon, Dr. Dinesh Balakrishnan will provide their services during these days.
They will examine the patients in Room No. 17 & 6 of OPD, GBPH, Port Blair. General public may register their names with Dr. S. S. Singh, Medical Specialist/ Dr. Omkar Singh, Medical Specialist, Dr. B. G. Lai, Surgical Specialist/ Dr. Sukumar Saha, General Surgeon/ Dr. A. K. Dubey, CMO (NFSG)/ Dr. Sulaiman, MO, GBPH, Port Blair.
Port Blair, Feb 03: The Ross Island will be closed for general public/ tourists on Feb 5 & 6, 2010 in view of MILAN 2010. No tourist/ boat operator will be allowed on Ross Island on Feb 5 & 6, 2010. No tour should be booked for Ross and no boat will be allowed to berth or anchored within 200 meters of Ross island view security reasons. Ross Island will be open for Visitors on Feb 7, 2010 after 1300 hrs, a communication said.
03.01.09
Students’ dreams devastated by Tsunami
Poor students of Little Andaman still waiting for Tsunami Relief Package
Staff Correspondent
Hut Bay, Feb 02: Even after five painful years after the Boxing Day Tsunami some students of Little Andaman Islands are still waiting to get some relief under education sector. Though everybody had toiled hard to get relief from the government in some or other way the students were neglected totally.
Nobody is there to look into the grievances of these students who were equally affected by this tragedy (tsunami) for which the whole world came up with assistance. The condition of the students of Little Andaman Island speaks the plight of the students who were severely affected by the tsunami 2004. Nearly 10,000 families lost their everything on the Tsunami Day of 2004 and children of those families were perhaps the worst sufferers.
In the name of providing succor to the effected students applications were invited by the concerned authorities to provide them relief the effort of Administration was clearly half hearted. However, 600 students out of the 1100, who had applied for relief, were provided relief of meager amount but the others were denied any relief for no concrete reasons. The students feel that whether the authorities have taken the money in the name of the students as it happened in many cases during tsunami.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha the Pramukh of Little Andaman Mr. Joga Rao pointed out that atleast dozens of letters were written to the concerned authorities to provide some relief to rest 500 odd poor students who lost everything in Tsunami waves but till now they have not received any reply from the Administration.
The concerned authorities/department should inform the students about what happened to the relief funds meant to the students and when it will be disbursed to the students. The Administration should conduct an inquiry to bring forward the actual position of the applications invited to provide relief to the students of Little Andaman also other areas, so that the students who are affected, should feel that the Administration is with them and justice will be done in their case.
Moderate Earthquake hits Andamans
Port Blair, Feb 02: A moderate earthquake of 4.5 at Richter scale was reported from Andamans today. According IMD report the quake was reported at 1125 hrs somewhere near Hut Bay Island at 10.9 degree Latitude and 92.0 degree Longitude. According to disaster control room of Port Blair, there was no report of any kind of damage to public property. However the quake was felt by many in Port Blair area.
Andaman lacks quality mementos for tourists
Sobbosachi Mondol
Port Blair, Feb 02: Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a famous world class tourist spot where people from all over the world visit. Everyday hundreds of tourists consisting of both the inter-national and domestic tourists come to these Islands and visits all the important and enchanting places.
Apart from the natural scenic beauty, these Islands are also famous for the places of historical interests. The national memorial Cellular Jail, the Chatham Island where the first batch of freedom fighters were landed, the Ross Island which was the capital of British Administrators, the Mount Harriet which was the summer camp for the British Administrators, the Viper Island and many more places of historical interest attracts a large number of Domestic and International tourists to these Islands.
But unlike other tourist spots of our country, there is nothing in these Islands which can be taken by the tourists as a memento. The small scale industry or the handicraft units of these Islands are not so rich skilled to produced quality mementos or souvenir, which tourist can take back. At present whatever handicrafts and other products are available in these Islands are either of low quality or products brought/purchased from mainland in which there is hardly any touch of these Islands. Tourists or visitors want to take with them some token of these Islands as a reminder of these Islands and the mainland products do not eally have any importance to them.
It is the role of the Industry Department and Department of Tourism to train and motivate the local talents to produce something original and unique for the tourists which can be taken back by the tourists from here. This will not only keep visiting tourists happy but it will also help to generate employment and revenue for the Islanders.
For this purpose, experts from famous handicraft institutes of mainland should be brought here to train the local talents so that the products may be produced in these Islands itself with the unique touch of these Islands which may be proudly differentiate as the memento of these Islands. This will make both the customer and the producer satisfied.
ANC’s sailboat J- 24 to lead foreign naval ships for Milan 2010
Port Blair, Feb 02: The sailboat J-24 of India’s Andaman and Nicobar Command will arrive at Port Blair tomorrow morning, from her maiden voyage to Phuket in Thailand. “The J-24 will lead a host of foreign naval ships from eight countries into Port Blair as they arrive for the eagerly awaited biennial professional and cultural conglomeration of navies of the region – MILAN 2010,” Commander Abhinav Barve the Public Relations Officer of Andaman and Nicobar Command told ‘Andaman Sheekha’ today.
The 24 foot long sailboat, commandeered by five experienced crew and led by Commander Rahul Sinha, sailed on its maiden voyage to Phuket in Thailand across the Andaman Sea on January 17,2010 and reached Phuket on January 22, 2010, along with the escort ship INLCU-38. “The return leg of the journey commenced on January 24, 2010 from Phuket. The arrival of J-24 at Port Blair will coincide with the first day of mega event MILAN – 2010,” the Naval Commander added.
The J-24 sailing expedition planned by India’s first tri-service Joint Command, Andaman Nicobar Command was a unique experience in seamanship and adventure and has provided invaluable experience to the crew and planners alike. Milan, which would be participated by navies of 13 countries (including India), is organized in at Port Blair to foster bonds of Friendship across the Seas and share views of common maritime issues.
As per updated report navies of Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam will be taking part in Milan – 2010 out of which nine ships of eight countries will reach Port Blair. Singapore will be sending two Navy Ships while Cambodia will be taking part in Milan for the first time. Top Indian Defence officers are also scheduled to visit Port Blair during Milan 2010, which includes Chief of Naval Staff of India, Admiral Nirmal Verma.
Port Blair, Feb 02: As a part of MILAN 2010, an international band concert is being organised at Marina Park at 1730 hrs on 04 Feb 10. The musical extravaganza will consist of exhilarating performances by the bands of Indian Army, Indian Navy and the visiting Bangladesh and Sri Lankan Navies. In addition to an enthralling variety of martial music, the concert will also feature popular Indian and Western numbers. The Indian Naval Band performing at Marina Park will be a 28-member team including 12 musicians from Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam. The Band Concert is open to general public and all are cordially invited for the event.
Army Conducts Medical Camp at Tarasa Island Med Camp Tarasa
Port Blair, Feb 02: A medical camp was organised on 29 Jan 10 at Tarasa Island by the Army Component of Andaman and Nicobar Command. The Camp was organised as part of the ongoing efforts of the Andaman and Nicobar Command in shouldering its social responsibilities for the help of the local populace of the Islands. The medical team which was led by Capt Ashish Chauhan of 108 Mtn Bde established camp at Village Enam, a remote location, approximately 16 kilometers from the Public Health Centre, Tarasa Island. A total of 85 patients including ladies and children were treated.
The medical camp was conducted to increase the health awareness among people of Tarasa Island and to extend a help to the ailing. The major illnesses observed were persistent skin diseases and malaria. In addition to medicines, nutritional supplements were also distributed to the needy. The camp was given wide publicity at the island well in advance in coordination with the civil authorities and the local civil medical officer Dr. Abhijit Dey.
The residents of Village Enam, Tarasa Island have been greatly benefitted from the Medical Camp and have expressed their gratitude to the Andaman and Nicobar Command.
Dr. V.M. Katoch, Secretary to the GoI & Director General, ICMR on visit
Port Blair, Feb 02: Dr. Vishwa Mohan Katoch, Secretary to the Govt. of India, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research shall be visiting these Islands on 3rd February, 2010. Dr.Katoch is a world renowned expert in the field of Mycobacterial Research and has contributed substantially to our current understanding of Mycobacterial diseases such as tuberculosis and leprosy. Since his assumption of charge and the Director General of ICMR and Secretary, DHR he has been giving special emphasis to translational research that aims at transferring information from workbench or clinic to the bed-side of patients or to the community.
During his stay in Port Blair, he will visit Regional Medical Research Centre, Port Blair and inaugurate the modernized research laboratory at the Centre. He will interact with the scientists of the Centre and review various projects being undertaken by the RMRC.
Curtailment in water supply in areas under panchayats
Port Blair, Feb 02: Due to receding of water level in Dhanikhari Dam and other sources, it has been decided by the competent authority to impose curtailment against water drawn presently from Dhanikhari Dam and other sources.
Accordingly, 30% curtailment will be made to all areas being supplied by APWD under different panchayats such as Garacharma-I, Garacharma-II, Dollygunj, Sipighat, Prothrapur, Brichgunj, Beodnabad, Chouldari, Humfreygunj and Guptapara under the jurisdiction of Public Health Engineering Division, APWD with effect from 15.02.2010. Therefore, the general public are requested to use the water judiciously.
Efforts by HVADA to commercialise horticulture
Port Blair, Feb 02: The High Value Agriculture Development Agency is extending all efforts to commercialize Horticulture by promoting latest technologies from sowing, harvest to post harvest technology, create opportunity for employment generation and make agriculture a vibrant industry.
Under the National Horticulture Mission programme, for Introduction of New Technologies, the High Value Agriculture Development Agency is providing financial assistance for Technology Demonstration on Hi-tech vegetables/flowers cultivation under Controlled Atmosphere in farmers’ fields. This will be organized at strategic location in farmer's field for which financial assistance limited to 75% of the Project Cost will be provided to the beneficiary and 25% of the Project Cost will be the beneficiary's contribution.
For Green House/Poly House cultivation, the area will be limited to 500 sqmt. for which the High Value Agriculture Development Agency through National Horticulture Mission will provide financial assistance of Rs.5.00 Lakhs per unit which will be the 75% of the Project cost and the farmer have to spend around Rs.1.68 lakhs i.e. 25% of the Project cost (Total Project Cost would be Rs. 6.68 to 7.0 Lakhs) for establishing the Hi- tech infrastructure like Green House/Poly house for cultivation of vegetable/flowers.
The advantages with greenhouses are that any crop can be grown in any season of the year depending on the market demand, excellent quality of the produce, disease free produce etc. The yield in greenhouse is 2.5 to 3 times higher compared to the yield obtained in open field cultivation.
For availing assistance, a Project Report may be submitted. The interested Farmers/Entrepreneurs/NGOs/Co-operatives/SHGs may send their application alongwith Project Report to the Nodal Officer, HVADA latest by 15th February 2010. The Technical Committee of HVADA will take the decision and the selected farmer/entrepreneur will sign a tri party agreement. For further details contact the Nodal Officer, HVADA, Directorate of Agriculture, Haddo, Port Blair on all working days. (Phone. 237284).
MP supports farmers’ demands for compensation for crop damage
Port Blair, Feb 02: The Member of Parliament, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray has supported the demand of the farmers for compensation for the loss they reportedly incurred the recent sudden rain. As part of his week long tour, the MP, while in Diglipur, assured of taking up the issue with the Administration.
At Mohanpur, people drew his attention towards the problem of water. The MP also assured of taking steps for the roads. Later, at Deshbandhu village, the MP took stock of the damage caused by the last month’s heavy rain and interacted with the farmers. He also visited Krishnapur village under Madhupur Panchayat where people apprised him about the water problem. Similar issues were raised by the fishermen at Durgapur.
The Member of Parliament held a meeting with the representatives and other people at Subhashgram yesterday. He assured the affected people of all help as the residents of Port Blair are also affected in such situations as the vegetables grown in Diglipur cater the needs of the people of Port Blair to a great extent. He expressed hope that the Administration will consider the demands of the farmers for the waiver of loan.
The Zilla Parishad (N&M) Adhyaksh, Mr. Naresh Halder, the State BJP General Secretary, Mr. G. Paramshivam, Up Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti, Mr. Rebati Biswas, Pradhan, Sitanagar, Smt Seema Majhi, Pradhan, R K village, Mr. Babul Biswas and Pradhan, Laxmipur, Smt Shantirani Mandal besides other BJP leaders accompanied the Member of Parliament, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray a meeting with the officers of A&N Administration, at Diglipur on various issues tomorrow (Feb 3), a communication from the MP’s Office said here today.
Port Blair, Feb 02: President of ANTCC, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma and other senior leaders of the Congress Party have mourned the death of Leela Singh attached with GS Bambooflat, R/o Haddo who dies today at Chennai. She was 48, a communication from Gandhi Bhavan said.
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