ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Archives for March 12, 2023

Public of Hut Bay demands X-Ray Technician, Sonographer and Generator Set for PHC Hut Bay

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John Wilbert &Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Mar 12: The absence of an X-Ray technician at the PHC Hut Bay hospital has left patients in the region suffering for over six months, according to reports. In addition, the hospital is also without a sonographer (ultrasound technician) and a generator set, making treatment and care difficult for admitted patients.
The Zilla Parishad Member, Hutbay, Mr. M. Vasudevan Nair, has spoken out about the situation, saying that patients are being forced to travel to PHC RK Pur for X-Ray reports, which is both troublesome and time-consuming. He added that the PRI members of Little Andaman have been demanding a new generator set and ultrasound doctor for PHC Hut Bay for the past couple of years, but their demands have not been met by the Directorate of Health Service.
According to Dr. In charge PHC Hut Bay, the hospital has been managing the situation by sending patients to RK Pur Hospital for X-Ray reports via hospital ambulance. This has been going on since August 2022. As for the generator set, it was installed in 2006, and some technical faults were found in its alternator in September 2022. She added that Hut Bay region does not have an electricity problem and hence the use of DG Set is minimum at present. Only in case of power breakdown patients have to face problems.
As per the public, the hospital has already informed the Directorate of Health Service about the need for an X-Ray technician, ultrasound doctor, and a new generator set. The lack of these facilities is causing inconvenience and discomfort to patients in the region, who are struggling to receive proper medical care.

The situation at the PHC Hut Bay hospital highlights the need for adequate staffing and facilities at medical centers in remote areas to ensure that patients receive timely and effective treatment. The authorities must take immediate action to address the situation and meet the demands of the people of Hut Bay region.

Member of Parliament suggests various measures to solve the water crisis problems of Andaman and Nicobar Islands in a planned and time bound manner

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Port Blair, Mar 12: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has proposed various measures to solve the water crisis problems of Andaman and Nicobar Islands in a planned and time bound manner.

In a letter addressed to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands he highlighted the severe water crisis faced by the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands every year from January to May.

He said that the water crisis has been continuing for the last several years, and every year we find A&N Administration adopting certain temporary and short term measures to mitigate the water crisis. But, as soon as the monsoon arrives, these temporary and short term measures are put to end and similar situations are faced in the subsequent years. This is the reason why despite our Islands receiving an annual rainfall of about 3000mm, the Islanders face water scarcity throughout the year and it becomes severe particularly from January to May every year if the monsoons are weak or delayed.

He mentioned that during his recent visit to the Panighat the people of Panighat, who come under the Hopetown Panchayat, have informed him that although they have a huge water body nearby, they have been getting water supply only once in every seven days. This has made their lives extremely difficult, and they are struggling to meet their daily water needs. This situation is being faced by many other villages across Andaman.

To solve this problem forever, the Member of Parliament has suggested the following measures:

Formulate a water policy for Andaman and Nicobar Islands that deals with the water situation of all the islands and solves the problem within. We have sufficient water sources, but due to the absence of a water policy, we are unable to tap these resources and provide sufficient water to the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. With experts and PRI members and prominent citizens on board, we can formulate a water policy that caters to the needs of all.

Start Stage-II of the Rutland Water Supply Project. Currently five perennial sources of water have been tapped, providing 6.60 MLD of water, which is transported to PongiBalu through a 300 mm dia submarine pipeline. However, there are an additional five untapped perennial water sources on the western side of Rutland Island and five untapped perennial sources of water on the eastern side of Rutland Island. When tapped, these sources will provide an additional discharge of 6.0 MLD and 10 MLD of water, respectively, augmenting the available water from 6.60 MLD to 22.60 MLD. The completion of the proposed project will help slay the water demand of Port Blair city during the summer months from January to May every year and make available the required quantity of water to the general public, preventing the situation of water curtailment in the coming 15-20 years.

Complete the Flat Bay Water Project. The proposed construction of a Bridge-cum-Dam between Minnie Bay and Mithakhadi area of South Andaman region, known as the Flat Bay Water Project, will provide a vast catchment area of freshwater that can yield up to 64 MLD per day of water, meeting the growing demand of the island’s tourism industry as well and will serve as long term measure to mitigate the water crisis of South Andaman which has maximum demand of fresh water.

Install desalination plants for Port Blair and the South Andaman region. Desalination plants have been successfully implemented in many countries around the world to combat water shortages. The installation of a desalination plant would not only provide fresh water to the people but would also be a medium term solution to the water crisis.

Utilize Sippighat Sweetwater lake to store flowing water from Dhanikhari Dam and reuse the same. This Sweetwater lake will also work as a catchment area and ensure a positive supply of water to the entire South Andaman region.

Construct a dam at Pranashala area of Rangat Middle Andaman, which can provide drinking water to at least 6 to 7 Panchayats around the Rangat region and thousands of people.

Construct a dam at Khudirampur, Diglipur which will solve the water problem of the Diglipur area.

Dredge or desilt DhaniKhari Dam to augment its dead storage capacity and ensure that it can store more water.

Residents of Mayabunder Demand Urgent Attention for Basic Amenities

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Mayabunder, March 12: The residents of Mayabunder have raised their concerns over the lack of basic amenities in their region. It has been over a decade since the North & Middle Andaman district was formed, and Mayabunder was declared as its headquarter. However, the residents still struggle with the lack of healthcare facilities, transportation, road infrastructure, and mobile network coverage.
In a letter addressed to the Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Abdul Siddique, Ex-Pramukh Mayabunder recently highlighted their grievances and urged the authorities to take immediate action. The letter addressed some crucial demands, which require urgent attention.
The first demand was related to the healthcare facilities available in Mayabunder. Mr. Abdul Siddique requested that Dr.R.P.Hospital in Mayabunder be equipped with modern equipment and experienced medical personnel, including super-specialists, Gynecologists, Sonologist, Radiologist, General Surgeon, Orthopedician, Neurologist, Anesthetist, pediatrician, and other required assisting staff. The lack of such facilities has led to critical cases being referred to Port Blair, which is nearly 250-300 km away from Mayabunder. The poor condition of the Andaman Trunk Road also makes it difficult for patients and their attendants to travel to Port Blair. Mr. Abdul Siddique suggested that until the required specialists and super-specialists are appointed, regular duty-cum-tour trips of specialists/super-specialists may be organized to Mayabunder without any break.
The second demand was for a regular boat service to Mayabunder. Mr. Abdul Siddique requested that a vessel with better facilities be provided on alternate days for the people of Mayabunder. The current boat, M.V.Dering, is more than 50 years old and does not have sufficient facilities. The lack of a proper boat service has affected the patients, especially the elderly who face difficulty travelling on the Andaman Trunk Road.
The third demand was for the repair of Neemtala Road under Pokadera Panchayat. The road connects the main road near the old fire station and minimizes the distance for the general public, especially the patients coming to Dr.R.P.Hospital, Mayabunder. However, the road is in a dilapidated condition, making it dangerous for daily commuters. Dumping of earth by an agency on the mentioned road has made it more dangerous. The residents have requested the concerned authorities to repair the road immediately so that two and four-wheeler vehicles can easily pass.
The fourth demand was for the repair of the Anganwadi Center on Matches Company Road at Pokadera. The parents of small children have raised concerns about the condition and problems of the Anganwadi Center. The center does not have a water tap connection in the kitchen, forcing the use of water from the washroom for drinking and cooking for the children. Despite earlier complaints to the concerned department, no action has been taken to address the issue.
The fifth and final demand was to improve the mobile and data network coverage under Pokadera Panchayat. Mr. Abdul Siddique has complained about the poor mobile network and data network coverage in most of the villages, especially in ward numbers 04, 05, and 06, and Gadda basti at Danapur of Pokadera Panchayat.
The residents of Mayabunder hope that the authorities take immediate action to address their grievances. Basic amenities like healthcare, transportation, and road infrastructure are critical for the growth and development of any region. The authorities need to take the concerns raised by the residents seriously and work towards resolving them at the earliest.

 

Lt. Governor, A&N Islands Called on Union Minister of Port, Shipping & Waterways and Minister of AYUSH

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Port Blair, Mar 12: The Lt. Governor, A&N Islands and Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency, Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.) called on Union Minister of Port, Shipping & Waterways and Minister of AYUSH, Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal yesterday at New Delhi. Consequent to responses to the Shipping Ministry of India floating Expression of Interest for International Container Transshipment Terminal at Great Nicobar Island, discussed conduct of subsequent activities in a time bound manner.
Brief on expediting installation of Lighthouse at Rani Lakshmibai Shila, South East of A&N Islands also reviewed proposed road map for positioning Andaman & Nicobar Administration as Shipbuilding & Repair Hub in Indo Pacific and progress of New Ports at Diglipur/Atlanta Bay. Various other projects in the Shipping sector were also discussed.

 

Free Coaching Classes for Competitive Examinations Organized by Member of Parliament Kuldeep Rai Sharma at Hope Town Panchayat

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Port Blair, Mar 12: On March 11, 2023, Member of Parliament Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma inaugurated a program offering free coaching classes for all competitive examinations at the Hope Town Panchayat. The initiative was undertaken to provide professional guidance to the talented but economically disadvantaged youths in the entire region who aspire to crack competitive examinations.

The program received an overwhelming response from the public, with a large number of youths attending the inaugural session. The public appreciated the efforts made by Mr. Sharma to support the aspiring youths of the region.

Speaking on the occasion, the Member of Parliament said, “I believe that education is the key to success, and it is essential to provide equal opportunities for all youths to excel in their chosen fields. I am committed to supporting the deserving youths in our region and ensuring that they receive the necessary guidance to succeed in their career aspirations.”

The free coaching classes are open to all youths in the region, regardless of their socio-economic background. The program will cover all aspects of competitive examinations, including general knowledge, quantitative aptitude, reasoning, and English language skills.

The program is an excellent opportunity for the youths in the region to receive top-notch guidance and coaching for free.

Chief Secretary visits Kadamtala and Baratang

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Port Blair, Mar 12: The Chief Secretary, Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS on the third day of his tour to N&M Andaman District, visited Kadamtala and Baratan yesterday. Soon after reaching Kadamtala, he inspected GSSS Kadamtala during which he interacted with the teachers. He appreciated the good ambience and upkeep of the school. Impressed by the good environment of the School, the Chief Secretary directed the APWD to carry out proper landscaping of the School, create required basic amenities and take up fencing of the entire school through eco-friendly materials. He also asked the APWD to construct a multipurpose hall for assembly and co-curricular activities for the students. While acknowledging the finest student –teacher ratio (1:10) in the school, the Chief Secretary desired that the teachers should work hard to produce more engineers and doctors from this school. The Chief Secretary also visited the Model Science Centre in the school premises and was impressed with the daily observation board of fauna, village natural resources map of the Kadamtala, traditional seed bank and season change calendar created by students. While praising the Nodal Teacher of the Centre, Mr. Chanchal Singha Roy for guiding the students with such activities, the CS remarked that similar activities can also be replicated in other schools too. The Chief Secretary also directed the Director of Education to organize coaching classes for the rural school students by tying up with private coaching institutes to prepare them to face competitive exams.
The Chief Secretary also visited Primary Health Centre, Kadamtala and interacted with health officials present there. The DHS and the CMO, Kadamtala briefed the Chief Secretary about the facilities available in the PHC. He also interacted with the out- patients and enquired about their health issues. He also visited the Medicine Store and appreciated its maintenance. On the proposal for construction of a 20 bedded hospital in the PHC complex, the CS desired that it should be done in a phased manner aesthetically.
The Chief Secretary also visited the Anganwadi Centre at Kadamtala wherein Anna Prasan Diwas- a community based event on Poshan Pakhwada was organized. Participating in the ritual of Anna Prasan, the Chief Secretary spoon fed (Ann) to a small baby named Ditya Mondal marking the occasion much to the delight of the mothers present in good numbers. The CS urged all mothers to bring their tiny tots to Anganwadi Centres daily so that the health parameters of children can be monitored on a daily basis and the mothers too can get the required information about various nutritional foods which are beneficial for them. Impressed with a play put up by Anganwadi workers on Poshan, the Chief Secretary urged them to outreach all the villages with such plays & nukkad Nataks on poshan.
Thereafter, the Chief Secretary inspected the Gram Panchayat Bhawan at Sundergarh. On the issue of proper waste mechanism, the Chief Secretary asked the DC North & Middle Andaman to review waste disposal and Solid Waste Management in all the Panchayats in North & Middle Andaman. CS visited PHC South Creek, Baratang and interacted with the Health Officials present there. He also enquired about the health facilities available in the PHC for the benefit of the people residing in the area.
The Chief Secretary also visited Fish Pond at Nayagarh, Baratang and interacted with Mr. B. Rajesh who developed this pond titled ‘Blue Farm’ in which fish species like milk fish, roop-chanda, pangasius, prawns etc. are being cultured. Mr. Rajesh informed the Chief Secretary that he is earning profit of more than Rs. 3 lakh annually from this project which is also integrated with duck rearing utilizing the pond. The Fisheries Department provided financial assistance under PMMSY construction of new grow-out ponds for Brackish water Aquaculture and inputs for brackish water Aquaculture under sub component development of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture. The Chief Secretary praised the effort of the farmer for developing such a self – sustaining project under PMMSY. With this self- venture initiative, Mr. Rajesh has become a role model for other farmers to emulate. The Chief Secretary also lauded the officials of the Fisheries Department for encouraging farmers to set up their own ventures under the scheme. He also urged the beneficiary to motivate more people to take up such activities to double their income and feed the local population of their area. The CS further desired that more freshwater Finfish Hatcheries be developed in the entire North & Middle Andaman as was done by a beneficiary from Diglipur. He directed the AC Rangat to take up the initiative in this regard and motivate people to form fisheries cooperatives to take up Finfish Hatchery development projects.
The Chief Secretary also visited Limestone Cave which is accessible through a 1.4 Km walk via nature trail. Prior to the visit to the cave, the CS inaugurated an eco- friendly Forest Protection Post-cum- Tourist Information Centre at Limestone Cave area in Nayadera in the presence of DFO Baratang, Mr. Sandeep Divyajyoti Behera, IFS. This infrastructure has been created to have a resting place for the Forest Staff while carrying out foot patrol and also to facilitate tourists during their visit to the cave.
Later in the afternoon, the Chief Secretary visited Parrot Island. The Deputy Commissioner, N&M Andaman, Mr. Ankit Yadav, the AC Rangat, Ms. Sapna Priya, the Director Education, Mr. Aditya Kumar Jha, the DHS, Dr.(Mrs.) Munni Singhania, SE, CC-1/PBCC, APWD, Mr. H.M. Linga Raju was present during the visit of the Chief Secretary at Kadamtala & Baratang.

ANTCC leaders hold Haath Se Haath Jodo Abhiyan in Diglipur

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Port Blair, Mar 12: Amid the ongoing NationWide Haath Se Haath Jodo programme of the Party, Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee on Friday organized Hath Se Hath Jodo Abhiyan in several parts of Diglipur in which Party workers and common people participated in huge numbers.
ANTCC President Mr. Rangalal Halder, ANTCC Campaign Committee Chairman Mr. TSG Bhasker and Panchayat Pradhan Mr. P.R Singa Ram led the Haath Se Haath Jodo Abhiyan at Subhash Gram, Diglipur Bazaar in the morning. They appealed the people to join Congress Party to seek resolution to the problems they are confronted with especially on unemployment, inflation, and development fronts and to highlight various other anti-people and anti-youth policies adopted by the ruling dispensation at Centre. Up-Pradhan Mr. A. Elanchezian, Up-Sarpanch Ms. Selvi, Panchayat Samiti Member Mr. K. Karupaiah, Congress leader Mr. Niranjan Mistry and all PRI’s were present on the occasion.
In the evening, Hath Se Hath Jodo Abhiyan was held in Diglipur Panchayat and Durgapur Fisheries Colony where the ANTCC leaders met fishermen peoples and listened to their issues. They assured to take up their issues with Director & Secretary Fisheries and try to resolve it at the earliest. Zilla Parishad Member Mr. Niranjan Hawlader, Unit President Mr. M. Ramachandran, Unit Secretary Mr. Rama Rao, Panchayat Member Mr. Muniyaswamy, Panchayat Member Ms. Reva Biswas, Panchayat Member Ms. Sita Devi, Unit President Mr. Atul Dakwa, Unit Secretary Mr. M. Pandian, Congress leader Mr. Suresh Kumar, Congress leader Mr. Chandrashekar and Social Worker Mr. Ranjit Das were present on the occasion.
Later, a programme was organized at Diglipur Panchayat Bhawan in which the Congress leaders met youths of the area and explained about the growing unemployment issue in the Islands and discussed *upon* ways to become self-employed.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. *Halder* said Congress Party believes in serving and uniting people. He said Haath Se Haath Jodo program *will* restore confidence and trust amongst the common masses, who are facing tremendous hardships due to the BJP’s deceitful policies and misleading Politics.
Mr. Bhasker said that Hath se Hath Jodo Abhiyan has the potential to change the politics of the country. The yatra had already attracted secular minds and the support of Women, Youth, and Adivasis. He said through the Haath Se Haath Se Jodo campaign, the Congress party is trying to *expose* the failures of the BJP Govt at Centre.
City Congress President Mr. Mohd. Zubair, Adivasi Congress Chairman Mr. Sebastian Tirky and dozens of party leaders were also part of the Abhiyan.

Mahila Utsav Organized by Pankh NGO on the Occasion of Women’s Day

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Port Blair, Mar 12: Pankh Andaman NGO in collaboration with Police Training School organized Mahila Utsav on the occasion of women’s day at PTS Prothrapur. Around 36 women police officers participated in the event along with the members of PANKH NGO. The programme consisted of various games, music, singing, honorary awards and a half an hour session on makeup and skin care by Anita Majumdar.
The NGO felicitated one women police officer and two Divyang lady staff of social welfare department with Yogendra Kumar Awasthy Memorial Award, which is awarded every year to the most deserving people of the islands. To grace the occasion Swami Shudhanand Ji of Chinmaya Mission, Mrs. Sheela Singh, ex Chairperson PBMC and Mrs Shenaaz Jadwet charter president ISMAT were present as special guests with the presence of founder president Komal Anand and secretary Geetha Naveen Bhatt. The programme ended gracefully followed by lunch.

67th Police Constable Batch of A & N Police receives Award from International Human Rights & Crime Control Council, A&NI

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Port Blair, Mar 12: The 67th Police Constable Batch of Andaman Nicobar Police has received an Award for Swachhta hi Seva-Sankalp se siddhi Tak and Blood donations from International Human Rights & Crime Control Council, A&NI on 10th March, 2023. In this regard, The Award was received from Chief Guest Mrs. U. Kavitha Uday Kumar Chairperson PBMC and Guest of honor Mr. Azizur Rahman, Vice Chairperson PBMC in the presence of Mr. Naresh Chander Lal, Padmashri Awardee, Ambassador of Swachh Bharat Mission, A&NI and Mr. V.N. Prakash Naidu, Chairman of International Human Rights & Crime Control Council, A&NI.
During this programme, Chief Guest, Guest of honor and Award winners were admired to the 67th Police Constable Batch of ANP for meritorious service to people of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Police team raised slogans with great enthusiasm and patriotism like Bharat Mata ki Jai and Jai Hind during the award.
The 67th Police Constable Batch of ANP is performing duty with utmost devotion and sincerity as well as making all efforts for the welfare of humanity and for the Civic society.

CITU Observes International Women’s Day at Port Blair

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Port Blair, Mar 12: CITU Andaman & Nicobar State Committee observed International Women’s Day today (11.03.2023) at Shaheed Bhavan, Anarkali, Port Blair. A large number of women workers and housewives from different areas of Port Blair town attended the programme.
Addressing the participants in the programme, Mrs. C. Anandi, Convener, AIDWA A & N State Organising Committee said that attacks on women are increasing in the islands and the A & N Administration has failed to take action against the perpetrators of the crime. In every field, women are put to hardship and there is no mechanism to extend any relief to the affected women.
Mrs. Arunima Sircar, Mrs. Alagamai, Mrs. Laxmi, Ms. Lalitha, Mrs. Sumi Tuti, Mrs. Anjana Adhikari, Mrs. Matilda Kirkketta, Mrs. Mala, Mrs. Annapurni, Mrs. Anitha Nath G, Mrs. Geetha Surendran and Mrs. Angila also addressed the participants in the programme. Speakers touched upon a number of issues like price rise, attack on women, better working conditions; need to have social security measures for women, etc.