ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Archives for April 27, 2023

Villagers of Mithakhari, Ograbraj and Tushnabad Panchayat Stage Chakka Jam to Protest Water Crisis

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John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Apr 27: The villagers of Mithakhari, Ograbraj and Tushnabad Panchayats staged a chakka jam (roadblock) on the Orgrabraj Junction area of the NH4, this morning. The villagers alleged that they are facing a severe water crisis in their village, and water is supplied only once in seven days.
The villagers have already made many representations to the Chief Engineer APWD and Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar administration demanding desilting of Sona Pahad Dam, completion of Ograbraj Bada Nallah project, Extension of Rutland project till Ograbraj, and other demands of the Panchayat before the administration, but no action has been taken.
Left with no choice, the villagers finally decided to stage a protest and chakka jam. Around 6:00 AM this morning, the villagers gathered at the Orgrabraj Junction under the leadership of Mohammad Safique, Pradhan of Mithakahri Panchayat, which was also supported by villagers, Pradhan of Tushnabad Panchayat, Namunaghar Panchayat and Zilla Parishad member of the region.
The Executive Magistrate of Ferrargunj Tehsil and the police team tried to convince the villagers, but they were not convinced. Later around 9:00 AM, Superintendent Engineer, Mr. Tej Bahadur and Executive Engineer Mr. Subharaj of APWD reached the spot and convinced the villagers.
Around 9:00 AM, the villagers opened the road for vehicle movement, after which a meeting was conducted in Ograbraj Community Hall, which was attended by officials of APWD, Political Leaders of the area, and villagers.
The officials of APWD assured the villagers to provide water supply once in five days and also assured that the department will plan and implement various water projects so that the situation will not be the same next year.
Mr. Anand Amrit Raj Pradhan of Tushnabad Gram Panchayat said that acute water scarcity has hit their village, and the APWD has supplied water once in seven days for the past one month. The villagers have contacted the administration and APWD many times, but no heed was paid to their suffering.
Further, Mohammad Safique, Pradhan of Mithakhari Panchayat told Andaman Sheekha Daily that later in the day, officials of APWD promised to provide water supply once in five days and assured to execute water projects for future planning. The villagers called off their protest around 10:00 AM, officially.

Fire Incident at Dairy Farm Junction Causes Power Outage

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John Wilbert &Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Apr 27:A minor fire incident was reported from an underground electricity cable at Dairy Farm Junction Road at nearly 11.20 pm on April 26th, 2023. The fire caused a power cut multiple times during the night in the entire area of Port Blair, alarming nearby residents who immediately intimated the matter to the Fire Brigade.
The Fire Brigade vehicle and employees of the Electricity Department took no time to reach the spot. However, the flare disappeared as soon as the line was cut off by the staff of the Electricity Department.
According to a senior officer of the Electricity Department, the cause of the fire incident is not yet known, but it might be due to leakage in the joint of an electric cable that disturbed the high-tension service, which connects the Garacharma and Chatham Power House line, causing a short circuit and initiating the fire. Immediately, the fire brigade team and electricity staff team switched off the line, which ultimately doused the fire. After a lot of efforts, the power supply was resumed later.
Further, the senior officer of the Electricity Department informed Andaman Sheekha reporter that this morning, their team started digging work, and by tonight, the line would be joined, and from tomorrow, the line would be charged.

Member of Parliament demands to construction of a 50-bedded guest house specifically designed for Divyang people in Port Blair

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Port Blair, Apr 27: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to consider constructing a 50-bedded guest house specifically designed for Divyang people in Port Blair.
In a letter addressed to the Lt. Governor the Member of Parliament mentioned that he has been informed by a large number of Divyang brothers and sisters that they face immense difficulty in carrying out their daily activities in Port Blair city, whenever they visit Port Blair from remote Islands.
He said that one of the major issues that they face is the lack of specific lodging facilities for Divyang people in Port Blair. Every month, a lot of Divyang people have to travel to Port Blair for various purposes like education, treatment, office work, etc.
The Member of Parliament pointed out that due to the absence of a dedicated guest house for Divyang brothers and sisters, they have to either stay in lodges or in relectives’ houses, which do not provide the necessary facilities for Divyang people.
Considering this issue, he requested the Lt. Governor to consider constructing a 50-bedded guest house specifically designed for Divyang people in Port Blair.
He added that this guest house should be equipped with all the modern amenities that will cater to the special needs of Divyang people, making their stay in Port Blair comfortable and hassle-free.
“Not only will this initiative provide them with financial relief, but it will also provide them with the convenience of movement and accessibility,” he added.

EDITORIAL: Bridge between Minnie Bay and Mithakhari: A Crucial Step towards Island Connectivity and Economic Prosperity

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One of the main issues that have plagued the Andaman and Nicobar Islands since ages is connectivity, both within and outside the islands. While the administration has already taken up the project of constructing a bridge between Bambooflat and Chatham, the need for a bridge between Minnie Bay and Mithakhari cannot be ignored.
The distance between Minnie Bay and Mithakhari is approximately 0.98 kilometers, and the sea is just 1 to 3 meters deep, making it a feasible option for a bridge construction project. Therefore, constructing a bridge between the two points would not only be cost-effective but also provide a much-needed solution to the residents on both sides.
The proposal to construct a bridge between Minnie Bay and Mithakhari has already been forwarded to the Andaman Public Works Department, and it is high time that necessary action is taken in this regard.
One of the most significant benefits of constructing this bridge-cum-dam is the boost it will give to the Andaman tourism industry. Tourism spots like Wright Myo and Shoal Bay, currently accessible only via water, will become accessible by road. Moreover, the journey of Andaman Trunk Road will also become shorter, making it easier for tourists to explore the islands.
For Islanders, the construction of a bridge between Minnie Bay and Mithakhari is a much-needed project that cannot be ignored any further. It will not only benefit the residents of both sides but also give a solid boost to the Andaman tourism industry and bring economic prosperity to the South Andaman region. The administration must take swift action in this regard and make the islands more accessible to all.
Most importantly the Administration must issue press releases and inform the public about the updates regarding this project on a regular basis as people are deeply connected with the project. Not only the delay but also lack of information about this project is leaving people upset and disappointed.

Road from Dairy Farm Junction to Hayat Singh Junction closed from 28.04.2023 to 14.05.2023

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Port Blair, Apr 17: In exercise of power conferred under M.V. Act 1988 (Act No.59 of 1988) read with Administrations Notification No./2008/F.No.32-95/2008-TR. Dated 10th March, 2008, the District Magistrate, South Andaman District is hereby notifies for the information of all concerned that the road from Dairy Farm Junction to Hayat Singh Junction will be closed for all the vehicles movements w.e.f. 28.04.2023 to 14.05.2023 a notification issued by Additional District Magistrate, South Andaman District said here today.

Departure time of the vessel MV Swaraj Dweep for Vizag revised

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Port Blair, Apr 17: The departure time of the vessel MV Swaraj Dweep for Vizag on 29.04.2023 at 0500 from Port Blair has been revised. Now, the vessel will sail for Vizag on 28.04.2023 at 2400 Hrs from Haddo Wharf after completion of survey procedure which will commence on completion of embarkation of passengers for issuance of ‘B’ Certificate as per MS Act. Embarkation of passengers will commence from 2000 Hrs onwards on 28.04.2023. Inconvenience caused to the passengers is regretted, a release from Deputy Director (SS), A & N Administration said here today.

Road Closure

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Port Blair, Apr 17: In exercise of power conferred under M.V. Act 1988 (Act No.59 of 1988) read with Administrations Notification No./2008/F.No.32-95/2008-TR. dated 10th March, 2008, the District Magistrate, South Andaman hereby notifies for the information of all concerned that that PBMC is constructing a cross drainage at Lillypur Basthi in Ward No. 1 between Shri. Abdul Kader’s residence and P.M General Store will be closed for vehicular movement for 20 days with effect from 28.04.2023 to 17.05.2023. Hence, all the vehicles will be diverted through the route from Sreya Bhawan to P.M. General Store may be diverted to Kolapuri Temple road and traffic from Abdul Kader’s residence onwards may be diverted to D.P. Cottage road, a notification issued by Additional District Magistrate, South Andaman District said here today.

Dissemination of weather alerts/warnings through SMS by IMD

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Port Blair, Apr 27: Andaman & Nicobar Islands are prone to Hydro-meteorological disasters and falls in cyclogeneses zone and significant number of cyclones gets generated every year in the Andaman Sea. Heavy rainfalls due to monsoon leads to localized flooding also occur frequently in low lying areas.
An Early Warning System for issuing alerts and warnings on floods, cyclones, heavy rain falls or storms is an integrated system that alerts/warns to the general public that hazardous weather is on its way and how governments, communities, and individuals may act to mitigate/manage the oncoming crisis.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has developed website for registration by individual for receiving SMS on weather forecasting to save themselves and properties before impact of hydro-meteorological disasters.
Dr. Nitin Shakya, Director (Disaster Management), A&N Administration has requested to all the residents of A&N Islands to register their names in the web portal of IMD as per the link given below to receive SMS on weather forecast (warnings/alerts) to prepared themselves to respond any crisis:
Website link: https://rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/registration.php

Departure Time of MV Campbell Bay postponed

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Port Blair, Apr 17: Due to Administrative reasons the scheduled departure time of the vessel MV Campbell Bay from Little Andaman to Port Blair on 28.04.2023 at 0800 Hrs has been postponed. Now, the vessel will sail for Port Blair on the same day i.e. on 28.04.2023 at 1400 Hrs instead of 0800 Hrs from Little Andaman. Inconvenience caused to the passengers is regretted, a release from Deputy Director (SS), A & N Administration said here today.