ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Archives for May 2023

Boost in Air Connectivity: Diglipur, Car Nicobar, and Campbell Bay Islands to Witness Improved Air Connectivity

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Vikramaditya

Port Blair, May 31: In a major development, air connectivity between Diglipur, Car Nicobar, and Campbell Bay Islands has reached a new milestone with the completion and handover of passenger terminal to Airport Authority of India (AAI) at the Shibpur Air Base of Diglipur.

In an interview in All India Radio Port Blair, the Secretary of Civil Aviation Department, Mr. Vishwendra said the Car Nicobar airport terminal is expected to be completed by June end, while the Campbell Bay airport terminal is scheduled for completion by March 2024.

The Secretary of Civil Aviation shared plans of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to provide a substantial boost to air connectivity in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through the RCS UDAN scheme, to be implemented in two phases.

He said that the first phase will connect the Port Blair-Diglipur, Port Blair- Car Nicobar, and Port Blair- Campbell Bay sectors. The second phase will introduce seaplane connectivity between Port Blair- Shaheed Deep, Port Blair- Swaraj Dweep and Port Blair- Long Island sectors.

Regarding the initiation of fixed-wing aircraft services in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Secretary confirmed the completion and handover of the passenger terminal at the Shibpur Air Base at Diglipur to the Airport Authority of India. Currently, the process of finalisation of agreement between the Airport Authority of India and the local administration is underway. Once finalized, a 19-seater fixed wing aircraft will operate between Port Blair and Diglipur Island. ‘Big Charter’ company has been selected as the designated private operator for this service in this sector.

Moreover, plans are underway to operate fixed-wing aircraft between Port Blair- Car Nicobar sector, also facilitated by Big Charter Company. The passenger terminal at Car Nicobar is set to be operational by the end of June.

He added that SpiceJet has been awarded the contract to operate fixed-wing aircraft between Car Nicobar and Campbell Bay. The passenger terminal at Campbell Bay for this route is expected to be completed by March 2024.

In terms of seaplane operations, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration will oversee seaplanes operating in the Port Blair – Swaraj Dweep, Port Blair – Shaheed Dweep, and Port Blair- Long Island sectors. The establishment of a water aerodrome facility in Swaraj Dweep presents a significant advantage for this segment. Presently, the decision is pending environmental clearance from the Government of India, which is anticipated to be received soon.

Furthermore, he added that progress has been made in infrastructure development, with necessary clearances and approvals obtained for the construction of a water aerodrome at Saheed Dweep and Long Island.

The implementation of fixed-wing aircraft services and seaplane operations is expected to greatly enhance air travel in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, providing Islanders with improved reliability and comfort.

Government Sanctions 96 New Towers to Enhance BSNL 4G Network in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

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John Wilbert &Vikramaditya
Port Blair, May 31: The Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India has approved the installation of 96 new towers to bolster the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) 4G network in the region. This initiative aims to improve internet connectivity and enhance network quality across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The tower installation project is expected to be completed by December 2023.
Mr. G Raja Ram Mohan, Chief General Manager of BSNL, A&N Telecom Circle, expressed that the government has taken significant steps to enhance network coverage in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, particularly with regard to internet connectivity. The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has undertaken the saturation project of providing 4G mobile services in all villages across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
As part of this effort, the government has sanctioned 96 new tower sites in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In the Nicobar district alone, 25 new tower sites have been approved, including Bampoka Island (01), Car Nicobar (09), Great Nicobar (06), Kamorta (03), Katchal (04), Nancowry Champion Islands (01), Teressa (01), and North and Middle Andaman (51). Additionally, various sites in Baratang, Interview Islands, Long Islands, Mayabunder, Rangat, Hunspuri Village, Diglipur, North Passage, Spike Islands, and South Andaman have been identified for the installation of new towers. Suitable lands for these sites have already been surveyed.
The Chief General Manager further mentioned that out of the 96 sites, 77 sites have already been allotted land and are awaiting forest clearance. The project aims to cover a total of 226 villages, improving network facilities in each of them. The targeted completion date for the project is December 2023, but it is subject to weather conditions in the Islands. The implementation of this project will assist the government machinery in delivering services to the public without any hindrance, leading to the widely availability of 4G services and ensuring seamless connectivity under the Universal Service Obligation fund.
The project for making 4G mobile services available in uncovered villages across the country was initially approved on July 27, 2022, with a total cost of Rs. 26,316 crore. It aims to provide 4G mobile services in 24,680 uncovered villages located in remote and difficult areas.
The project also includes the upgrade of 6,279 villages that currently have only 2G or 3G connectivity to 4G. The execution of the project will be undertaken by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) using Atmanirbhar Bharat’s 4G technology stack and will be funded through the Universal Service Obligation Fund.

Member of Parliament Chairs Telecom Advisory Committee Meeting addressing Crucial Issues of Andaman and Nicobar Telecom Sector

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Port Blair, May 31: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Island, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, chaired the Telecom Advisory Committee meeting held at the BSNL office on May 30, 2023. The meeting held in presence of CGM, BSNL, A & N Telecom Circle and other senior officers of BSNL, served as a platform to discuss and address various pressing matters concerning the A & N Islands’ telecommunications sector.

During the meeting, the Member of Parliament raised many issues, among those issues the most prominent issue was expediting the laying of the second Optical Fibre Cable from Diglipur to Puri.

Highlighting the crucial issue of providing parallel internet connectivity through undersea OFC cable to A&N Islands from Puri in Odisha to Diglipur (North & Middle Andaman), the Member of Parliament said that while the high bandwidth internet would be a core requirement for the IT & ITeS industry, the single CANI OFC network will not boost the investors’ sentiment in the absence of a parallel network as believed by industry veterans.

He added that aspiring industrialists in IT & ITeS sector are concerned over any sudden breakdown or failure of the existing CANI OFC network which will paralyze the IT & ITeS industries besides other digital services like e.banking, e.governance, e.trading, e.procurement, e.teaching etc.

He pointed out that even a single day of outage over the breakdown of CANI OFC would prove costly for the industry as feared by the industry veterans. As such, additional connectivity would insulate the industry against temporary outages and connectivity failure.

Hence the Member of Parliament suggested a parallel internet connectivity through undersea OFC cable to A&N Islands from Puri in Odisha to Diglipur (North & Middle Andaman) a shortest route in addition to the existing CANI OFC cable which will ensure uninterrupted connectivity even if the other grids has failed due to any an unforeseen reason.

Additionally, the Member of Parliament urged the representatives from BSNL to establish power backup facilities for all towers scattered across Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Recognizing the vulnerability of the region to power cuts and natural calamities, he emphasized the significance of uninterrupted communication services for the public.

The Member of Parliament also demanded to install Mobile towers with 4G connectivity in all the inhabited areas of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including far-flung Islands, where Islanders are not getting mobile networks.

 

TSG Bhasker Inaugurates Free Coaching class for Competitive Exams in Ferrargunj

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Port Blair, May 31: With an aim to prepare candidates appearing for upcoming Group examination, Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman of TSG Foundation inaugurated a free-of-cost coaching class for job aspirants at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ferrargunj on Tuesday evening.
The motto of this initiative is to help the youths from poor family background to prepare for exams in their own village instead of travelling a long distance to attend coaching class at Port Blair by spending huge amount of money. More than 100 youths have enrolled themselves in the free coaching class.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Bhasker said that the free coaching facility would provide a great support to the youths and would increase chances of their employability. He urged the eligible candidates to come forward and enroll themselves in the class to get the best of the expertise in the field.
He added that this unique initiative would make youths better prepared for the competitive exams and would help to fulfill their dream of government jobs.
“The candidates will also be provided with study materials followed by regular practice and mock tests”, said Mr. Bhasker.
Prominent among those present on the occasion include Mr. Sebastian Tirkey, Adivasi leader, Mr. Ameer Bux, Programme Coordinator TSG Foundation, Father. John, Ferrargunj Parish Priest, Mr. Peter, Catholic Sabha President, Mr. Kishore Toppo, Believer, Mrs. Lalitha Kumari Soreng, Mahila Sangh Pradhanin, Mr. Anthony, Believer, Mr. Suresh, Teacher, Mr. Pitros, Believer and several others.

IMD forecasts thunderstorm with lightning

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Port Blair, May 31: As per Meteorological Department’s Weather Report, thunderstorm with lightning is likely to occur at one or two places over Andaman and Nicobar Islands on June 1. Thunderstorm with lightning and gusty wind (speed reaching 30-40 kmph) is likely to occur at one or two places over Andaman Islands and thunderstorm with lightning is also likely to occur at one or two places over Nicobar Islands on June 2.Thunderstorm with lightning and gusty wind (speed reaching 30-40 kmph) is likely to occur at one or two places over A&N Islands on June 3 & 4.
Due to anticipated strong Southwest monsoon current, wind speed is likely to prevail between 40-50 kmph over South Andaman Sea. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into South Andaman Sea till June 3. For further enquiries / information, one may contact helpline of State Emergency Operation Centre at Helpline No. 1070 & District Emergency Operation Centre at Helpline No. 1077. For any emergency/assistance at sea, call Coast Guard SAR Agency at Toll Free number 1554.

Delegation of Gujarat Mitra Mandal calls on the Union Minister

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Port Blair, May 31: A delegation of Gujarat Mitra Mandal called on the Honorable Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Mr. Purushotham Bhai Rupala on 29th May 2023 in Port Blair. The delegation consisted of Mr. Mahesh Bhai Trivedi, Mr. Ebrahim Jadwet, Mr. Ridham Bhai Badja and others, who discussed various subject matters. The Gujarati community has been in the Islands since 1940’s and has played a crucial role in the economic development of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Update documents in their Aadhaar online free of cost

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Port Blair, May 31: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has decided to allow residents to update documents in their Aadhaar online free of cost, a people-centric move that will benefit millions of residents. As part of Digital India Initiative, the UIDAI has urged the residents to get benefit of free document update facility on myAadhaar portal. The free service is available till 14th June, 2023.
The UIDAI also encourages residents to upload Proof of Identity (PoI) and Proof of Address (PoA) documents to revalidate their demographic details, especially if Aadhaar was issued 10 years back and never got updated. This will help in improving ease of living, better service delivery and enhancing authentication success rate.
Residents of Andaman & Nicobar Islands can login https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/ using their Aadhaar Number and update their Aadhaar Card free of cost. If not possible, they may visit nearest Aadhaar Centre for document update by paying a fee of Rs. 50/-.

Entries invited for National Women Chess Championship

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Port Blair, May 31: The All India Chess Federation (AICF) will be organizing the 49th National Women Chess Championship-2023 from 30.06.2023 to 10.07.2023 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Each Affiliated State Association is entitled to send four entries for the Championship.
Interested women chess players who wish to participate in the upcoming National Women chess Championship 2023 may send their entries on or before the 5th June 2023 by 6.00 pm through WhatsApp or SMS @ 9434293379 or email@anchessassoication@gmail.com or www.anchessassociation.com.
As per the entries, Andaman Nicobar chess association (ANCA) will conduct a Selection Trial to select the best four women chess players from Andaman & Nicobar Islands for the championship.
For more details one may contact Mr. B. Neelaiah, General Secretary, Andaman Nicobar Chess Association @ 9434293379 or 9679593366.

SBM Ambassador visits PHC Tushnabad

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Port Blair, May 31: To check the cleanliness and sanitation under Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, Mr. Naresh Chander Lal, Padmashri Awardee and Ambassador Swachh Bharat Mission A & N Islands today visited the PHC Tushnabad.
He interacted with the patients, out-patients, attenders and staff of the PHC Tushnabad and urged them to maintain cleanliness at their hospital premises as well as to their respective localities. The PHC was found to be clean. As per the request a Male Sanitation Staff is needed which was brought to notice of Director Health Services A & N Administration on phone by the SBM Ambassador immediately. Dr. Sarika Ratnam accompanied SBM Ambassador during the visit.

Disaster Warning Sirens have been Installed in Different Places of Andaman

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Port Blair, May 31: It is brought to the notice of the general public that Disaster Warning Sirens have been installed in the premises of Secretariat, DBRAIT, DSS Marine, Chatham Saw Mill (Forest Dept), Police Station Aberdeen, Police Station Pahargaon, Police Station Chatham, JNRM College, Port Blair, Fish Landing Centre, Junglighat, IOC, Forest Guest House Carbyn’s Cove, l’olice Station Bambooflat, Police Station, Ograbraj, Police Station, Chouldari, Police Station, Humfrigunj, O.P Wimberlygunj, O.P Ferrargunj, Police Booth, Hati taapu, OP Tirur, Tirur Jarawa Protection Post, OP Radhanagar, Rajiv Gandhi Aquaculture, Kodiyghat, Police Station, Shaheed Dweep, Police Station, Swaraj Dweep, Nimbutala, Rangat, OP 19 Km, R.K Pur, L/Andaman, Fire Station, Hut Bay (L/Andaman), EOC, Car Nicobar, A.E Office, APWD, Teressa, JE Office, APWD, Chowra, A.E Office, APWD, Katchal, EOC, Kamorta and EOC, Campbell Bay.
The siren will be tested on 3rd and 18th of every month at 1000 Hrs. During the test, the siren will be blown for two successive blasts for 30 seconds. Siren of Electronic Display Board installed at Police Control Room, State Control Room, Junglighat (Fisheries Dept.), Met Office, MRCC, JOC, INS Jarawa at Port Blair, Fisheries Dept. at Rangat, EOC at Mayabunder, MRCC at Diglipur, Fisheries Dept. at Hut Bay, EOC at Kamorta, EOC at Car Nicobar, and MRCC & EOC at Campbell Bay will also be blown in a similar manner at 1000 Hrs.
Therefore, the general public is hereby informed not to panic during the test of the siren and requested to remain calm during the test blast of the siren on the date and time specified above.