John Wilbert &Vikramaditya
Port Blair, May 02: The Commissioner-cum- Secretary of the Andaman Public Works Department, Mr. Nikhil Kumar, today said that the administration is making efforts to improve the water supply issues in these Islands. He stated that several measures are being taken to tackle the problem of water scarcity.
Addressing journalists at the Secretariat today, Mr. Nikhil Kumar said that daily 6.6 MLD of water is being brought from Rutland with the help of two water tankers. Additionally, ships returning from the southern islands have been directed to bring water to Port Blair, which is expected to add 18 tonnes of water to the supply.
He assured that work for tapping water from two more sources of Rutland will begin soon and once it is done 6.0 MLD of more water will be brought to PongiBalu through pipelines from Rutland.
He said that from tomorrow badges will be used to bring more water from Rutland to PongiBalu and with this nearly 0.6 MLD extra water will be available.
The APWD Commissioner-cum- Secretary added that regular inspection is being carried out to identify wastage of water and leakages in pipelines. He said that 800 leakages in pipelines were identified in the PBMC area out of which nearly 700 were rectified.
Mr. Kumar also appealed to the public to use water judiciously and to prevent wastage. He urged them to provide information about any unknown water sources so that the administration can take appropriate measures.
The Commissioner-cum-Secretary explained that the current crisis of water scarcity is due to weak North and West monsoons last year. The administration is continuously taking measures to mitigate the problem. Tankers are being used to supply water to the areas where there is a scarcity.
Kumar also appealed to the public not to panic regarding the water supply and assured them that the administration is making consistent efforts to ensure a sufficient water supply.
Archives for May 2, 2023
Private Bus meets with Accident near Jirkatang Check Post
John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, May 02: A private bus met with an accident near Jirkatang Check Post while coming from Rangat to Port Blair on Tuesday at around 11.30 am. The accident left four passengers, including the driver, with minor injuries. There were nearly 27 passengers in the bus at the time of the accident.Due to the accident the bus completely titled to the right. The accident took place nearly 5 km after crossing Jirkatang Check Post, towards Ferrargunj.
According to sources, the accident took place due to brake failure, which resulted in the driver losing control over the bus. The injured passengers were immediately taken to the nearest hospital for treatment. Further details regarding the accident are awaited.
Member of Parliament sanctions Rs. 40,00,000 from MPLADS for Construction of an Anganwadi Center and Multipurpose Hall at Machilane, Port Blair
Port Blair, May 02:The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has sanctioned Rs. 40,00,000 (Forty Lakhs rupees) for construction of an Anganwadi Center and a Multipurpose Hall, for Community utilization at Machilane, ward number 10, Port Blair.
The sanction order was handed over to Smti. T Mangayarkarasi Councillor Ward No.10 by the Member of Parliament recently.
There was a long pending demand of residents of Machilane for construction of an Anganwadi Center and Multipurpose Hall in the area and based on public demand the Member of Parliament has sanctioned the works under MPLADS fund.
Once completed the Anganwadi Center and Community Hall will be an asset for the area. While the Anganwadi centre will be used for all social development activities related to children, women and general public, the Community Hall can be largely used by youths of the area for conducting various indoor games, cultural events, social gatherings, festivals, government training programmes, awareness programmes, skill development camps and other important functions.
Missing Child reunited with Family by Police within 48 hrs of FIR
Port Blair, May 02: The team of PS Diglipur worked out extremely hard to trace a missing minor boy of Subash Gram, Diglipur village. The boy was missing since 28/04/23 from his home. His parents searched all possible areas in and around Diglipur and when his whereabouts could not be traced; they approached PS Diglipur on 29/04/23. Considering the age of the minor boy a FIR vide No. 34/23 dated 29/04/2023 U/s 363 IPC was registered at PS Diglipur and immediately a large-scale manhunt was carried out using all available means. The staff of PS Diglipur contacted classmates, friends and relatives of the missing boy and enquired about his whereabouts. His picture was circulated in social media and all the Bus/truck drivers were familiarized with the photo of the missing boy on one to one basis and information on his disappearance was sought. The tireless efforts of the police team resulted in tracing the minor boy from Mayabunder within 48 hrs. from registration of FIR and he was united with his parents on 01/05/2023.
12-year-old girl allegedly commits suicide in Port Blair
John Wilbert
Port Blair, May 02: A 12-year-old girl allegedly committed suicide in the South Andaman area of Port Blair on 30th April 2023. The girl was reportedly upset for some personal reasons. The incident came to light when the Class IX student was found hanging in her residence. The girl was immediately taken to the GB Pant hospital but was declared brought dead. The police have registered an unnatural death case and are investigating the matter. More details are awaited.
Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan AVSM, VM Takes Over as 17th Commander-In-Chief, Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN)
Port Blair, May 02: Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, AVSM, VM has taken over as the 17th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) on 01 May 2023. The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is the only Joint-services Command in India and serves as a model for the country’s planned theaterisation of Army, Navy, and Air Force capabilities.
Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan is a distinguished alumnus of the National Defence Academy Khadakwasla, having been commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1986. With over 3200 accident-free fighter flying hours on various variants of MIG-21 and Kiran aircraft, he is an accomplished fighter combat leader. The Air Marshal has held various key positions throughout his illustrious career, including CO of a Bison Squadron, the first Commanding Officer of an AWACS Squadron, and Air Officer Commanding at the prestigious AF Station at Jodhpur. Before assuming Command of ANC he was the Senior Air Staff Officer at the IAF Training Command at Bengaluru.
For his distinguished service, he has been awarded the Presidential Awards of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vayu Sena Medal.
Air Mshl Saju Balakrishnan’s appointment as the new CINCAN is a testament to his outstanding leadership and vast experience. His appointment is expected to further strengthen the Jointness and integration efforts of the three Armed Forces and Indian Coast Guard at the Andaman and Nicobar Command thereby contributing towards planned theaterisation of its defense forces.
100 Years Celebration of Moplah community culminates with a great grand function – Jashn-e-shatbadi
Port Blair, Apr 21: The yearlong celebrations of 100 Years of Moplah existence in the Andaman and Nicobar islands, concluded with a *first ever Great Grand Function – Jashn-e-shatbadi* organized on 29.04.2023 at Stewart Gunj stadium. The Member of Parliament, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma graced the function as Chief Guest along with the Ex-Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray and Sh. MK Hussain, Pradhan, GP-Stewart Gunj as Special Guest. The programme was also attended by Smti. S Selvi, Chairperson, PBMC; Councillors, PRI representatives. Besides, political heads of various parties also attended the programme. The programme was also graced with the presence of Sh. Rangalal Halder, President, Pradesh Congress Committee and Sh. TSG Bhaskar, Chairman, Campaigning committee. Senior leader Smti. Shanta Lakshan inspite of her ailing health attended the programme. Veteran personalities of the Islands – Mr. Som Naidu, Retd DANICS officer, Sh. M Hamid Ali, Sh. Mukeshwar Lall and the representatives of Local Born Association, heads of NGOs also joined for the celebrations.
At the outset, Master Mohammed Ashfaque, RUAC student recited the Holy Quran. Jb. Abdul Siddique, General Secretary of Andaman Moplah Service Organization (AMSO) welcomed the august gathering. In his address, he briefed on the mandate of the Organization and the activities carried so far and plans in the pipeline for times ahead.
In the key note address, Jb. O. Abdul Rehman, Advisory Member, AMSO delved in detail on the rich history, culture and existence of the community in the Islands. Sh. MK Hussain, Pradhan, GP-Stewart Gunj and Sh. Bishnu Pada Ray also spoke on the occasion. Traditional Oppana dances and Skit Play by the students of IQRA Public School were also conducted during the inaugural session. In the inaugural address, the Member of Parliament congratulated the Moplah community for the completion of their 100 Years in the Islands. He reminisced about the veteren leaders of the community – Marhoom AP Abdulla Kutty, Marhoom AP Mohammed, Marhoom C Abdu and others on the occasion and their contribution to the development of the Islands and the community. He commended the community for giving thrust on education and running schools where elementary education is provided to all children irrespective of caste, creed, religion, community etc..
The MP also launched the first ever documented 100 Years Commemorative Souvenir – Malabar Makkal. Digital and physical copy of the souvenir was released by the MP and other delegates. The inaugural programme ended with vote of thanks delivered by Jb. Mohammed Rafi, Chairman, 100 Years Committee followed by National Anthem.
Inaugural Programme was followed by cultural extravaganza musical performances by Ishalin Nilaav Musical Troupe from Kerala led by Jb. Gafoor Kuttiyadi, Jb. Afeef and team. The team completely enthralled the audience with non-stop Mappilla pattu. Duff, Kolkali, Oppana and comedy skit play were also conducted during the event.
On the occasion, the Andaman Moplah Service Organization also launched its independent research and analysis wing named after Marhoom Zubair Ahmed. The President and Secretary, AMSO handedover the declaration to the Jb. MB Rasheed Sahib, Convenor, ZARAW in the presence of Jb. KP Mohammed Younus and Jb. Mohammed Yunus M designated as Assistant Convenors and JB. PK Farooque and Jb. PK Moosa, brother of Marhoom Zubair Ahmed.
During the grand function, AMSO also felicitated few individuals, organizations and groups for their accomplishments. The felicitation was extended to Marhoom C Abdu, Marhoom AP Mohammed; Jb. T Hamza, Founder President, AMSO; Marhoom Zubair Ahmed, JB. KP Mammu, Jb. Hajee Rasheed, Editorial Board – Jb. KP Mohammed Younus and Jb. Mohammed Yunus M, organization such as SKSSF, SSF, ISM, Humane Touch, Ration Rasheed Foundation, besides groups of cultural performers. The felicitation was also extended to F3 Ambience Mall and IMFC for supporting the event as Title Sponsors.
The programme was compeered by Shazia Aziz, Shifa Yousuf, Sehla Salam and Nawaz Rehman.
During the event, Shanta Madam extended her affection to the office bearers of AMSO and the community by presenting a Gift that she received from her grandmother. A commeorative indian rupee coin of 1919 was handed over to the President and General Secretary, AMSO. Sh. TSG Bhaskar also donated Rs. 50,000/- to the building fund of AMSO and extended his supporr to the organization. The programme was streamed live through YouTube and viewed by the community members across the various Islands, states and those settled in Gulf. Programme was videographed with state of the art technology, also using Drone obtaining birds eye view.
TSG Bhasker attends Kabbadi Tournament at Maccapahad
Port Blair, May 02: The Congress Campaign Committee Chairman, A&N Islands Mr. TSG Bhasker attended the closing ceremony of one day Kabbadi Tournament organized by VMT, SRG & Villagers at Maccapahad, Near Tsunami Shelter on Sunday night.
The event was organized to engage the youths and promote sports culture in the region. All the teams competed against each other in a show of strength, ability and teamwork.
The champion and runners up teams were awarded with cash prizes and trophies by Mr. Bhasker and other dignitaries.
Mr. Bhasker congratulated the winning team and appreciated the participants for playing the game in true spirit of sportsmanship.
TSG Foundation Provides Drinking Water to peoples suffering from Water Scarcity
Port Blair, May 02: TSG Foundation supplied 12,000 liters of drinking water at Nayagaon Junction, Nayagaon Doctors Colony, Padampariyal Temple, Police Line and Andaman Faith Cathedral Church, Haddo to help out peoples facing severe shortage of drinking water.
The residents thanked the TSG Foundation for their help at the time of crisis.
Member of Parliament Demands to Supply Water in every village under the Panchayats of Tushnabad, Mithakhadi, Ferrargunj, Namunaghar and Brindaban by deploying a sufficient number of Water Tankers
Port Blair, May 02: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration to supply water in every village under the Panchayats of Tushnabad, Mithakhadi, Ferrargunj, Namunaghar and Brindaban by deploying a sufficient number of water tankers.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration, the Member of Parliament mentioned that he has been informed by a large number of villagers of the South Andaman region that several areas of the South Andaman region viz. Tushnabad, Mithakhadi, Ferrargunj, Namunaghar, Brindaban have been facing severe water crises for the last several weeks. In most of the region water is supplied only for about 10 minutes, that too after a gap of 10 days, making life for people extremely difficult.
He added that two major water sources viz. Sona Pahar and Jinganallah have dried up, making things worse for the people of the South Andaman region.
To deal with this problem and bring some relief for the region the Member of Parliament requested the Chief Secretary to deploy sufficient number of water tankers to supply water in every village under the Panchayats of Tushnabad, Mithakhadi, Ferrargunj, Namunaghar and Brindaban areas.