ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Archives for May 3, 2023

MGCC students protest demanding special bus services, block road at Diglipur Bazar

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John Wilbert & Rabindranath Biswas
Port Blair, May 03: Several dozen college-going students, along with other passengers, blocked the road at Diglipur Bazar in protest, demanding special bus services for students of Mayabunder College. The increase in the number of passengers has led to a shortage of bus services on the route between Diglipur and Mayabunder.
Around 25 students and 10 faculty members from Diglipur use the bus services on a regular basis. This morning, the students were not able to get the 06:00 AM bus service as the bus was already over packed with other passengers. The students protested the lack of bus services on the route, blocking the road and demanding an increase in services by providing special bus services to Mayabunder College students. Students placed their bags on the road in protest.
The police and officials of the Tehsil of Diglipur reached the spot and attempted to pacify the students, but the students continued their protest. One student of MGGC alleged that they were not getting bus services, and if they do, they are forced to stand all the way to Mayabunder.
The officials of the Transport Department later reached the spot and assured the students of providing special bus services only for students, college faculties, and school teachers.
The students called off the protest after the Officer of the STS department assured them of providing special bus services after May 5,2023 . The STS bus will be allotted half the seat for students and half for normal passengers. However, the students warned that if the students do not get special bus services after May 5, they will continue the protest in a larger mode.
Later a senior officer of the State Transport Department in Diglipur told Andaman Sheekha Daily that the department has informed its higher authority about the demand. “The main reason for not providing special bus services is a shortage of drivers. The students’ demand for special bus services is expected to be addressed after May 5,” he assured.

Member of Parliament demands to install a massive desalination plant in the South Andaman region to alleviate the water crisis

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Port Blair, May 03: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to install a massive desalination plant in the South Andaman region to alleviate the water crisis
In a letter addressed to the Lt. Governor, the Member of Parliament mentioned that a severe water crisis is currently affecting many parts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and he has been receiving numerous complaints from the citizens of South Andaman, Middle Andaman, North Andaman, Nicobar District, and Port Blair city regarding the acute shortage of water.
Appreciating the fact that the Andaman and Nicobar Administration is taking various steps to address the water crisis, including plans to bring 6.0 MLD of water from five more sources of Rutland to South Andaman, he said that this is an opportune time to consider a more permanent solution like installation of a massive desalination plant in the South Andaman region.
He mentioned that 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 the ideal solution for these Islands surrounded by sea.
The Member of Parliament pointed out that a desalination plant can convert seawater into potable water, providing a long-term solution to the chronic water crisis in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. “Furthermore, the technology used in desalination plants has improved significantly, making them cost-effective and energy-efficient,” he added.
The Member of Parliament added that the increase in the number of tourists due to the operation of international flights once the new air terminal of VSI airport of Port Blair is ready is likely to create more shortages of water in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. “ The influx of tourists is likely to put additional strain on the already limited water resources of the Islands, especially in the municipal areas. With the tourism industry being a significant contributor to the local economy, the demand for water is likely to increase further. Moreover, the water supply infrastructure of the Islands is limited, and the existing sources of freshwater are not sufficient to meet the increasing demand,” he added.
He pointed out that a desalination plant is an essential solution for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands because it is a man-made technology that can provide freshwater to the islands even if the monsoons fail or there is a natural disaster. “With desalination plants ready we will no longer be dependent on Nature for fresh water,” the Member of Parliament added.

IMD predicts Thunderstorm with Lightning

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Port Blair, May 3: As per the Meteorological Department’s weather report, thunderstorm with lightning is likely to occur at one or two places over A&N Islands on May 4, 6 & 7. 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.

Mariyam Bibi along with other leaders urge Secretary (Shipping) to Resume Ferry Services

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Port Blair, May 03: A delegation led by Ms. V.K. Mariyam Bibi, ZPM Bambooflat, along with Mr. A. Ummer, ZPM Wimberlygunj, Mrs. Rasheeda Bibi, Pradhan Hopetown, and Mr. B. Laxmi Narayan, met with Mr. Kishore, IAS Secretary (Shipping), in his office to discuss the ongoing issue of shortage of vehicle ferries between Bambooflat and Chatham.

During the meeting, the delegation apprised the Secretary of the problems faced by the commuters who travel from Bambooflat to Chatham due to a lack of vehicle ferries. They emphasized the need for continuous ferry services to ensure people can reach their workplaces, hospitals, and colleges on time.

The Secretary assured the delegation that ferry services would resume soon and immediately directed the operation of an additional vehicle ferry from the same evening. The delegation expressed gratitude for the Secretary’s prompt action and thanked him for his concern.

The delegation hopes that the ferry services will continue uninterrupted to alleviate the difficulties faced by the commuters traveling between Bambooflat and Chatham. They expressed their sincere appreciation to the Secretary for his efforts to address the issue.

South Andaman Police Hands over Recovered Cash of Rs 1,38,500/- to its Owner in Burglary Case

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Port Blair, May 03: On 14/04/2023, a burglary case vide FIR No. 100/2023 U/s 454/380 IPC was registered at PS Aberdeen against unknown person on the complaint of Mr. Baljeet Singh S/o Mr. Dadar Singh R/o Dalthaman Colony Near Gandhi Park for theft of cash amounting Rs. 02 lakhs from his house. Working professionally, on 15/04/2023 accused persons namely Rajiv Biswas S/o Mr. Robin Biswas (22) yrs R/o Dollygunj and Depak Das S/o Late Badal Das (32) yrs R/o Haddo near Forest Club were arrested and cash Rs, 1,38,500/- were recovered.
Subsequently, the release order for the stolen cash was obtained from the court of CJM, Port Blair. On 03/05/2023 the stolen cash was handed over to its owner Mr. Baljeet Singh S/o Mr. Dadar Singh R/o Dalthaman Colony Near Gandhi Park by the Superintendent of Police, South Andaman District, Mr. Kalaivanan R, IPS, SDPO (SA) Mr. Sunny Gupta, IPS and SHO Aberdeen Insp Girish Kumar. The owner expressed his gratitude and appreciated the efforts of police in nabbing the accused and recovering the cash.
The general public is requested to share information pertaining to any crime or other illegal activities to police at 112, 03192-232100 & 03192-233077. The identity of the informant will be kept secret.

SBM Ambassador visits G.B Pant Hospital Port Blair

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Port Blair, May 03: To check the cleanliness and sanitation under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, today Naresh Chander Lal Padmashri Awardee and Ambassador of Swachh Bharat Mission Andaman & Nicobar islands visited the G.B.Pant Hospital Port Blair and interacted with patients, out-patients, attendees and staff of the hospital to maintain cleanliness at their hospital premises as well as to their respective societies, the areas of living. Few points raised by the patients to the Ambassador and on to the same day SBM Ambassador met with the Director Health services Dr. Munni Singhania and brought in her kind notice.

 

Action of N&M Andaman District Police Continues against Sale of Illegal Ganja and Liquor

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Port Blair, May 03: Continuing its crackdown on the illicit ganja, illicit liquor, Handia, & illegal sale of IMFL, the District Police of North & Middle Andaman with the help of local informers conducted regular raids and searches in jungles. During the month of March-2023, the teams of various Police Stations, headed by SHOs and Sub-Inspectors conducted raids & massive jungle search operations. In these search operations, around 900 liters of Lehan & 33 liters of illicit liquor was destroyed and also 126 Nos. IMFL bottles of different quantities have been seized. Under Excise Regulation 18 cases were registered 18 accused were arrested. All the History Sheeters are regularly being checked by the beat staff, making it hard for them to be involved in any illegal activity and a fresh history sheet of bootleggers has opened for surveillance.
District Police has been able to arrest 04 persons in 03 different cases of NDPS Act involved in illicit ganja trade and seized 5.500 Kgs of illicit Ganja from them.
The general public is requested to pass and share any credible information pertaining to any crime or illegal activities to their nearest Police Station or over phone No.100, 112 & 03192-273344. The identity of the informers will be kept secret and will also be suitably rewarded.

Foodgrains to be distributed in advance for 2 months

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Port Blair, May 3: The foodgrains shall be distributed in advance for 2 months for May, 2023 & June, 2023 in one go in the entire UT in the month of May, 2023. All the Ration Card holders have been informed that they can purchase the foodgrains as per their entitlement for 2 months in May, 2023.
All such Ration Card holders can draw the foodgrains as per their entitlement for 2 months in one go between May 2023 to June, 2023. However, the Ration Card Holders who are not able to lift ration in the month of May, 2023 can lift their foodgrains in the month of June, 2023.

Advisory for conducting Common Entrance Test (CET)

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Port Blair, May 03: the Andaman & Nicobar Administration on behalf of Indian Maritime University, Chennai shall be conducting Common Entrance Test (CET) for the 07 reserved seats for UG courses in IMU campuses and for the 30 seats in Diploma in Nautical Science at DBRAIT, Port Blair. The Common Entrance Test is scheduled to be held on 25/05/2023 between 10 AM and 12 Noon at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology and the application forms shall be issued from 08/05/2023 to 22/05/2023. Hall tickets shall be issued from 19/05/2023 to 23/05/2023 at the institute. The candidates who are locals or domiciled of these Islands for the last 5 years qualify for the examination. For further information regarding the exam details, eligibility criteria, course details etc. the candidates may kindly contact the Maritime Section of DBRAIT during working hours (Mob- 9679553501 / 9933224884).

Power Interruption on 06.05.2023 due to Line Clearance Work

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Port Blair, May 03: It is brought to the notice of the electricity consumers and general public that, to create a safe corridor for electricity feeders and tie lines, the Electricity Department will exercise line clearance and pruning of dangerous trees on 06.05.2023 (Saturday) between 0600 hrs.And1500hrs. So that the frequent power disruption and electricity faults can be prevented during monsoon season. During this exercise electricity supply of AKT Miniplex, Bird Line, Mahaveer Nagar, Kamaraj Nagar, Beodnabad, Rangachang, Burmanallah & Chidiyatapu areas shall be disrupted on 06.05.2023 from 0600 hrs to 1500 hrs for the safety of staff who shall be engaged in line clearance work. The general public is requested to support the team so that this exercise can be completed at earliest and power disruptions are minimized.
The above mentioned schedule is tentative, if the work is completed before the schedule line will be charged accordingly. The inconvenience caused is regretted.