ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Archives for May 4, 2023

Cargo Dinghy Sinks after Collision with unknown Private boat at High Seas near Port Blair

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John Wilbert Vikramaditya

Port Blair, May 04: A Cargo dinghy carrying construction materials to Shaheed Dweep from Sippighat collided with an unknown private boat on May 2, 2022, causing the dinghy to sink and nearly killing its two crew members. The incident occurred around 18 km east of Port Blair, leaving the crew stranded in the sea. No one came to their aid, and they had to struggle for a long time before being rescued by the Coast Guard Helicopter.

According to reports, the crew members managed to float with the help of a diesel cane they were carrying in the dinghy. They breathed a sigh of relief when they were finally rescued by the Coast Guard. The police are investigating the case to determine which private boat had collided with the dinghy.

 

Prolonged Power Cuts and voltage fluctuations cause Inconvenience for Residents of South Andaman region

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John Wilbert &Vikramaditya

Port Blair, May 04: The residents of the entire South Andaman region have been facing prolonged power cuts and voltage fluctuations year after year, without any prior schedule or warning, leaving citizens to brace themselves for power cuts during this hot and humid climate.

Indiscriminate power cuts were previously common during the day and evening hours, but the recent occurrences at late night have further affected the daily lives of the residents. Residents in Port Blair City have been facing frequent power cuts at late night also, adding to their inconvenience and causing sleep disruption.

With the increasing hot and humid climate this year, the power crisis has further amplified the suffering for the public, making it even more crucial for the Electricity Department to resolve the issue and restore regular power supply to the residents of Port Blair City.

Everyday Islanders are witnessing multiple power failures in the city, causing great inconvenience to the residents, especially senior citizens and small children, affecting their health.

Residents of Port Blair have alleged that every time there is a power cut, it takes almost half an hour to restore power, causing significant problems for them. Meanwhile, residents of Bambooflat reported that they have been facing power cuts for the past week, despite the assurance from the officials that the problem will be rectified.

A senior official from the Electricity Department has stated that the power cuts in the city have been caused due to technical failure in one of the DG sets of 1MW in Power Plant Phoenix Bay.

The technical team hired by the private plant has already started working to rectify the problem, which is expected to be resolved within the next few days. The deficiency of power in South Andaman is more than 5-7 MW during evening hours, and the sudden increase in load due to hot weather conditions has resulted in an increase in power demand in the city.

“The department is working on the documentation for the installation of a new 10MW DG Set in Bambooflat and is making all possible efforts to commission it as soon as possible to manage the power shortage. The department is taking all necessary steps to ensure that the power supply is restored to the residents of Port Blair City at the earliest,” he added.

Member of Parliament requests intervention of Lt. Governor in power crisis issue; Suggests immediate and long term solutions

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Port Blair, May 04: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the intervention of the Lt. Governor Andaman and Nicobar Islands to solve the power crisis issue of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Highlighting about the pressing issue of power crisis that is faced by all Islanders the Member of Parliament has written a letter to the Lt. Governor of A & N Islands and said that Andaman and Nicobar Islands are currently facing indiscriminate power cuts during the hot and humid climate, which is having a significant impact on their lives.

He added that these power cuts are occurring throughout the day, from morning till night, without any prior schedule or warning, causing great inconvenience to the public.

He mentioned that the reasons for these power cuts are reported to be faults in some DG sets and underground electric lines, as well as a shortage of power supply to meet the increasing demand.

The Member of Parliament mentioned that with the ongoing progress and development, the demand for power in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is expected to increase significantly in coming years too.

“Additionally, the upcoming new airport terminal building is anticipated to bring in more domestic and foreign tourists, further increasing the demand for power. As a result, it is imperative that the administration takes responsibility for ensuring sufficient power supply to the public, particularly during the hot and humid seasons,” he pointed out.

To deal with the present power crisis, the Member of Parliament requested the Lt. Governor to intervene in this issue and direct the Electricity Department to address the issue by rectifying all the faults and by streamlining the power distribution in a well-planned manner. If required additional containerized DG Sets may be hired for a month of two, to deal with the present power crisis.

For the long term, the Member of Parliament requested intervention of the Lt. Governor in directing the Electricity Department to prepare a roadmap outlining the required power infrastructure for Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

“This roadmap should include plans to keep DG sets, LNG power plants, solar power plants with adequate backup ready for next summer and the next ten years to come. Special emphasis should also be given to the power requirements of remote islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands,” he added.

 

GREETINGS

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On the auspicious occasion of ‘Buddha Purnima’, I convey my warm greetings to the residents of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Lord Buddha showed humanity the path of non-violence, compassion and tolerance. His teachings provide us the strength to work for welfare of others and guide every one of us towards universal fraternity.
On this joyous occasion, I urge all the Islanders to recall the principles of Lord Buddha and reiterate our commitment to abide by them, so that our beautiful Islands continue to progress with peace and harmony.

Sd/-
(Admiral D K Joshi)
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)
Lt. Governor, A&N Islands
&
Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency

BSNL Network Severely Disrupted in North and Middle Andaman Region Due to Damage to Optical Fibre Cables

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John Wilbert &Vikramaditya

Port Blair, May 04: The BSNL network in many parts of North and Middle Andaman region got severely disrupted yesterday due to damage caused to Optical Fibre Cables during earth filling works near Swadesh Nagar Thoratang Bridge.

According to PRI members of the region, the contractors of the National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) were reportedly responsible for the damage caused to the Optical Fibre Cable, which has resulted in intermittent failure in transmission, leading to disruption in the BSNL network in many parts of North and Middle Andaman.

The BSNL sources alleged that the construction work carried out by one of the independent contractors on the project caused damage to the Optical Fibre Cable. The disruption has caused a great deal of inconvenience to the residents of North and Middle Andaman, affecting their online work and causing business activities to slow down drastically.

Mr. Debabrata Das, the Pradhan of Gram Panchayat of Swadesh Nagar, expressed his concern about the network disturbance in many places and the suffering of people due to poor network connectivity. Similarly, Mr. Mithun Das Pradhan, the Gram Panchayat of Ram Nagar, reported that this region has been facing poor network connectivity for the last few days, causing significant problems for the villagers.

However, a BSNL team has repaired the damage caused to the Optical Fibre Cable, which was responsible for the disruption, last night. However, the villagers are still facing network problems in areas such as Swadesh Nagar and Ram Nagar, PRI members alleged.

 

GREETINGS

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On the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima, which signifies the birth of Lord Buddha, I extend my warm greetings to the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

This day commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and Nirvana of Lord Buddha. Lord Buddha shared the message of humanity, non-violence, peace and service to the world.

Let the blessings of Lord Buddha bring peace, prosperity and happiness in the lives of the people of our Islands.

Kuldeep Rai Sharma,
Member of Parliament,
Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

 

TSG Foundation Provides 8,000 Litres of Drinking Water to Quraisha Masjid in Mohanpura Amid Water Scarcity

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Port Blair, May 04: Continuing its charity work of providing drinking water to needy people during times of water scarcity in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the TSG Foundation stepped forward to supply around 8,000 litres of drinking water at Quraisha Masjid in Mohanpura on Thursday.
The committee members of the Masjid expressed their gratitude towards the foundation for providing water immediately upon request, as there was a shortage of water even for performing Wuju and Namaz in the Masjid. The water supply was carried out under the supervision of social worker Mr. Sadab Riaz (Sunny).

ANTCC President demands for establishing roads/bridges in the villages of Diglipur

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Port Blair, May 04: The Andaman Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee President Mr. Rangalal Halder has demanded for the establishment of roads/bridges for connecting the villages of Jal Tikrey, Gopal Nagar-I and Gopal Nagar -II located under Radhanagar Panchayat, Diglipur.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Mr. Halder said that the residents of the said villages are facing a huge inconsistency in procuring basic amenities which are necessary for their day to day life.

He said that due to the villagers being settled in far flung areas, the basic facilities such as Health, Education and Employment are out of their reach. Provision of these facilities to the villagers have been heavily ignored by the Administration from a long time.

He pointed out that the Scheme’s & Policies of Central Government seems to be lacking in the remote areas of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and said that such remote villages requires stability and improvement for better development

He further stated that the Emergency Medical Services are also not available to give instant medical assistance at these villages of Diglipur.

He also mentioned that the patients are forced to cover a long distance through creek and open sea inorder to reach the Primary Health Center, Diglipur for availing medical treatment as there is no alternative way which has added to their miseries.

Hence, Mr. Halder requested the Chief Secretary to make proper plans and directives for establishing the roads/bridges in Diglipur for connecting Jal Tikri, Gopal Nagar- I and Gopal Nagar- II.

IMD forecast thunderstorm with lightning

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Port Blair, May 04: 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 5. Thunderstorm with lightning, gusty wind (speed reaching 30-40 kmph) is likely to occur at one or two places over A&N Islands on May 6.
Thunderstorm with lightning, gusty wind (speed reaching 40-50 kmph) is likely to occur at one or two places over A&N Islands and heavy rain (07-11 cm) is also likely to occur at one or two places over Nicobar Islands on May 7. Thundersquall with wind speed (speed reaching 50-60 kmph) is likely to occur at one or two places over A&N Islands, heavy rain (07-11 cm) is also likely to occur at one or two places over Andaman Islands and heavy to very heavy rain (07-20 cm) likely to occur at one or two places over Nicobar Islands on May 8.
In anticipation of formation of Low pressure area around 07th May 2023 over Southeast Bay of Bengal, Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea from May 8-11, 2023. Those who are in deep sea have been advised to return the coast by 07th May 2023 (afternoon).
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.

Basic Statistics Handbook 2021-22 Released

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Port Blair, May 04: Shri Nikhil Kumar, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Statistics) released the publication of ‘Basic Statistics Handbook 2021-22’ of Andaman & Nicobar Islands in his chamber today in the presence of Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, Secretary (Statistics), Shri Gaurang Mishra, Director (Stat & Eco.) and Shri D. S. Clement Stephen, Statistical Officer (HQ) along with the Statistical team.
This annual publication is very useful for Administrators, Planners, Stakeholders, Research Scholars, Policy makers, Educationalists, Govt. Offices, other Organizations and public in general. Basic Statistics Handbook of A&N Islands contains all the relevant data pertaining to different Sections and Departments of A&N Islands.
This Handbook will aid in decision making and information collation in all Departments. Basic Statistics Handbook is a guide to access the development indicators of the UT and can help in overall planning of the Islands. The Basic Statistics 2021-2022 can be accessed in the official website of A&N Administration in URL http://andssw1.and.nic.in/ecostat/basic_statistics2122.php.
Meanwhile, the Director (Eco & Stat) has thanked all the Departments of A & N Administration for extending their cordial co-operation in bringing out this publication.