ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Archives for May 9, 2023

Commuters Disappointed as Old Passenger Ferry Vessels Delay Regular Service between Islands of Nicobar District

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John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, May 09: The regular ferry service between various Islands of Nicobar District has become time-consuming and delayed, as an old passenger ferry has been operating between Champin, Kamorta, and other small Islands. The MV Barren and MV Galatia, which are giving ferry services, are much slower than required, leaving commuters disappointed.
The slower a ferry sails, the fewer times it can make trips to different Islands. Thus, it impacts the normal life of people in Nicobar District in many ways. Moreover, the ageing boats are developing more faults, leading to delays and cancellations, and most ferries are beyond their expected operational life.
Commuters have reported that it takes more than one hour extra to travel between the ports due to the slower vessel’s operation. The Tribal Council of Car Nicobar has demanded frequent repairs on the existing ferry boats, namely MV Barren & MV Galatia. Such disruptions have led to immense hardships and problems for those seeking medical help or for other personal reasons.
A senior member of the Tribal Council has demanded that the Department of Shipping Services (DSS) should send a good vessel and a vehicle ferry vessel to Nicobar district, as the vehicle ferry jetties at Kamorta and Champin Islands have been constructed and completed six years ago but are still unutilized due to lack of a vehicle ferry vessels, which would boost and encourage the movement of goods and vehicles from one Island to another.
On contacting the Senior Officer of the Shipping Department, Andaman Sheekha Daily was informed that the department has already taken up the matter of maintenance. The two old ships, MV Barren and MV Galatia, are being maintained on the basis of passengers’ safety, fitness to sail, and to smoothen passenger transportation. The Shipping Service has decided to send DSS Vessel MV Juhi (IV) to Nicobar District, but a Tug Boat is mandatory to shift the ship to Nicobar District. Due to Tug Boat shortage, the department is unable to send the vessel right now.
The residents of Nicobar District are facing numerous problems due to the delays and cancellations of the ferry service. The Shipping Service should replace the slower vehicle ferry with a faster one to resolve the issue and provide smooth transportation to the commuters.

Billiground residents demand ATR Express Bus Services from Billiground Bazar to Port Blair

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John Wilbert &Vikramaditya

Port Blair, May 09: The residents of Billiground in Middle Andaman are demanding ATR Express Bus Services from Billiground Bazar to Port Blair. The villagers have been demanding express bus services for the last couple of years.
Although basic amenities have improved to a certain level in the past years in Billiground, the lack of bus connectivity from Billiground Bazar to Port Blair is hampering the region’s growth. The STS Express Bus services for this region were withdrawn during the lockdown, bringing huge problems for the general public and patients who are now forced to opt for private vehicles, which charge exorbitant rates, causing immense frustration for the people living in and around the Billiground region.
Mr. Manojit Halder Pradhan of Harinagar Gram Panchayat has been raising this issue for a prolonged period and demanded a new ATR Express trip from Billiground Bazar to Port Blair at 08:00 AM. However, the authorities have failed to address the issue, and villagers are now forced to rush to the existing ATR Bus Services from Nimbudera to Port Blair. On behalf of the villagers, he has requested the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration to intervene in the matter and take the necessary action to redress the issue.
When contacted, the Senior Officer of the Transport Department assured Andaman Sheekha Daily that he will look into the matter. He added that the matter would be discussed with senior officers to solve this issue and provide better transportation services for the people of Billiground.

Member of Parliament requests Lt. Governor to provide a single-window system for all kinds of permissions related to new Tourism projects

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Port Blair, May 09: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to provide a single-window system for all kinds of permissions related to new Tourism projects. According to the Member of Parliament this will not only ease the process of doing business but also attract more investors to Andaman and enable local entrepreneurs to set up new ventures to attract tourists and promote tourism in these Islands.

In a letter addressed to the Lt. Governor, the Member of Parliament mentioned that tourism is the only major Industry in our Islands, which is capable of providing thousands of employment opportunities for the local youths. Due to the tourism industry, many families in Andaman Nicobar Island are able to earn their daily bread and live a comfortable life.

He mentioned that although due to constant efforts of Andaman and Nicobar Administration tourists footfall has increased in recent years, but the growth of the tourism industry in our Islands is comparatively slower than other tourist hotspots in our country and neighbouring countries.

He pointed out that one of the major reasons for this is the complicated process of obtaining permission from various departments for starting even a small project for Tourism. This not only discourages entrepreneurs but also deters bigger investors in Andaman Nicobar Islands.

The Member of Parliament further mentioned that Andaman Nicobar Islands lack any major attractions other than beaches and historical monuments. Tourists who visit Andaman Nicobar Island deserve to have all kinds of entertainment and amusement along with beaches and monuments. For transforming Andaman into a tourism hotspot we need major projects like mega water parks, eco camping resorts, caravan packages, underwater aquariums, underwater scooter rides etc.

“However, the lack of variety in the tourism industry is causing many tourists to opt for Southeast Asian countries instead of coming to Andaman. As a result, our tourism industry is losing out on a significant amount of revenue,” he added.

He added that a simple step like providing a single-window system for all kinds of permissions related to new Tourism projects, can attract lakhs of more tourists, which can generate a massive amount of revenue for Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

 

First Cruise vessel to call at Port Blair after four Long Years

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Port Blair, May 09: The Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Andaman Ship Owners Association and the Tourism stake-holders of the islands are delighted that the first cruise vessel MV insignia with 450 passengers called Port Blair today the 9th May, 2023.This is the first cruise vessel to call at Port Blair after four long years and hope that more such vessels will call in the near future and the years to come. Special thanks are due to the Andaman Administration for their support especially Mr. Vinay Bhushan, Secretary – Tourism for having coordinated the entire requirements of the arrival and stay of the vessel and ensuring that the visit went of smoothly with the support of the various wings of the Administration and government viz; Immigration, police, transport, Customs, Port Health, Port Management Board and Andaman & Nicobar Command. Such visits of cruise vessels to the islands will go a long way to bring islands in the world tourism map thereby increasing the tourist arrivals and helping in the economic development and creating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for the islanders specially the youth, a release from ACCI said here today.

Rabindra Jayanti celebrated in Diglipur, North Andaman by Rabitirtha Club

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Staff Reporter
Diglipur, May 09: Rabitirtha Club in Diglipur, North Andaman, organized a cultural program on the occasion of Rabindra Jayanti to commemorate the birth anniversary of the great poet Rabindranath Tagore. The President Mr. Goutam Biswas and Secretary Mr. Madhai Murshidof Rabitirtha Club led the event and ensured a fitting tribute to the legendary poet.
The program featured a mesmerizing performance of Rabindra Sangeet songs and dance numbers, which left the audience spellbound. A good number of Bengali people had gathered to pay homage to Kobi Guru Rabindranath Tagore on this occasion. The event was a beautiful showcase of the rich cultural heritage of the Bengali community in Diglipur, North Andaman.

CITU Holds Mass Demonstration Demanding Revision of Minimum Wages

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Port Blair, May 09: CITU Andaman & Nicobar State Committee has conducted a Mass Demonstration in front of the Labour Commissioner’s office at Port Blair today (9th May, 2023) on various demands relating to the working class in the islands. The demands highlighted during the Mass Demonstration are (1) Immediate revision of Minimum Wages to Rs. 26,000 per month with effect from January, 2023, (2) Ensure Minimum Wages to all Workers (3) Settle all pending Labour disputes (4) Implement all Labor laws fairly and (5) Ensure implementation of Shop & Establishment Regulation & Rules. A large number of workers working in various establishments of Port Blair town participated in the mass demonstration.
Addressing the participants, B. Chandrachoodan, General Secretary, came down heavily on the Labour Department for keeping pending a large number of cases without finalizing the conciliation proceedings. He blamed the Administration for not properly implementing various labour laws in the islands.
R. Surendran Pillai, President, CITU State Committee, M. Chinnaih, M. Yugandar and Anand Rajan, Secretaries of CITU State Committee led the mass demonstration.

Jolly expressesgratitude for granting 1/30 of minimum pay plus DA to all the left out DRMs Working under the A & N Administration

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Port Blair, May 09: Mr. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Member-BJP & Former State President BJP-ANI has expressed his wholehearted gratitude to Prime Minister Mananiya Narendra Modi, Home Minister Mananiya Amit Shah, Lt. Governor- A & N Islands, Chief Secretary- A & N Administration, the Secretary-Personnel, and all other officials involved in the process, for granting 1/30 of minimum pay plus DA to all the left out DRMs working under the A & N Administration, which comes to Rs.18, 000/- plus DA. It is pertinent to mention here that the DRM- Drivers have been granted with specially enhanced pay of Rs. 19,900/- plus DA, which is a welcome step.
By enhancing the salaries of all DRMs, much needed relief has been granted to these poor & lower middle class employees who were struggling to meet their household expenses.
On behalf of each of these DRMs, Vishal Jolly once again express gratitude to all involved in the process and also heartily congratulate these poor brothers and sisters who have been granted with the benefits.

Weather update by IMD for A & N Islands

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Port Blair, May 09: As per the Meteorological Department’s weather report, thundersquall (wind speed reaching 55-65 gusting to 75 kmph) is likely to occur at one or two places over A&N Islands and heavy to very heavy rain (07-20 cm) is also likely to occur at one or two places over A&N Islands on May 10. Thundersquall (wind speed reaching 55-65 gusting to 75 kmph) is likely to occur at one or two places over A&N Islands. Heavy to very heavy rain (07-20 cm) is also likely to occur at one or two places over Andaman Islands and heavy rain (07-11 cm) is likely to occur at one or two places over Nicobar Islands on May 11.
Thundersquall (wind speed reaching 55-65 gusting to 75 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 Andaman Islands on May 12. Thundersquall (wind speed reaching 55-65 gusting to 75 kmph) is likely to occur at one or two places over A&N Islands on May 13.
Due to the formation of well marked Low Pressure Area over Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining South Andaman Sea and very likely intensification of the system into a cyclonic storm, Fishermen of Andaman & Nicobar coasts have been advised not to venture into the sea till May 13.
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.

 

PBMC takes several measures to improve water infrastructure within city

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Port Blair, May 09: The Port Blair Municipal Council has initiated several measures to improve water infrastructure within the city to cope with the existing demand. As part of this, cleaning and desilting of the existing ponds and wells are being undertaken. PBMC has installed bore wells at various places to mitigate the present crisis to meet the demand of the adjoining areas of New Pahargaon. In order to arrest wastage of water, PBMC has issued advisory to install bell type float valves. Apart from this, inspection teams constituted by the Council are carrying out house to house/commercial/institution inspections to check for its compliance. PBMC has strengthened its Complaint Mechanism to arrest leakage of water.
To mitigate the existing scarcity within the city, the A & N Administration is trying to fill up the gap by bringing water from Little Andaman by Ships and barges which is subsequently transported to command tank for further distribution.
The A & N Administration and PBMC have initiated both short and long term measures to alleviate the water scarcity in the Islands. As a proactive measure, the A & N Administration has invited suggestions from general public on ways and means to augment water supply in Port Blair through email- waterportblair@gmail.com other measures like rejuvenation of non-functional ponds, abandoned Japanese wells, identification of water streams and any other water sources are being undertaken.
The water level at Dhanikari Dam has gone down due to inadequate rains. The A& N Administration and PBMC are working hand in hand to arrange and distribute water in the most efficient manner. PBMC has wholeheartedly requested the general public to cooperate. “We request the support of all citizens to conserve and optimize water usage at all levels. Appealing to citizens: ‘Let’s Save Water Together’.

Condolence

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Port Blair, May 09: KHV and Mr. M. Vinod, President, AATO along with all its members have condoles the sudden demise of Mr. Dilip Singh.
The State Unit of Kesaria Hindu Vahini Trust Andaman and Nicobar Islands expressed deep condolence at the sad and untimely demise of Mr. Dilip Singh, aged 37 years, R/o Haddo, who expired on 09/05/2023 S/o Mr. Jageshwar Singh, Retd SE, Zilla Parishad.
KHV State President Mr. Tarun Singh and Mr. Vinod the entire committee convey heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the bereaved members of his family. Om Shanti.