ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Archives for May 12, 2023

High Wind Causes considerable Damages in Baratang, Middle Andaman; One House Collapsed

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Ganeshan& John Wilbert
Baratang, May 12: Although the Cyclonic Storm ‘Mocha’ is far away but high wind because of the Cyclonic Storm ‘Mocha’ was felt in the Baratang region today. As per details, due to heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds one house made up of Bamboo collapsed today, while several other houses made of bamboo suffered minor damages.

In the early hours of the morning, Mr. Shibu Braik, a resident of Sunderghar Panchayat, faced the devastating collapse of his house due to the relentless downpour and strong winds. Meanwhile, in other areas, several tree branches fell on houses, and some trees were uprooted, causing disruption in Baratang.

Upon receiving reports of the incident, fire tenders and police personnel promptly reached the affected area to assess the situation and provide assistance. Simultaneously, the dedicated staff of the Forest Department worked diligently to clear all the fallen logs from the roads, ensuring the safety and accessibility of the affected areas by evening.

 

Residents of Bambooflat, Wimberlygunj, and Kanyapuram stage Protest Against Power Cuts, Organize Chakka Jam

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John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Wimberlygunj, May 12: In a display of frustration and dissatisfaction, residents of Bambooflat, Wimberlygunj, Kanyapuram, and adjoining areas organized a protest today in front of the Electricity Site Office in Wimberlygunj. The protest, which later escalated into a chakka jam, aimed to voice their grievances against the rampant and indiscriminate power cuts plaguing the area.

According to reports, the residents gathered in large numbers, shouting slogans against the Electricity Department, as they have been experiencing continuous power cuts for the past week. The power outages, lasting two to three hours with intermittent gaps, have become increasingly unbearable. “Today, the people of our region witnessed an extended power cut starting from the night of May 11 at around 1:00 AM until 2:00 PM today when electricity supply was finally restored. This situation is becoming intolerable,” expressed a villager from Bambooflat.

Efforts by local police officials to pacify the residents proved unsuccessful, as the protesters remained steadfast in their demands. Subsequently, the villagers reached out to the officials of the State Administration’s (SA) electricity department, who promised to address the issue and assured minimum load shedding in the Bambooflat area. Following this assurance, the chakka jam was called off.

Residents of Kanyapuram Panchayat expressed their distress, stating that the power outages have created a dire situation where people are suffering greatly due to the significant gap between power demand and supply. “From 1:00 AM to 2:00 PM today, we faced extensive load shedding. Frustrated by this, we decided to protest against the electricity department, led by Mr. V.K Abdul Aziz, Zilla Parishad Member of Bindraban Panchayat, and Mr. K. Venkat Ram Babu, the Pradhan of Wimberlygunj,” explained a villager.

Mr. Venkat Ram Babu, the Pradhan of Wimberlygunj, spoke to Andaman Sheekha Daily and highlighted the long-standing issues faced by the villagers, including erratic power supply and the absence of staff at the site office, with the Junior Engineer allegedly being frequently unavailable. Upon hearing about the problems, the electricity department officials assured to address the issues promptly.

However, the villagers conveyed that if their demands were not met and prolonged load shedding continued, they would resort to a ‘Chakka Jaam’ in the village, indicating their determination to fight for a reliable and uninterrupted power supply.

 

CBI Raid in Revenue Section of PBMC was a random raid: Sources

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John Wilbert &Vikramaditya

Port Blair, May 12: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted a random raid yesterday on the Revenue Section of the Port Blair Municipal Council. The raid was initiated based on certain inputs received regarding alleged irregularities within the section of PBMC.

According to information obtained by Andaman Sheekha Daily, the CBI team seized specific files from the section during the raid. These files will now be sent to experts for a thorough scrutiny process, which is expected to take approximately two to three months.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that once the scrutiny report is received, further inquiries will be conducted. If the irregularities detected are found to be minor in nature, then CBI may recommend a departmental inquiry accordingly.

It is important to note that there are no specific allegations against any individuals involved in this matter. The raid conducted yesterday received the support and cooperation of the Vigilance Cell of the Administration.

 

Dharna and Chakka jam on the NH-4 at Diglipur demanding immediate supply of potable piped water

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Rabindranath Biswas
Diglipur, May 12: The PRIs and the residents under Sitanagar Constituency, Diglipur Tehshil staged a massive Dharna and Chakka jam on the NH-4 near the Sitanangar Panchayat Chowk today at around 08:00 AM.
As per report, the Dharna was to press for their demand of immediate supply of potable piped water which the APWD reportedly has not been supplying for the last two years in the region.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha, Mr. Biplob Mandal, Pradhan, GP Sitanagar who organized the Dharna said that the pipelines were totally damaged while NH work was carried in the area, as such, the water coldn’t be supplied through these pipelines by the concerned Department. The damaged pipelines were taking a toll on the residents of the area while it was the responsibility of the NH authority/Agencies to repair and set these damaged pipelines right so that the people could get water through them. But, when it was not done, the APWD started supplying water by means of water-tankers which hardly met the dire water necessity of the denizens in the region, Mr. Biplab further lamented. The area which was/is being severely affected owing to insufficient quantity of water supply includes Sheel Tikry & APWD old Barrack at Sitanagar village.
However, since the villagers could no longer tolerate the wrath of the situation thrown by the non-supply of sufficient volume of water in the area, the Pradhan, Panchayat Samiti Member, Up-Pradhan, Sarpanch and other PRI members with the whole-hearted support of the villagers resorted to take to road and hold the Dharna, Mr. Mandal said.
In the meantime, the Tehsildar Diglipur along with the EE & AE, CD, APWD and the General Manager, KABA INFOTECH visited the Dharna site and heard all grievances and demands of the villagers and the PRI members. Then the concerned authorities and the agencies accepted all the demands and assured in writing to complete the repair and maintenance works of the existing pipelines and resolve all the related issues before 31st May. On assurances, the residents and the PRI Members brought their dharna to a close, the Pradhan further said.

 

Member of Parliament Congratulates students who have passed CBSE Class X and XII Students

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Port Blair, May 12:The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced the much-anticipated results for Classes 10 and 12 today. In this regard, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has extended his warmest congratulations to all the students of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, who have successfully passed their Class X and Class XI CBSE examinations.

With great pride and admiration, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma commended the diligent efforts, dedication, and resilience exhibited by these young scholars. As they embark on their future endeavors, the Member of Parliament has extended his heartfelt good wishes and encourages them to continue pursuing their dreams with unwavering determination.

Recognizing that success comes not only in triumph but also through the valuable lessons learned from failure, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma extended his unwavering support to those students who could not clear the examinations this year. With sincere hope and optimism, he wished them the very best for their future attempts, confident that they will emerge victorious and excel in their forthcoming examinations.

Furthermore, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma also expressed his profound appreciation and gratitude to the dedicated teachers who have played a pivotal role in shaping the students’ educational journey.

 

Lt. Governor reviews process of filling up of vacant posts of Group A, B & C in A&N Islands

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Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), the Lt Governor, A&N Islands and Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency reviewed the action taken and proactive steps in Mission Mode for accomplishing the target of filling up of vacant posts of Group A, B & C in A&N Islands in the presence of Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Senior Officials of Andaman & Nicobar Administration, Andaman & Nicobar Police &Deptt. of Environment & Forest. The Lt Governor appreciated the recent efforts of Departments for Recruitment and reiterated to maintain Zero Tolerance policy against corruption.

Fallen Tree Blocks Andaman Trunk Road, Causes Power Cut in Kadamtala

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John Wilbert & Vikramaditya

Kadamtala, May 12: Chaos ensued as a massive tree, along with an electric pole, fell on the Andaman Trunk Road between Fultala village and the 15 Number Check Post area of Middle Andaman last night. The incident resulted in a road blockade for nearly an hour, disrupting traffic flow in the region.

According to reports, the fallen tree caused significant damage to the electric pole, leading to a power outage in the entire Kadamtala area, which lasted until this evening. Additionally, the disruption affected BSNL network services, adding to the inconvenience faced by residents.

Prompt action was taken by the officials of the Police Department in the early hours of the morning. During their routine patrol, they noticed the fallen tree obstructing the ATR Road around 5:30 AM. Immediately, a team consisting of personnel from the Kadamtala Police, Fire Department, APWD, Forest Department, and Electricity Department was deployed to the site.

Working in unison, the team swiftly cleared the fallen tree and the electric pole, ensuring the road was reopened for traffic. Due to the sheer size of the tree, the clearance process took approximately 45 minutes. Fortunately, thanks to the timely response and efficient coordination, the delay caused to vehicles was limited to around 45 minutes.

TSG Bhasker inaugurates free coaching class for aspirants at Ograbraj

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Port Blair, May 12: In a move to extend assistance to the youth appearing for competitive exams, the Chairman of TSG Foundation Mr. TSG Bhasker on Thursday evening inaugurated a free-of-cost coaching class for job aspirants at Community Hall, Ograbraj.
The coaching class was started with the joint support of Zilla Parishad Member Gram Panchayat Mithakhari Mr. P.A Sharfuddin, Pradhan Gram Panchayat Mithakhari Mr. Mohd. Shafique, Badriya Masjid Committee, Ograbraj, TSG Foundation, Youth Club, Ograbraj and PRI Members of Gram Panchayat Mithakhari.
The inauguration is a step to help job aspirants of Ograbraj and nearby villages to prepare for the upcoming Group C Exam announced to fill up 2,520 job vacancies in A&N Islands.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Bhasker highlighted the important role played by students in the society and praised the efforts of PRI Members & local youths in setting up the centre. He urged the youths to avail the services of the newly established centre.
“This initiative will illuminate the lamp of many homes and through free coaching youths will be able to dream big and fulfill them”, he added.
Mr. Bhasker also announced all possible support on behalf of TSG Foundation for the infrastructure required in the smooth functioning of the coaching class.
The inaugural function was attended by TSG Foundation Programme Coordinator Mr. Ameer Bux, Social Worker Mr. Saji Varghese and several others.

Campaign Committee Chairman demands frequent sailing of vessels to Campbell Bay

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Port Blair, May 12: The ANTCC Campaign Committee Chairman Mr TSG Bhasker on Friday demanded for providing frequent sailing of vessels to Campbell Bay.In a letter addressed to the Director of Shipping Services, A&N Administration, Mr. Bhasker stated that the sailing of vessels to Campbell Bay is erratic and not in time.
He informed that the last sailing for Campbell Bay was on 1st May, 2023 which went via Campbell Bay to Chennai and now the next sailing is scheduled on 12th May, 2023.
“People who have come to Port Blair for their medical treatment and emergency requirements are finding it very difficult to stay in Port Blair because of the very high cost of living”, he said.
He added that this is also a peak time for the school going students of Campbell Bay who were studying in Port Blair to return back to their homes as their holidays have commenced. These students want to reach their homes at Campbell Bay and stay with their parents.
Mr. Bhasker further said that the scheduled sailing on 12th May, 2023 is already full and many of the passengers have not got their tickets.
Hence, he requested the Director of Shipping Services to review the situation and take necessary measures for the convenience of the residents of Campbell Bay.An individual copy of letters were also given to the Secretary (Shipping) and Deputy Director, DSS.

 

Power Supply to remain Suspended

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Port Blair, May 12: The power supply will remain suspended at Shadipur, South Point, Mazaar Pahad, Machi Line, RGT Road, Govt. Press and JNRM College. areas on 13.05.2023 (Saturday) from 0730 hrs. to 1030 hrs. in connection with up-gradation of CTs of Radial-II feeder at Chatham Power House.
The above mentioned schedule is tentative, if the work is completed before the schedule, line will be charged accordingly.