John Wilbert &Vikramaditya
Port Blair, May 17: The Teylerabad road, has been partially closed near Anant Vihar Colony area, since April 24, leading to significant inconvenience for commuters. The closure is expected to continue until May 28, 2023, causing disruptions in the daily routines of residents.
Earlier, the district administration of South Andaman had issued a notification informing residents that all vehicles will be diverted through alternative routes during this period.
Now commuters with a four-wheeler have to take the route from Sippighat – Bimbilitan village route to reach a major part of Teylerabad. This diversion is likely to pose a hassle for many individuals.
Residents allege that half of the culvert, enough for movement of LMVs is ready but still the culvert approach has been blocked by keeping a road roller and now one knows why it is done.
Mr. Raj Govind, member of Zilla Parishad in Sippighat, emphasized the importance of the ongoing culvert construction and acknowledged that people would need to take alternate routes for a few more days. Mr. Govind assured the public that efforts were being made to ensure the timely completion of the project by constructing a comprehensive and sturdy culvert, with coordination from the APWD department.
Andaman Sheekha reached out to an APWD official, who stated that the road closure was in compliance with the District Administration’s order. The construction progress includes completed slab casting and ongoing work on the ring wall, followed by earth filling. Once these tasks are finished, the next step will be bituminous work. The APWD remains hopeful of completing the project by the end of this month.
Archives for May 17, 2023
Fuel Crisis Returns to Car Nicobar Island, Residents Demand Permanent Solutions
John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, May 17: Residents of Car Nicobar Island, once again, found themselves grappling with a fuel crisis, as reported previously by Andaman Sheekha Daily. Over the past two weeks, the residents have been experiencing a shortage of petrol and diesel, causing frustration among the residents.
This scarcity of fuel compounds the challenges faced by those living in remote and isolated Island, making life difficult for many in Car Nicobar Islands.
A resident of Car Nicobar expressed his concerns to Andaman Sheekha Daily, highlighting the increasing frustration caused by frequent fuel shortages. They emphasized that the remoteness and isolation of the islands already present significant hardships, and the ongoing fuel crisis further exacerbates their difficulties.
When contacted, an officer from Ellon Hinengo Limited (EHL) informed Andaman Sheekha Daily that a cargo vessel named Shakthi, carrying 10KL of petrol and 10KL of diesel, was scheduled to sail yesterday. The ship is currently in Hut Bay and is expected to reach Car Nicobar tomorrow.
The officer assured that with the vessel’s arrival, the fuel crisis would be resolved. However, the reality is that Car Nicobar currently has approximately 8,000 liters of petrol and over 2,000 liters of diesel. Unfortunately, one of the pump’s flow meters, connected to the fuel tank with more fuel, is undergoing repairs. He added that the issue has been reported to the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) because the responsibility for supply and repair of the pump in Car Nicobar lies with IOCL.
Despite regular reminders about the issue, IOCL is unable to address it due to the unavailability of ships caused by cyclonic weather conditions. Furthermore, there is only one technician from IOCL stationed in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, who, for some reason, is currently unavailable.
The officer stated that another technician from Kolkata is expected to arrive on May 22, after which repairs can be carried out, enabling the resumption of normal fuel distribution using both pumps.
In addition to the immediate concerns, the residents of Car Nicobar argue that temporary solutions will not suffice to address the recurring fuel crisis. They are demanding a more significant storage capacity for fuel on the Island, ensuring a buffer stock is always available to meet public needs.
Member of Parliament requests Chief Secretary not to Schedule Exams for Different Posts on the Same Day
Port Blair, May 17: Regarding the ongoing recruitment drive being conducted by the Andaman Nicobar Administration for the filling of posts under Group B and Group C, the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration to instruct the concerned department, not to schedule exams for different posts on the same day.
He mentioned that during the previous recruitment drive, a few exams for two different posts were held on the same day. Consequently, many candidates who aspired to apply for both positions were unable to do so due to this unfortunate scheduling conflict.
He added that this led to confusion, disappointment, and a missed opportunity for candidates who desired to maximize their chances of securing a government job.
“Given the overwhelming response to the current recruitment drive, it is evident that a large number of local candidates have shown keen interest in these positions. It is therefore imperative that the Andaman Nicobar Administration takes steps to rectify the situation and ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all applicants,” he added.
In light of the aforementioned circumstances, he requested the Chief Secretary to instruct the concerned department to refrain from scheduling exams for different posts on the same day.
“By implementing this change, all candidates will be able to appear in exams for all the desired posts, significantly enhancing their chances of securing a government job,” he added.
Residents of New Pahargaon Protest Against Water Supply Issues and Power Cuts
Port Blair, May 17: Residents of New Pahargaon and adjoining areas in South Andaman staged a protest and organized a chakka jam at New Pahargaon junction from 11:00 AM to 03:30 PM today. The demonstration was in response to the persistent issues of irregular water supply, with no water being provided for the past 13 days, and indiscriminate power cuts. Approximately 30 residents, primarily women with children, gathered to raise their voices against the Andaman and Nicobar Administration.
According to the villagers, they have been experiencing a lack of water supply for the past two weeks, coupled with frequent power cuts that occur at irregular intervals. Frustrated by the situation, the residents decided to protest today, spurred by the untimely supply of water in a tanker by the Port Blair Municipal Council (PBMC) the previous night at 11:00 PM. The distance between the main road and houses proved challenging for many residents, particularly those living further away, making it difficult for them to access the water supply from the tanker. As a result, the residents are demanding regular water supply through pipelines.
Around 12:30 PM, PBMC officials assured the protesters that they would provide water supply through pipelines by the evening. Additionally, they initiated water supply through a tanker to the main water tank in the area. Finally, at approximately 05:30 PM, some water supply to the residents was restored.
TSG Bhasker bats for Modifying Recruitment Eligibility of Platters in the Marine Department
Port Blair, May 17: The Congress Campaign Committee Chairman, A&N Islands Mr. TSG Bhasker on Wednesday has demanded for making few changes in the recruitment rules of Platters in the Marine Department of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
In a letter addressed to the Lt. Governor, A&N Islands, Mr. Bhasker invited his attention towards the advertisement published in the Daily Telegrams on 27th February, 2017 for the recruitment of various posts in Marine Department on contract basis which included the posts of Platters.
He said “In the advertisement various requirements were laid out by the Administration and one such was the requirement of a trade certificate for Plating, Tin Smith, Black Smith, Sheet Metal from a Government recognized Industrial Training Institute (ITI). However, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands does not have an ITI course for Platters”.
“After the representation from various candidates, a vacancy notice was again advertised for the same post on 16th October, 2017 wherein relaxation was given by accepting the trade certificate of any Government recognized ITI or equivalent trade certificate from any Government recognized institution/organization for recruitment. Based on this, Platters were appointed after they took industrial training and acquired necessary trade certificates from the Industries Department Plating Section. Thereafter, they have been working in the Plating Section of the DSS Marine Dockyard from 2017 to till date”, he added.
Further, Mr. Bhasker cited that in the last recruitment notice published in the Daily Telegrams, the Administration removed the clause where earlier option was given for producing equivalent trade certificate from any Government recognized institution/organization.
Concluding his letter, Mr. Bhasker requested the Lt. Governor to kindly reinstate the clause for permitting equivalent Trade Certificate from any Government recognized institute/organization during recruitment process considering the interest of peoples who have been working in the Marine Department for the past 7 years.
Advisory for Candidates of Group ’C’ Matric Level Posts
Port Blair, May 17: In continuation to A & N Administration’s Press Note dated 11.05.2023 wherein, it was informed to all the candidates regarding Vacancy Notice for various Group ’C’ Matric Level Posts in the Daily Telegrams dated 30.04.2023 alongwith the important instructions to aspirants/candidates for filling online application vide Vacancy Notice No. 4-13/2022-R&E Cell dated 29.04.2023 and also uploaded on the A & N Administration’s Portal: https://karmic.andaman.gov.in/grpcmatric. The online application was available from 29.04.2023 11.00 AM and the last date of filling the application is 19.05.2023 upto midnight.
The A & N Administration has once again requested all the aspiring candidates to register online application for various Group ’C’ Matric Level Posts within the prescribed date mentioned as above with due care and diligence; before the closing date i.e., 19.05.2023 upto midnight. No further extension shall be granted.
R Kashthuri Bhai Triumphs
Port Blair, May 17: R Kashthuri Bhai, a student of GDMS Port Blair, an emerging chess player from A & N Islands emerged as Champion in the Brilliant Trophy Online Junior Chess Tournament by scoring 11 points out of 12 rounds that were held at lichess platform. Indrajit Mazumdar from Bangalore stood second who scored 10.5 points while Balanandan Ayyappan from Ernakulum secured third position by scoring 10 points in 12 rounds. The winners will be awarded with trophies and cash prizes.
Common Entrance Test proposed to be Conducted for Selecting Candidates to the GP Rating Course at DBRAIT
Port Blair, May 17: A Common Entrance Test is proposed to be conducted for selecting candidates to the GP Rating Course at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Port Blair. The entrance test shall be conducted at DBRAIT as detailed below
1. Written test – 30/05/2023 from 10 am to 11 am
2. Physical test – 31/05/2023 from 09 am to 12:30 pm
The application forms shall be issued from 19/05/2023 to 29/05/2023.
For further information regarding eligibility criteria, course and exam details etc. the candidate may contact Maritime section of DBRAIT during working hours (Mob: 9933224884/9679553501)
Firing Practice
Port Blair, May 17: A firing practice will be carried out at Chinthe Long Range, Birchgunj on May 18 from 9.30 am to 5 pm. All concerned have been warned to keep themselves and their vehicle/livestock away from the firing range during the above mentioned date and time.
Open to all Painting competition by Department of Science & Technology
Port Blair, May 17: A movement was announced by the Prime Minister at COP 26 Glasgow- LiFE that is being steered by the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. LiFE stand for Life Style for Environment and aims to propagate a healthy and sustainable way of living based on the ancient Indian traditions and values of conservation and moderation.
As part of the celebration of Mission LiFE, the Department of Science & Technology, A & N Administration is organizing an open to all Painting competition on the theme ‘Save Energy’ on online mode. The size of the drawing sheet should be 36 cmx56 cm.
Participant may WhatsApp their paintings to phone no.9474213985 latest by May 25, 2023. Only one entry per participant will be considered for the competition. The participants should write their name, contact numbers at the right side bottom of the painting. Winners will be awarded with certificate and prizes.