ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Archives for September 7, 2023

Critical Road Conditions In Harinagar Village Leave Residents In Distress

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Trinath & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Sept 07: The residents of Harinagar Village are grappling with an unprecedented crisis as the village road extending from ATR (In front of Harinagar Panchayat Bhavan) to Panchugopal Das House, covering a total length of 850 meters, lies in a state of utter neglect. Shockingly, this vital village road has not seen any maintenance or renovation efforts from either the concerned Panchayat PRI or the Administration in the past two decades.
The consequences of this long-standing neglect are dire. The road has deteriorated to such an extent that it is now impassable, rendering it virtually unusable for pedestrians. The villagers, including school-going children, pregnant women, and senior citizens, are bearing the brunt of this crisis, struggling to access essential services like schools, hospitals, markets, and medical care facilities. The road’s condition has deteriorated to the point where autorickshaws and vehicles can no longer navigate it.
Despite relentless efforts and appeals by the villagers over the past 20 years, their hopes for a resolution have been dashed. Their last ray of hope now rests on the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Secretary, with a plea for immediate intervention and the establishment of temporary measures that would allow villagers to traverse the road during the impending rainy season.
The villagers earnestly request the authorities to acknowledge the severity of the situation and take swift action. Addressing this road crisis is not just a matter of convenience but an imperative for the welfare and development of the entire village.

Passengers Face Delays at Shipping Counter; Only One out of 12 Counters Operational

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John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Sept 07: Port Blair’s Directorate of Shipping Counter has become a pain point for passengers, with 11 of its 12 reservation ticket counters currently out of service. The dysfunction has left many passengers stranded in prolonged queues, waiting for their turn at the lone operational counter.
Despite noteworthy advancements in the Shipping Department over the past years, including the introduction of online ticket reservations, the ground reality remains starkly different. Challenges faced by inter-island commuters seem never-ending. Acquiring ship reservation tickets at the Head Quarter Shipping Phoenix Bay Reservation counter has turned into an arduous task, exacerbated by the closed enquiry and reservation counters. Despite 12 ticket counters at the facility, passengers often find just one open, even on peak days.
Mr. Kajal Das, the Mondal President of BJP, voiced his frustrations to Andaman Sheekha Daily, “Why maintain 11 counters when only one is consistently used? It’s inconvenient for all passengers, including those merely seeking information. The situation is especially dire on busy days.” He expressed hope that media attention might bring forth the much-needed changes and relief.
Another passenger from Swaraj Dweep commented on the deplorable state of service, emphasizing the inconsiderate treatment of senior citizens forced to wait in lengthy lines. “This isn’t what customer service should look like,” he lamented.
When Andaman Sheekha Daily reached out to a senior officer of the Directorate of Shipping Services for a comment, the officer acknowledged the issues and attributed them to technical glitches. “After the onset of online booking, many have opted for the digital route. Nevertheless, we understand the importance of on-site counters. We have already instructed the department to keep two counters open – one for males and the other for women and senior citizens. We’re working on resolving the technical issues, and we assure the public that two counters will be operational soon.”

 

Member of Parliament proposes free scholarship schemes from UK universities for students of A & N Islands

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Port Blair, Sept 07: Shri. Nicholas Low, British Deputy High Commissioner, Kolkata today called on the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma at MP Office, Port Blair.

The meeting was an invaluable opportunity for the Member of Parliament to engage with Shri. Low on an array of subjects, primarily focused on the welfare and holistic development of our island community.

It was not just an exchange of pleasantries; the one-on-one discussion touched upon significant matters that are pivotal for the growth of our Islands’ youths. With a vision to amplify opportunities for higher education among our students, the Member of Parliament extended a request to Shri. Low.

Drawing inspiration from the free scholarship schemes currently being offered by the UK Government to the students of Jharkhand, the Member of Parliament proposed a similar educational collaboration for the youths of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The Member of Parliament said that such a free scholarship, backed by full financial support from the UK Government, would be a beacon of hope for countless bright students of A & N Islands, presenting them with a chance to receive quality education from world-class universities in the UK. The promise of this proposal not only stands to benefit the students but will also solidify the collaborative ties between our communities and the UK.

 

Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry Strengthens Bilateral Ties with Thailand

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Port Blair, Sept 07: The Executive Committee Members of the Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI) convened a meeting with Ms. ACHARAPAYAVAPRAPAS, Consul-General of Thailand (Kolkata), and Mr. PICHAYA LAPASTHAMRONG, Consul of the Royal Thai Consulate – General. At Hotel Bay Island on September 5, 2023
The primary agenda of the meeting was to foster closer collaboration between the governments and private sectors of both regions, with a focus on exploring opportunities for cooperation, trade, investment, and addressing challenges. Key topics of discussion included advancing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PHUKET and ACCI, exploring the potential for the export of fish products and the import of agricultural goods, such as fruits and vegetables. Participants also discussed enhancing air and sea connectivity between the regions.
Shri Mohd. H Jadwet proposed initiatives like student exchange programs, sponsorship and participation in tourism festivals, technology transfer, and investments in the agricultural sector. These ideas were met with enthusiasm as both the Andaman Islands and Thailand share similar geographical and climatic parameters.
During their visit, Ms. ACHARAPAYAVAPRAPAS, Consul-General of Thailand (Kolkata), and Mr. PICHAYA LAPASTHAMRONG, Consul of the Royal Thai Consulate – General. toured several notable private business establishments, including Riflex Coconut-based Industry (Mitha Khari), Susan Roses Nursery (Garacharma), Era Fishery Products Pvt Ltd. (Dollygung), and Makruzz Gold at Junglighat Jetty.
The Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry looks forward to further strengthening the ties between the Andaman Islands and Thailand, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange.

TSG Bhasker offers prayer at Gokula Krishna Mandir on the occasion of Janmashtami

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Port Blair, Sep 07: ANTCC Campaign Committee Chairman Mr. TSG Bhasker on Thursday visited and offered prayers at Gokula Krishna Mandir to celebrate the auspicious festival of Janmashtami.
Hundreds of devotees of Lord Krishna flocked to the temple to attend the pooja and seek blessings from Lord Krishna.
Mr. TSG Bhasker paid his obeisance to Lord Krishna and wished all Islanders a Happy Janmashtami.

ANTCC revokes the suspension of Mr. N.N Nag from Congress Party

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Port Blair, Sep 07: Ex-Zilla Parishad Member from Guptapara Mr. Nipendra Nath Nag has made a comeback to the Congress Party as his suspension was revoked by the ANTCC President Mr. Rangalal Halder on Thursday.
Mr. N.N Nag rejoined the Congress Party in the presence of ANTCC Campaign Committee Chairman Mr. TSG Bhasker, City Congress President Mr. Mohd. Zubair and City Congress General Secretary Mr. Raj Reddy.
The return of Mr. N.N Nag along with his supporters including Mr. Nirmal Halder and Mr. Bidhan Chandra Das, signifies a significant shift in the political landscape as the election season gains momentum
Mr. Rangalal Halder and Mr. TSG Bhasker presented Mr. N.N Nag with Congress scarve while welcoming him back to the Congress fold.

Members of TVOA & Port Blair Airport Govt. Pre-Paid calls on SHO- PS Aberdeen, Inspector Mr. Girish Kumar

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Port Blair, Sep 07: On 5 Sep. 2023, at around 1800 Hrs, The members of Tourist Vehicle Owners Association (TVOA) & Port Blair Airport Govt. Pre-Paid called on SHO- PS Aberdeen, Inspector Mr. Girish Kumar under the close supervision of SP-South Andaman, Mr. Kalaivanan R., IPS and thanked him for their efforts for re-instating Pre-Paid Counter inside NITB, VSI Airport, Port Blair permanently with a dedicated designated place after a long deliberation by TVOA.
Matters related to maintaining discipline & decorum of the airport were discussed, strict norms & regulations will be formulated in close direction with Airport Director, AAI-VSI Airport, Port Blair to regulate smooth tourist/commuter movement at arrivals, ease of transport service providers/tourist cab-taxi operators at pre-paid, walk-ins and pre-booked guests. A designated area has been assigned at the airport for reception/drop-off of tourists/commuters.
Provision of waiting area and closed driver halting areas have been designated and will come into effect very soon as per the directions by airport authorities & police department.
They are thankful to Inspector Girish Kumar & SI Jabbar attached to PS-Aberdeen for the support and has assured full support to them to streamline the grievances given by the stakeholders by the coming week.

BSI granted patent for an Invention from Andaman Islands

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Port Blair, Sep 07: Botanical scientist Dr. Lal Singh discovered the potentiality of bamboo and invented an eco-friendly reusable drinking straw from the Andaman’s. This significant invention was granted patent in the year 2023 by Govt. of India. Botanical Survey of India is an apex taxonomic institute of India is a subordinate office of MoEF&CC which was established in 1890 with prime objective to survey and documentation of plant wealth of the country.
In view of the socio-economy and ecological balance preventing environmental degradation, Scientist from the Botanical Survey of India serving in Islands, made a notable invention, reusable eco-friendly drinking straw: a novel way to replace plastic drinking straws and there is no use of any synthetic hazardous materials in this invention. An endemic bamboo species, Schizostachyum andamanicum is used as a natural source for the invention of natural reusable drinking straw. This invention opens a new avenue for local bamboo growers to explore the possibility of growing the bamboo species in larger areas which will be beneficial economically as well as ecologically. Besides this invention, Dr. Singh also discovered over 20 new species and a new genus as a new to science from Islands.

CPI (M) Conducts Mass Demonstration at Diglipur

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Port Blair, Sep 07: At the call given by the CPI (M) Central Committee for nation-wide campaign on price rise and unemployment, CPI (M) Diglipur Area Committee and Kalighat Area Committee in North Andaman have jointly organized a Mass Demonstration in front of the Mini Civil Station at Diglipur Bazar today (7.09.2023) afternoon.
A large number of party workers from various parts of Diglipur Tehsil participated in the mass demonstration. Addressing the gathering, Dilip Karmakar and Sunil Bepari, CPI (M) State Organising Committee Members criticized the BJP-led government at the Centre for the spiraling prices and said that the Modi government has utterly failed to arrest the soaring prices. They said that unemployment is increasing in the islands but the BJP government failed to create any new jobs for the unemployed local youth.
The Mass Demonstration was led by Ramjeeban Sarkar, CPI (M) State Secretariat Member and AVA Samad, Secretary, Diglipur Area Committee.

Voluntary Blood Donation Camp at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Pahargaon, Port Blair

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Port Blair, Sep 07: Andaman & Nicobar AIDS Control Society (ANACS) in coordination with Blood Center, G.B. Pant Hospital, Directorate of Health Services, supports Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Pahargaon, Port Blair to organize a blood donation camp on 6/9/2023 at Audio Visual Lab, DBRAIT, Port Blair. On the celebrating of Foundation Day of the institute on 6th September 2023.Total 23 units of blood were donated by the voluntary donors.
The camp was organized under the guidance of Dr. Subrata Saha, Project Director, A & N AIDS Control Society and Director, State Blood Transfusion Council, A & N Islands.
The Blood Donation camp was facilitated by Dr. Shahina Mustaquim, Deputy Director (BS)/Medical Officer i/c. The donors were examined for their eligibility to donate blood and briefed the donors on various aspects and importance of blood donation.
Mr. Sanjay Malhotra, Dean (Student Affair), Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Pahargaon, Port Blair organized the camps and made arrangements for conducting the camp successfully.
The technical team from Blood Center, G.B. Pant Hospital, Port Blair and A & N AIDS Control Society ensured that the donated blood units were screened for the blood transmissible diseases. They also examined the donors for eligibility criteria.
Donors’ certificates were also distributed to the voluntary donors.