ANIIDCO plans to Reopen old Milk Booth Amidst Local Demand

John Wilbert &Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Aug 01: Long ago, ANIIDCO (Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation) had constructed milk booths in several localities across Port Blair for the distribution of fresh milk to the residents. The idea was an instant success, and milk booths of Y Narayan Junction (near stadium) and Khaitan Kala Mandapam (Junglighat) became immensely popular among the local residents. However, due to various reasons, these milk booths were eventually shut down one by one, leading to disappointment among the people. The milk booth of Y Narayan Junction was demolished while making that present parking area, however the milk booth of Junglighat near Khaitan Kala Mandapam is still intact but it remains unused for so many years.
Now, the residents of Prem Nagar region are demanding the reopening of the Juglighat milk booth or its utilization for some other purpose to prevent the vacant spot from being misused. The vacant area has become a gathering spot for unknown individuals, leading to illegal activities, parties in parked vehicles, and the littering of empty alcohol bottles, posing safety concerns for the residents.
Mrs. ProtimaBannerge, Former Councilor of Ward No. 06, emphasized the convenience that the reopening of ANIIDCO milk booths would bring to the local residents and senior citizens. She also raised the concern that keeping such booths unused for years was a wasteful use of resources.
Mrs. Bannerge suggested that ANIIDCO should consider reopening the milk booths and green shops. Alternatively, if ANIIDCO has no plans to reopen the milk booth, it could be handed over to Self Help Groups (SHGs) to run, generating employment and benefiting the community. Another proposal was to incorporate the booth into the Waste to Wonder Park, turning it into a Mini Library and Used School Book Distribution center to serve those in need.
Upon contacting a senior officer at ANIIDCO, it was revealed that the matter came to their attention, and today (on August 01, 2023) the Secretary of ANIIDCO visited the booth. As a result, he reportedly directed the reopening of the milk booth parlour. The officer assured that ANIIDCO will address the matter promptly, they aim to reopen the booth within the next two months, in response to the overwhelming local demand.