The ambitious Andaman Trunk Road (NH4) upgradation project, initiated almost six years ago, aimed to revolutionize transportation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, the project has become a constant source of frustration, inconvenience, and disappointment for the residents of these islands, particularly those in North and Middle Andaman.
The situation has worsened to the point where the road has been dubbed a “death trap,” with hundreds of accidents reported over the past six years, many of which have gone unnoticed. As the monsoon season looms, the pressing question remains: who will answer for these losses, and when will the suffering of the general public come to an end?
The project’s initial objective was to bring positive change and improved connectivity to the islands. However, it has been marred by delays, execution problems, and poor quality work by the contractors from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). This unprofessional working style has resulted in treacherous stretches of road filled with mud and loose earth, making it increasingly risky for travelers.
Several protests and agitations have been staged across South Andaman and North & Middle Andaman by islanders against the delay in NH4 upgradation works and the poor quality of the project. These concerns have not been adequately addressed, leaving the public to bear the brunt of the delays and substandard work.
With the monsoon season fast approaching, the residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are once again faced with the prospect of their roads becoming even more hazardous. It is crucial that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed by the relevant authorities.
In light of the ongoing suffering of the general public, particularly those in North and Middle Andaman, it is imperative that a high-level expert committee be established to review the NH4 upgradation works. This committee must hold those responsible for the delays and poor quality work accountable and ensure that the project is completed as swiftly as possible.
The residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have endured more than six years of inconvenience, danger, and disappointment. It is high time that the authorities prioritize their safety and well-being by expediting the completion of the NH4 upgradation project and ensuring that the benefits of this mega project are finally realized.

 

Cinema halls that charge for 3D glasses are a common and accepted sight in our Island, but it is a practice that must come under scrutiny immediately. One of the main reasons for this is the concern over hygiene, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies have shown that viruses like the coronavirus can survive on surfaces for extended periods, including on the plastic frames of 3D glasses.
Given this, it is not unreasonable for movie-goers to be worried about the hygiene of 3D glasses provided by the cinema hall. They may feel that they are being forced to pay for something that could put their health at risk, and this is a valid concern. Moreover, the use of disposable 3D glasses may not be an environmentally-friendly practice.
One potential solution to this issue could be for cinema halls to provide movie-goers with the option of bringing their own 3D glasses like it is practiced in many Cinema Halls across the land of our country. This would not only help to alleviate concerns over hygiene, but it would also be more cost-effective and eco-friendly. By providing an option for viewers to bring their own 3D glasses, cinema halls could help to address concerns about hygiene and contribute to the larger goal of environmental sustainability.
Looking at the cost side, movie goers allege that at present, the cinema lovers are forced to pay three times the actual cost of a 3D glass each time on rent for a few hours at Port Blair. For every 3D show they have to pay such an amount for old, sticky, oily and used 3D glasses, again and again, why? Why the Administration is allowing such exploitation of movie goers.
The Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman and Director Civil Suppliers must look into this issue as no one should be allowed to force the public to rent 3D glasses given only by the cinema hall, in such a way that too putting the health of movie goers at risk.

 

For years, the Andaman Nicobar Islands have been claimed as an epitome of good governance by the top officials of the administration. However, the ground reality is entirely different. The islands have been facing persistent issues with power and water crises, and the internal system often collapses during challenging times.
It’s high time to acknowledge the failures and work towards a better future for the people of these islands.
The power generation systems on the islands have consistently failed to produce enough electricity to meet the growing demand, resulting in a power crisis every year during the dry season.
Similarly, the water scarcity issue has been a common occurrence for most of the past years. Unfortunately, the administration has failed to formulate an efficient plan to tackle these issues, and as a result, the residents of the islands have been suffering heavily, year after year.
One of the significant problems has been the frequent change of officials every two to three years, leading to a lack of continuity in governance. This often results in officials taking their time to get acquainted with the problems, and by the time they come up with a plan, they are transferred to another location. This lack of consistency has been detrimental to the overall development of the islands.
To address the ongoing crisis, standing committees on water and power are the need of the hour. The committees must consist of prominent citizens, senior officers, and political leaders who understand the local issues and can provide effective solutions.
The committee should submit its recommendations in a time-bound manner, and if approved the administration must follow the same, even if top officials are changed.
By doing so, the authorities can follow a standardized approach to solve the water and power crisis, once and for all.
Unfortunately, the opinion and views of the general public and political leaders are never considered in the decision-making process. In the recent past in some cases, bureaucrats often implement their policies for their own reasons, leading to governance failure. This approach has resulted in the basic problem of water and power crisis remaining unresolved.
However, there is hope for a better future. The arrival of the present chief secretary has brought about positive changes in the Andaman Nicobar Administration. IAS officers under his guidance have started meeting with the public to understand the problems and work towards finding effective solutions. This initiative has given a ray of hope to the people of these islands.
Many believe that it’s time to move from governance failure to hope for a better future for the people of the Andaman Nicobar Islands. It’s high time that the administration understands the ground realities and involves the local community and political leaders in the decision-making process. By forming committees that consist of people who understand the local issues, the authorities can work towards a common goal – a continuous supply of power and water. It’s time to acknowledge the failures, take accountability, and work towards building a better future for the people of these beautiful islands.

The recent announcement by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration regarding strict measures to deal with the power crisis in the region has caused concern among the public. While the administration has put in place a detailed demand side management plan to ensure optimal utilization of available power, the measures announced have caused hardships for the common people and businesses in the region. The Optimal energy utility plan seems to be giving shocks to Islanders.
The decision to impose strict restrictions on the usage of air conditioning units in government buildings and commercial establishments during peak hours of the day is understandable. However, it is unfair to impose the responsibility of providing power supply on small businesses, hotel owners and the public in general. The administration must take responsibility for ensuring adequate power supply to meet the needs of the people, especially during hot and humid weather conditions.
The directive to shut down shops by 7.00 pm has also had a negative impact on the economy of the region. Many businesses have been forced to operate at reduced hours, causing financial losses to owners and workers. Moreover, this decision has also caused transportation problems for the workers who depend on public transport to travel back home. Sudden change The rush of auto-rickshaws during peak hours has caused chaos and inconvenience for the public.
The hotel owners and small industry owners are also facing a significant financial burden due to the directive to use their own generators during peak hours. The cost of fuel required to run these generators for several hours each day is significant and will have to be passed on to the customers, increasing the cost of living for the people in the region.
The Andaman and Nicobar Administration must take immediate action to address the power crisis in the region. It is essential to ensure that all machinery and equipment required to provide a continuous supply of power are in place and functioning correctly. The administration should also conduct an inquiry into the failure of the electricity department officials responsible for maintaining the power supply in the region. The top officials of Electricity Department must be questioned by the Administration as why they have failed so miserably to provide sufficient power to the public? How can administration plan to transform such powerless Andaman into a Tourism hub? There is a need to fix responsibility on some officials so that from next year everyone remembers the maths of power requirement during exam season and power available.
The directive issued by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to deal with the power crisis in the region has caused hardships for the people and businesses. The administration must take responsibility for providing basic amenities to the people, including a 24-hour power supply. The people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands deserve better, and it is the responsibility of the administration to ensure that their needs are met.

The recent tragedy in which an eight-year-old girl lost her life in Brichgunj has shocked the entire Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Unfortunately, it is not the first time that children have lost their lives due to the reckless driving of heavily loaded vehicles in the area. The Brichgunj route passes through a densely populated area, and the lack of safety measures endangers the lives of locals, especially the children.

The people of the area have been raising their voices against the operation of heavy trucks, the over-speeding of loaded vehicles, and the threat to human life for several decades. However, their pleas and complaints have fallen on deaf ears, and the government has failed to take any action to address the situation. It is evident to everyone that the root cause of the problem is the negligence of the authorities in enforcing road safety regulations.

The arrest of the truck driver and the truck owner is merely a symbolic gesture. They are likely to get bail in no time, and this will not solve the problem. What is needed is a thorough investigation and the registration of a case against all government officials involved in allowing the heavy truck owners to operate without any accountability. Their negligence has caused this tragedy, and they should be held responsible for their actions.

Several questions need to be addressed as well. Why was there no police officer on duty in front of the school? Why does the school gate open so late? Why did the PCR vehicle arrive so late? These questions highlight the need for the government to conduct a thorough inquiry into this incident and address all these issues.

To prevent such incidents from happening in the future, the government should impose a blanket ban on the operation of heavy trucks between 7:00 AM to 9:15 AM and 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM. During school opening and closing times, there should be a standing order that police personnel must be present in front of all schools to regulate traffic. These measures will go a long way in ensuring the safety of the children and the locals in the area.

It is easy for top officers coming from mainland India on posting to overlook the situation and view it as just another accident. However, for the islanders, it is a massive shock. We must think about the parents of the minor girl and the mother, who must be devastated by this tragedy.

The islanders hope that the Lt. Governor will visit the victim’s family and order a thorough inquiry into this incident. It is time to hold the government officials accountable for their negligence and take action to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The loss of an innocent child’s life is a pain that no parent should ever have to endure. We owe it to them to ensure that their children’s safety is never taken for granted.

In conclusion, it is time for the government to wake up and take strict action to ensure the safety of the locals, especially the children, in the Brichgunj area. The authorities must take immediate steps to enforce road safety regulations, and heavy truck owners must be held accountable for any violation of the law. We cannot bring back the innocent lives lost due to the negligence of the authorities, but we can prevent such tragedies from happening in the future by taking appropriate action. Let us not wait for another tragedy to strike before we take action. The time to act is now.

Education is the backbone of any society, and higher education plays a crucial role in shaping the future of individuals and the community as a whole. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India, is home to over 5 lakh people, but unfortunately, it lacks a full-fledged university, depriving the students of the region of higher education opportunities.
The absence of a university has forced the students to travel to the mainland for higher education, which is not only a costly affair but also a significant inconvenience for many families. The students have limited opportunities, and they miss out on many resources and facilities that a full-fledged university would provide. Therefore, the public of Andaman & Nicobar Islands have demanded the establishment of a Central University in the region.
The islands already have several colleges and institutes like Engineering College, Medical College, Law College, Degree Colleges, Polytechnics, and ITIs. However, they are affiliated with universities of other states, which creates a disparity in quality education. A Central University in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands would enhance the quality of education and provide a level playing field to the students, which would be at par with the education standards of other states.
During his visit to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in December 2018, the Honorable Prime Minister of India had announced the establishment of a Deemed University named after Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. However, the public of the region has requested the Honorable Prime Minister to take necessary steps towards establishing a Central University instead of a Deemed University.
A Central University would revolutionize higher education in various streams and provide better educational opportunities to the students. It would also facilitate economic and social development and generate more employment opportunities for the people of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
In contrast, a Deemed University in the region would be managed by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, which has already facing many challenges to solve the issues faced by the students. Moreover, the fees structure of a Deemed University is higher than that of a Central University, which would make it difficult for poor farmers and backward community persons to afford it.
The Union Territory of Ladakh, which has a population of approximately 2.3 lakhs, is much smaller than the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, yet it has been chosen to establish a Central University despite being 273 Km away from the Central University of Jammu. On the other hand, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, with a population of over 5 lakhs, and being 1400 Km away from the mainland, have the potential to attract Asian nations for being educated with the Central University.
The establishment of a Central University in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is essential for the development of the region and its people. The Honorable Prime Minister should take note of the public demand and initiate necessary steps towards establishing a Central University in the region to provide better educational opportunities and shape the future of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

 

The efficient functioning of any government organization largely depends on the dedication and work ethic of its employees. The administration of Andaman and Nicobar Islands must understand that the welfare of government employees must be a top priority if they want to get work done in a professional way. While the working conditions of government employees in the Islands are better than many parts of India, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed.

One of the major issues facing government employees in the Islands is the difficulty in obtaining leave. The process of getting Earned Leave (EL), Casual Leave (CL), and Child Care Leave (CCL) has been made so difficult that employees often get discouraged and do not even apply. The employees also face harassment in obtaining basic rights such as obtaining even a No Objection Certificate for obtaining a passport. These issues need to be addressed to create a more conducive working environment for government employees.

Additionally, there are several other issues that need to be addressed, such as the lack of government quarters and good hostel facilities. In case of being transferred to remote islands, there are hardly any ships available for the employees to visit their families during their leave entitlement.

One of the biggest problems faced by employees in all departments is transfer issues. The administration can solve this problem by making postings for all employees in Nicobar district and other hard-to-reach areas for only one year. This would help in solving half of the problems, as employees would no longer fear going to Nicobar, and there would be healthy rotation of employees.

To address these minor problems, there should be a grievance cell for government employees. Happy employees would result in a happy administration, and this would help in improving the overall efficiency of the government organizations in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The welfare of government employees should be given top priority. By doing so, the administration can create an environment of trust, mutual respect, and motivation. This would result in a more productive workforce, which in turn would lead to a more efficient and effective government.

 

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are grappling with water scarcity almost every year from February to May, with many islands facing a severe water crisis. Port Blair, the capital city, is particularly affected due to its large population. The residents have to bear the brunt of the water shortage, with water rationing and even complete water cuts for several days, being the norm.
In such a scenario, it is high time for the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to consider installing desalination plants for Port Blair and South Andaman region. Many countries around the world have successfully implemented desalination plants to combat water shortages. Even Chennai has set an excellent example by successfully implementing a desalination plant.
A desalination plant would work by removing the salt and other impurities from seawater and making it suitable for human consumption. The process may seem expensive and complex, but the benefits are many. The installation of a desalination plant would not only provide fresh water to the people but would also be a long-term solution to the water crisis. Additionally, the plant would help to ensure a stable supply of water, even during droughts.
The Andaman and Nicobar Administration should start by implementing a pilot project of a desalination plant. A team of officials from the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD) and Port Blair Municipal Council (PBMC) should be directed to visit Chennai and study the process of setting up a desalination plant. They can then use their learnings to establish a desalination plant in Andaman.
Setting up a desalination plant may require a significant investment. Still, it is a worthwhile investment that can address the long-standing water crisis issue in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is high time that the Administration takes immediate action to tackle the water crisis and makes the necessary arrangements to provide a sustainable supply of fresh water to its residents.

 

The recent proposal of constructing a Bridge-cum-Dam between Minnie Bay and Mithakhadi areas of South Andaman region has garnered attention due to the potential benefits it would bring to the region. It is said to be an ambitious and crucial project that can solve the water scarcity issue of the entire South Andaman region.
If this proposed project is completed, the South Andaman area will get a significant catchment area of freshwater, thereby improving the quality of life for the local population. Moreover, this proposed Bridge-cum-Dam will reduce the travel time for the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as they won’t have to travel an extra 15 to 18 km through Andaman Trunk Road anymore. This will allow people to reach the South Andaman region within 5 minutes from Port Blair city, which is a significant time-saving measure.
The proposed Bridge-cum-Dam is expected to give a solid boost to the Andaman Tourism Industry by making tourism sports of South Andaman like Wright Myo and Shoal Bay, accessible via road. This will improve the accessibility of the area for tourists and help develop the tourism industry of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Additionally, the proposed Bridge-cum-Dam will bring economic prosperity to many areas of the South Andaman region and will develop South Andaman areas under Port Blair Concept. It is expected to create job opportunities and generate income, which will benefit the local community and the economy.
Many demands that proposed project should be completed from the UT Fund so that it can be completed as soon as possible for the best interest of people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The construction of this project would be an important milestone for the region as it is expected to address some of the key issues affecting the region.
Islanders firmly believe that the proposed construction of a Bridge-cum-Dam between Minnie Bay and Mithakhadi areas of South Andaman region is an important project that would provide much-needed relief to the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The project has the potential to improve the quality of life for the local population, boost the tourism industry and the economy, and reduce travel time.
Sadly from the side of Administration there is a long silence in this issue. Hardly any information regarding this project is made public even officials are tight lipped.
Islanders hope that the Administration will take up the project on top priority and ensure its timely completion for the betterment of the region.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are facing a pressing issue that affects its residents – the lack of employment opportunities. Despite a high literacy rate among the islanders, the region has been struggling with a significant number of vacant posts in the government sector.

In recent years, the Central Government has taken steps to extend job reservations in public appointments to the local residents of newly created Union Territories, including Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. This decision was aimed at protecting the interests of the domiciles of these regions and providing them with job opportunities in the government sector.

It is imperative that the government extends similar considerations to the residents of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. With around 10,000 vacant posts in the region, the government has a responsibility to fill these positions with qualified candidates from the local population.

The issue has already been brought to the attention of relevant authorities, emphasizing the need for job reservations for the residents of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This can be achieved by extending the reservation policy, as in the case of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, or by enacting the Public Employment (Requirement as to Residents) Act 1957.

In order to ensure that the residents of Andaman and Nicobar Islands receive fair and equal treatment, it is necessary for the government to take action and provide employment opportunities for the islanders. This will not only benefit the local population but also contribute to the development of the region.

The 2024 Loksabha elections will provide an opportunity for the public to voice their opinions and support political parties that genuinely fight for this cause. It is important that the government takes the necessary steps to address the employment concerns of the residents of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The party in power and party in opposition both have this responsibility to fight for the cause of local youths or soon most of the jobs will be taken away by Islanders and local youths will have no other option left for employment.

Providing job reservations for the residents of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a matter of equity and justice. It is time for the government to take action and ensure that the islanders have access to employment opportunities in the government sector.