Sarthank Kanjilal
Port Blair, Apr 28: In a major stride towards boosting up ship repair activities locally, the Port Management Board plans to set up a Shiplift facility at Shore Point in Bambooflat. Sharing details of the project exclusively with Andaman Sheekha, the Chief Port Administrator, Port Management Board, Mr Jyothi Giridhara Rao said that the Ship Repair Facility, also known as Shiplift Facility, will be executed at an estimated cost of Rs 87 crores and tenders are being finalized for award of the project to the most competent player.
“Shiplift facility is a modern technology used for ship repair and shipbuilding activities. One such facility is being used by the Indian Navy at Kharwa in Karnataka, while another has been set up by Larsen and Toubro at Kattupalli in Tamil Nadu. The Port Management Board has already floated tenders for appointment of Consultants for the project at an approximate cost of Rs 2 crores and altogether four bids have been received in response. After scrutiny of the proposals, the bids were submitted to the Cochin Shipyard Limited, which finalized the tender documents, seeking recommendations. As suggested by the Cochin Shipyard Limited, certain clarifications have been sought from two firms. On receipt of the clarifications, further action will be taken for opening of financial bids,” informed the PMB Chief.
The Shiplift facility, once commissioned, in these islands will be a major boost for the shipping sector as it will make possible execution of major repairs except for larger mainland-bound vessels locally. However, it may take another 2-3 years for the project to start on ground. The PMB also plans to extend the Breakwater at Campbell Bay, he added.

Staff Correspondent
Port Blair, Apr 24 : The District Food Safety enforcement as per the Food Safety Act and its provisions functions under the overall supervision of the District Magistrate South Andaman.
Since space was not available in the DC office to accommodate the District Food Safety Unit staff, it is forced to function from the ground floor of Directorate of Health Services.
The space provided therein at the Directorate is small room for 10 Food Safety Officers, 01 Designated Officer and other staff without sufficient working space.
The space is so small that files are stored 2 km away in a separate building, which delays the the licencing procedures.
The food business people too don’t have space to sit, fillup applications. The food safety officers are hurdled together very closely and the public doesn’t have space to stand also and wait for turn for license work.
The matter had been earlier taken-up and it is learnt that -02 Type III quarters are to be allotted to District Magistrate to accommodate District Food Safety enforcement Unit function effectively under him.
The District Magistrate is requested look into the matter again and shift the unit to a suitable premises.

Saket Lal
Port Blair, Apr 22: Construction of an alternate sea route from Port Blair to Baratang in Middle Andaman is scheduled to commence soon, said the Chief Engineer, ALHW, Mr Bimal Sinha. Speaking to Channel One News recently, the ALHW Chief informed that environment clearance for initiating the dredging works for the alternate route is expected in the next 15-20 days.
Tenders for construction of Jetty will be floated soon and the work is expected to be awarded to the competent player in the month of June this year. The construction work is expected to be complete within four months from the date of award of the contract, Mr Sinha added.
Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) connecting Port Blair to Diglipur in the North Andaman passing through some important tourist spots in Baratang. But the ATR also passes through some tribal reserves in Middle Andaman. Considering the threat to the primate tribes, the Apex Court barred movement of tourist vehicles on the tribal reserve belts. The ban was lifted as an interim measure and the administration was instructed to strictly regulate movement of vehicles in the tribal reserves.

Staff Correspondent
Port Blair, Apt 21: The department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services is reportedly becoming a sick unit of its own. Recent death of pet animals indicates that the Goal Ghar Veterinary Hospital which is considered as referral hospital is running short of medicines and experienced Doctors.
Sources say that lack of good diagnostic facility is the main problem behind the mess. Doctors here are compelled to treat on assumption based on symptoms instead of proper diagnosis. Even though there is an X-ray unit in this Hospital, it is only meant for the mighty and powerful.
It is not that this Hospital has no support unit. The polyclinic at Dollygunj has a well-equipped “Animal Disease diagnostic Laboratory”, but no case is referred to this polyclinic. The lone Doctor posted here does not have enough supporting staff to do the desired job. In this polyclinic also there is an X-ray machine. But it is kept idle. There is also a well-equipped laboratory to diagnose any disease. But this Laboratory is of no use to pet lovers and livestock owners as it is left to denigrate.
The credibility of this big department with well qualified staffs is under clout due to lack of proper management. If the Secretary (Animal Husbandry) is serious about the welfare of those who cannot speak about themselves, then he should order an inquiry into functioning of polyclinic at Dollygunj in an unprofessional manner.
An action to post a qualified and experienced Senior Veterinary Surgeon as head of this Polyclinic will help in saving the life of many pet animals and livestock. It will also ensure that the Doctors have a good supporting unit to diagnose the disease and treat the animal rather than treating an animal based on his gut instinct and symptoms which generally leads to wrong treatment.
It will be better if the trend of Posting qualified and experienced Doctors in Directorate of Animal Husbandry for high profile clerical work needs to be given away with, to ensure that their professional expertise is used in the field rather than wasting it on files.
When Contacted the Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Dr. S Shiva Kumar said that Doctors are always present in the hospital at Goal Ghar only in Holidays they come for 9.00 am to 11.00 am however they are always in call. About Medicines the Director said that the department focuses on keeping medicines for livestock more than pets. However essential medicines for pets are kept in the hospital. Regarding polyclinic he said that the X-Ray and Ultrasound machines are working and there is a technician also. However he said that the department faces shortage of staffs, which often leads to various problems.

Port Blair, Apr 17: After creating sensation across the length and breadth of India, one of the World’s leading handset manufacturing brand decided to extend its footprint in these emerald Islands of Andamans.

The world’s slimmest and sexiest model S7 was launched at Fortune Resorts Bay Islands, Marine Hill.

All the dealers of Andamans were present during the galla launch.

Highlighting Features of these high end phones are that it comes with duel 4G Sim with a 13 megapixel Camera in slimmest phone in the World, which makes it most competitive in the market.

With the launch of GIONEE in Andamans the management has committed to donate Rs. 10.00 on the sale of every single handset for the Leukemia patients to a Charitable Institution Leukemia Crusaders. The same is visible on every box of all GIONEE handsets.

Port Blair, March 14: For the 36 students of Rajiv Gandhi Cooperative Training College (RGCTC), Teylerabad, who visited Raj Niwas, along with their Principal and General Secretary (ANSCU) to see the gardens and other attractions were overjoyed to meet the Lt Governor of the A&N Islands and interact with him. “It was a unique opportunity for all of us to visit Raj Niwas and meet our Lt Governor”, said Ranjita, a student of the college. Interacting with the Lt Governor was really educative and enriching. He motivated us and blessed us for a bright future, said Sawrn, another student of the college.
Interacting with the students, the Lt Governor inquired from them about the advantages and shortcomings of the cooperative movement and the cooperative banks. On this question, a student replied that the biggest advantage of opening of cooperative bank is that it covered the rural areas of the Islands, taking banking activities to the doorsteps of the people. On the shortcomings, a student replied that there is a need for deputing proper trained staff in the cooperative banks so that service delivery is better. The Lt Governor on the occasion, asked the Principal of the College to look into areas like forming SHGs and guide the students for better placements/jobs after completing their training. He urged the students to look to future with hope and not to hesitate in moving forward in their lives. Expressing great hope in the younger generation, the Lt Governor said that your generation should work without fear of failure and your motto should be “I can, I shall and I will”.
Students also expressed their views on development taking place in different sectors in the Islands under the leadership of the present Lt Governor. On a question by a student on the need for improvement in the health sector, the Lt Governor informed them that we are offering the best health care facilities compared to other parts of the country. As regard shortage of specialist doctors, once the medical college is set up, there will be no shortage of specialist doctors besides other health care facilities will be upgraded. In addition to this, 65-70 seats in the medical college will be reserved for the students of the Islands. Referring to the recent swimming pool tragedy in which a 13 year old boy died, the Lt Governor said “I still feel the pain’. He said that officers in various Departments who are responsible will be held accountable for such incidents or deliberate lapses as has been done in this case, where 3 officials have been suspended.
The students went around the Raj Niwas and saw the gardens and other attractions. The staff of Raj Niwas explained to them about the functioning of Raj Niwas and about the various flowers, spices, fruits and plants. The students were delighted on this memorable visit and expressed their gratitude to the Lt Governor for providing them the opportunity to visit Raj Niwas.

Port Blair, Apr 13: Improvement in the emergency communication, warning system and greater community participation & public awareness is the key and pre-requisite for these Islands to deal with natural disasters, said the Lt Governor, A&N Islands, Lt Gen. A.K. Singh (Retd) while launching the Community Based Disaster Risk Management Programme for these Islands at a function held in the conference hall of the Zila Parishad here today.
Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, the Lt. Governor said that we should be well prepared to handle disasters in an effective manner as our Islands fall under seismic zone V and are prone to disasters. Mentioning about the different types of disasters, natural and manmade, the Lt. Governor underlined the need for having equipments ranging from simple tools to sophisticated machines to handle the natural disasters like tsunami & cyclones. The Lt. Governor also asked the Administration to remain prepared in the face of any manmade disasters like oil spillage or accident at sea, terrorist attack etc. He also underlined the need for having at-least two desalination plant on a pilot project basis, to handle the situation in case of failure of monsoon in the Islands.
“Disaster preparedness is the responsibility of all”, said the Lt Governor, calling for community participation, the members of which, are the first responders in case of any disaster. Highlighting the significance of community participation in any disaster, the Lt Governor said “everyone should know about their immediate role, responsibility and actions in the event of disaster. The first course of action, during a disaster lies with the individual and the community, followed by rescue, relief and rehabilitation by the local authorities”. He exhorted the PRIs to play a vital role in reaching out to the people under their respective jurisdictions, during disaster, to carry out immediate rescue works. “Since disaster knows no boundary, its management has to be a unified approach”, he said informing about the forthcoming table top exercise that will be undertaken in the Islands, during Sept/ Oct- 2015 wherein handling different kinds of disasters will be discussed.
Terming disaster management a continuous process, the Lt. Governor stated disaster management in these islands is today focused on Tsunami, but we have to look beyond it. He also cautioned people against constructing huge multistoried buildings, as these are not only done in gross violation of municipal by- laws, but are also dangerous considering our geographical location, putting the lives of people at risk.
The Lt. Governor also asked the Principal Secretary, Disaster Management to identify different kinds of disasters and indicate nodal departments / officers to handle the same while the Department of Disaster Management will be the overall nodal agency.
The Lt. Governor also informed the gathering about the starting of Delhi-Vizag-Port Blair flight, fulfilling the long pending demand of the Islanders and said that the islanders will be given concessional tickets on the Vizag- Port Blair sector. He further mentioned that once the night landing permission is obtained, a charter flight will also be operated in Port Blair – Kolkata Sector, as Air India has offered to provide a night flight only for the purpose. The Lt. Governor also requested the citizens to plan their journey in advance, as far as possible, to avoid high air fare. The Lt Governor also asked the Principal Secretary, Aviation to keep some tickets under his control which can be released in any emergent situation to people, 48 hours before the flight time.
The Lt Governor also hailed the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modiji for bringing a remarkable and positive change in the country and its work culture. He also appealed to all the employees of the Administration to maintain decorum and refrain from any wrong doings, tarnishing the very image of the Administration. “Running the Administration is a team work and we all should work positively towards this direction”, affirmed the Lt Governor.
Still shaken by the recent unfortunate incident at the swimming pool here where a 13 year old school boy, Sumit, died due to drowning, the Lt. Governor expressed his deep empathy for the family members of the deceased. The Lt Governor said that officers/officials in various Departments are responsible and will be held accountable, as in the case of the swimming pool incident where 3 officials have been suspended. He also cautioned the officials against leaking official papers as has become the practice here. Anyone caught on this count will be taken to task.
In his address, the Chief Secretary (i/c), Shri Raajiv Yadhuvanshi said the constant threats of natural disaster cannot be undermined in these Islands due to its sensitive geographical location. He also informed that a group from Japan on visit to the Islands recently, saw the disaster management preparedness of the A&N Islands and expressed happiness over it. They have also offered to further assist the A&N Administration in this regard, the Chief Secretary added.
Speaking on the occasion, the Adhyaksha, Zilla Parishad, South Andaman, Ms.V.K. Mariam Bibi said, being well prepared in advance can be of great help in mitigating disasters. She called upon each and every individual to contribute their mite in dealing with disasters. “It is only through collective efforts that we can jointly transform the objectives and schemes of CBDRM Programme into reality”, echoed the Adhyaksha, ZP South Andaman.
In his address, the Commissioner- cum- Secretary, Disaster Management, Shri Mohanjeet Singh gave an overview about Community Based Disaster Risk Management Programme (CBDRMP). He also informed that CBDRMP will cover 69 Gram Panchayats and 52 Tribal village Councils of the A & N Islands.
The Chairperson, PBMC, Shri M. Arumugam, Senior officers of the Administration, heads of the Departments, members of the three – tier Panchayati Raj Instititution were present on the occasion.
Earlier, welcoming the chief guest and others present on the occasion, the Director, Disaster Management, Shri A.K. Sharma highlighted Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) being adopted in meeting any exigencies during disasters. The inaugural function concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Dy. Director Disaster Management, Shri Sanjay Balan.
As per the directions of the Lt Governor, the Secretary Education, Shri Devinder Singh held a discussion and appraised the gathering about the New Education Policy which is under consultative process, by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. The Secretary apprised the PRIs members in detail about the broad themes on school education and higher education and urged them to submit their suggestions in this regard.
Later, as part of the inception workshop, a technical session was also held wherein resource persons from the Department of Disaster Management, NDRF and Directorate of Health Services presented papers on relevant topics.

Port Blair, Apr 09: A 2 DG set (1 MW each) of M/s. Sudhir Reddy Gen set Consortium IPP Power Plant has gone out of order and in view of this the availability of power has been restricted.

According to a press release issued here today all efforts are being made to repair the DG set. “In case, the DG set is not set right, the Electricity Department will exercise approximately 30 minutes rotational load shedding between 1700 hrs to 2230 hrs in an around Port Blair and South Andaman area till rectification of defects of DG set,” the release added.

The duration of load shedding is likely to be altered without notice due to technical reason, the communication said.