ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Archives for July 23, 2023

Wooden footbridge across Kalighat Creek washed away once again due to heavy current of water

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Rabindranath Biswas
Diglipur, July 23: The wooden footbridge across Kalighat Creek connecting Nischintaputpur village with Kalighat and other parts of Diglipur Tehsil reportedly collapsed and washed away last night disrupting the access to the outlying area.
According to information, the fragile wooden footbridge broke apart and washed away by the heavy current of water in the Kalighat creek yesterday at night which in turn reportedly put the residents of this region in unspeakable trouble, said the residents of Nischintapur village under Diglipur Tehsil.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, a resident of the area said, “This incident hasn’t happened for the first time yesterday, the wooden footbridge, the sole communication means connecting our remote area with Kalighat and rest of the world, collapsed and washed away by flood waters on many occasions earlier especially in rainy season, but the plight we have to undergo in absence of the wooden footbridge can only be perceived by one who experiences it”, the hapless localite rued.
The incensed denizens of the marooned hamlet further said, “We are the unfortunate dwellers of a far-flung area, silently withstanding the troubles and misfortunes since our settlement, and don’t know when our misery is going to end; however, we only want that the officials of the Administration come and see the plight we are in and expedite the process involved in constructing a permanent bridge over this horrendous and crocodile infested creek and rescue us from this quagmire of sufferings, as we no longer can endure it”, bemoaned the helpless residents.
On the other hand, the outcry and grievances of the denizens of Nischintaputpur village on the incident of washing away of the wooden footbridge across Kalighat Creek reportedly sound factual and genuinely grievous, as the very wooden footbridge had first sagged and then broke apart, and finally washed away by the water in the month of October last year and result of which a patient of Nishchintapur seemingly found himself in a hapless situation while others were put in unspeakable inconveniences which the Andaman Sheekha reported.

 

Heavy Rain and High Wind Cause Minor Damages to Veer Savarkar International Airport’s New Terminal Building

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Port Blair, July 23: A heavy spell of rain accompanied by high wind yesterday wreaked minor havoc on the recently inaugurated new Terminal Building of Veer Savarkar International Airport. The inclement weather reportedly caused damages to the ceiling and roof sheet, sparking concerns among the public about the quality of work and management of the new infrastructure, which was funded by over 700 crore of taxpayers’ money.
As news of the damages spread, social media platforms were flooded with posts and messages questioning the standard of construction and the lack of proper supervision during the construction phase. Many netizens questioned whether this could be the reason why the Airport Authority of India had chosen not to invite local media for the inauguration ceremony of the new airport terminal, speculating that inferior works may have been concealed.
A reliable source from the Airport Authority of India, when contacted, provided some insights into the situation. According to an initial report, the damages were attributed to the carelessness of workers involved in finishing work of cable installation under the roof sheet.
He said that the design utilized a locking mechanism with “hook” type fixtures. Unfortunately, on the night of the incident, the worker responsible for locking the roof sheet with the “hook” failed to secure it properly after completing the cable work. As a result, the heavy winds caused the roof to open due to internal air pressure, leading to damages in the ceiling.
As per details, Airport officials have swiftly responded to the situation, and necessary repair works were carried out promptly on the morning after the incident.

Utkal Samaj Committee Members Meet Member of Parliament to demand for Reintroduction of Direct Flights between Bhubaneswar and Port Blair

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Port Blair, July 23: Today, the members of the Utkal Samaj Committee called on the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma to address a range of vital issues.
Among the significant demands put forth during the meeting, one prominent request was the reinstatement of direct flight connectivity between Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, and Port Blair. The members of Utkal Samaj Committee strongly emphasized that reestablishing this direct flight service would offer twofold benefits for the archipelago.

The Utkal Samaj Committee representatives highlighted the importance of a direct flight from Bhubaneswar to promote tourism and strengthen the ties between Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Odisha.

Such a flight route would facilitate tourism, including pilgrimage tourism to the sacred destination of Jagannath Puri, a significant pilgrimage site for devotees from Andaman and Nicobar Islands. By facilitating easier travel for these devout visitors, the proposed flight service would enhance the spiritual connections between the two regions.

Furthermore, the committee members underscored that the reintroduction of direct flights would also cater to the needs of numerous employees working in various steel plants of Odisha, numbering in lakhs, who avail Leave Travel Concession (LTC). With the availability of direct flights, these working individuals would have convenient access to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands, thereby bolstering tourism in the region.

The Member of Parliament for Andaman and Nicobar Islands gave a patient hearing and assured all possible assistance from his end.

U.S.-India Better Together: Defense, Energy, Youth, Education, and Space in India’s South

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U.S. Consul General in Chennai Judith Ravin

Inheritor of a rich portfolio, I assumed the post of U.S. Consul General in Chennai on September 6, 2020, to serve as the 26th U.S. Consul General in Chennai since 1947, advancing U.S.-India relations in a vast and diverse consular jurisdiction covering Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. After three years in Chennai, as my tenure comes to an end, I am honored to have witnessed historical milestones in the ever-growing U.S.-India partnership between the people, governments, and business communities of our two great democracies.

Strong People-to-People Ties

From the bustling city of Chennai to the tech hub of Bengaluru, evergreen Thiruvananthapuram, biodiverse Port Blair, and the poignant Puducherry, I saw strong people-to-people ties wherever I travelled. India’s youth are the future torchbearers of the U.S.-India relationship. Record numbers of South Indian students are pursuing higher education in the United States, building even stronger cultural, educational, and scientific ties between our countries. And the U.S. Mission to India is on track to process over one million visa applications in 2023.

The American Center in Chennai, a hub for cultural and educational exchange between the United States and South India, was remodeled and modernized, providing state-of-the-art facilities for events, exhibitions, and trainings. We expanded our outreach to underserved communities, hosting a range of cultural events and educational programs that promote mutual understanding and respect between the United States and South India.

Promoting Economic Prosperity

Our team actively engaged in collaborating with our counterparts throughout the consular district to promote economic growth, bilateral trade, and sustainable development in the region. Through our partnerships, we focused on advancing key sectors such as space, emerging technologies, and manufacturing. We worked to foster empowerment of women and girls, including initiatives to promote women’s entrepreneurship, leadership, and access to education and healthcare. We engaged in promoting climate action and clean energy solutions with U.S. and Indian partners, driving economic growth and development in the region together.

Defense and Space Cooperation

One of the most memorable aspects of my tenure has been the opportunity to collaborate with Indian counterparts to advance the frontiers of space and defense exploration. Through joint missions and collaborations, we delved deep into the mysteries of the universe, unlocking new insights into the workings of the cosmos. Since 2005, the United States has participated in Aero India, and we see India as an indispensable partner for a safer, more prosperous, more open, and freer Indo-Pacific region. At Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru, we sent our largest-ever U.S. delegation, capturing headlines with the return of the mighty B-1B Bomber. Six months prior, in August 2022 at Larsen & Toubro shipyard facility in Kattupalli near Chennai, U.S. Navy Ship Charles Drew became the first-ever U.S. military vessel to undergo mid-voyage repair and maintenance in India, followed by another milestone in our expanding U.S.-India partnership – the Master Ship Repair Agreement. The historic agreement demonstrates the U.S. commitment to utilize repair facilities on U.S. military vessels on a regular basis at the Larsen & Toubro shipyard, strengthening our two nations’ strategic partnership and contributing to a free and open Indo Pacific.

I thank the people, places, and partners of India’s south and beyond for three extraordinary years of shared resilience, enrichment, and achievements. As I reflect on our accomplishments, I am reminded of the powerful impact that can be achieved through our #USIndiaTogether partnership, a groundswell of people and policy driving ecosystems of innovation.

Indeed, the United States and India are Better Together.

09 More Foreign Poacher Apprehended Making it 26 in A Month and Recovered Stolen Dinghy by North & Middle Andaman Police

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Port Blair, July 23: On 20.07.2023 the Anti-Poaching Task Force team consisting of Insp. Anirudra Mondal, ASI U. Ramesh, HCs Mohd. Ameen, Bobby Jacob & Tata Rao, Cts Vijay Rajan, Nayan Bera, Dilip Ekka, Subrato Mondal, M. Raju, Shanker, Sybestin & Madhavan, PCs Sameer Halder & Imran alogwith local sources from villagers was on its way to search for foreign poachers in the mangroves and creek near Loha Tikrey where they were suspected to be hidden. During their extensive search in the creeks, the team noticed a dinghy of a local fisherman which was missing since few days from Area 26 was found hidden in the creek of dense mangroves jungle. It was suspected that it could be stolen by Myanmarese poachers and hidden there.
Immediately, the team got alerted by Inspr. Anirudra and prepared a plan to conduct a massive search. The team split into three and started combing operations in the deep jungle and creek. During combing operation the team found poachers hidden in the deep jungle. The team surprised the poachers and signalled them to surrender. But neglecting the police orders they tried to run and escape in the jungle but the team too swiftly chased them and apprehended 09 poachers successfully. To caution them from fleeing away the team had to fire some warning shots. Further, the team continued its search for more poachers, after an extensive search in the dense mangroves and in the creeks, no clue of more poachers was found. All 09 apprehended Myanmarese poachers along with stolen dinghy reached PS Kalighat on 22.07.2023 for initial enquiry. After conducting enquiry, the Myanmarese Poachers will be handed over to PS CCS for further investigation. The entire operation was carried out under supervision of Ms. Geetanjali Khandelwal, IPS, SP (D) N&MA.
Despite unfavourable terrain and inclement weather the exemplary bravery is once again proven by the anti-poaching team. Adding the 09 poachers, the team have made it 26 within a month. The APTF team have been lauded and will be suitably rewarded.
The general public and fisherman who are venturing in sea are requested to pass and share any credible information pertaining to sighting of foreign boats/nationals to their nearest Police Station or over phone No.100, 112 & 03192-273344. Their identity will be kept secretly and they will be suitability rewarded for their brave act.

Anganwadi workers and helpers Meet Member of Parliament to express Gratitude

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Port Blair, July 23: Today, July 23rd, 2023, a large number of Anganwadi workers and helpers assembled at MP Office, Port Blair to meet the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, to express their heartfelt gratitude for his relentless efforts in advocating for an increase in their remuneration.

The Anganwadi workers and helpers praised the unwavering dedication of Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, who persistently championed their cause in the Parliament and engaged with the administration on multiple occasions.

As per details, the remuneration for Anganwadi workers has been augmented from Rs. 9,000 to Rs. 12,000 per month, while the salaries of Anganwadi helpers have been raised from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 8,000 per month, with effect from July 1, 2023.

During the meeting, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma conveyed his appreciation and gratitude to each and every Anganwadi worker and helper for their relentless dedication and unwavering service towards the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Recognizing the invaluable contributions made by these individuals towards the well-being and development of our communities, the Member of Parliament had consistently raised this issue in various forums, including discussions with the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, the Lt. Governor of A & N Islands, with the Hon’ble Home Minister and in parliamentary sessions.

Earlier, on May 18, 2023, the Member of Parliament took up the Anganwadi Workers’ Salary Issue with the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration.

On May Day 2023 rally, on behalf of the Member of Parliament, appeals were made to the administration for regularisation of service of long serving casual and contractual workers of various departments, enhancement of wages of Anganwadi Workers & helpers, ASHA workers.

In Feb 2023 Raising several points in Parliament on the General Budget for the year 2023-24, the Member of Parliament had demanded to increase the salary of Anganwadi and Asha workers.

On Jan 9, 2023 the Member of Parliament called on Home Minister of India Shri. Amit Shah and highlighted crucial issues of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and requested to enhance the salary of Anganwadi and ASHA workers.

Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Member of Parliament, during the debate held on 04/12/2019 in the Lok Sabha for Supplementary Demand for grants for the year 2019-20 he had demanded additional funding for enhancing wages of poorly paid workers engaged by the government/administration such as Anganwadi workers and helpers, ASHA workers.

There are dozens of other instances when the Member of Parliament had taken up this crucial issue at the highest level.

 

Member of Parliament Extends Heartfelt Congratulations to Chess Player R Kashthuri Bhai for Remarkable Triumph in 7th Asian Schools Chess Championships 2023

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Port Blair, July 23: Chess Prodigy R Kashthuri Bhai, the young chess sensation from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has been showered with accolades and praise as she emerged victorious in the 17th Asian Schools Chess Championships 2023. Representing India in the under 17 Girls Category, R Kashthuri Bhai’s extraordinary achievements have filled the entire nation with pride and joy.

On behalf of the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Member of Parliament of A & N Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rair Sharma, has extended his warmest congratulations to RR Kashthuri Bhai for her stellar performance in the championship. Her recent accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable, securing not one but two prestigious medals for India.

In a heartfelt message, Mr. Kuldeep Rair Sharma expressed admiration for R Kashthuri Bhai’s dedication, hard work, and exceptional skills that have earned her a Bronze medal in the Rapid event and a Silver medal in the Blitz event. “Her unwavering spirit and determination have once again brought immense pride to the islanders and the entire country,” he said.

“Congratulations once again to R Kashthuri Bhai for your well-deserved medals in the championship. May you continue to make the nation proud with her extraordinary talent and dedication in the realm of chess,” the Member of Parliament added.

Kashthuri accorded warm welcome on arrival at Port Blair

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Port Blair, July 23: Chess Prodigy from A & N Islands, R Kashthuri Bhai who recently won Silver & Bronze Medals for India in the 17th Asian Schools Under-17 Chess Championship 2023, held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, arrived at Veer Savarkar International Airport Port Blair on Saturday. She was accorded warm welcome by the Officials of Andaman Nicobar Chess Association, parents, players and well-wishers upon her arrival.
R Kashthuri Bahi, a government school student of class IX in GDMS, Middle Point, Port Blair made the islanders proud & created history by becoming the first Chess player from A & N Islands to represent our country at an international platform & win medals for India.

 

Commemoration of NABARD’s 42nd Foundation Day

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Port Blair, July 23: To commemorate NABARD’s 42nd Foundation Day,A & N Regional Office of NABARD conducted a programme on 23rd July 2023 in the august presence of Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, Chief Secretary, UT Administration, A & N Islands as Chief Guest and Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the Member of Parliament as Special Guest of Honour along with Mr. K Murugan, Managing Director of ANSCB Ltd.
Smt Archana Singh, Officer–in-Charge of NABARD Regional Office, Andaman &Nicobar, in herwelcome address highlighted several milestones achieved by NABARD in the past four decades and the footprints left by NABARD in the Islands. She briefed the gathering that so far NABARD has imparted skill development training to around 10,700 farmers, SHG members and artisans through 372 programmes. NABARD has sponsored 4 Rural Haats and 14 Rural Marts and One mobile Rural Mart in the Islands. Four FPOs have been registered in agriculture and poultry sector. The focus in the near future would be on honing the skills of the fishermen in tuna and other high-quality fish having export potential.
Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, Chief Secretary, UT Administration congratulated NABARD on the occasion of 42ndFoundation Day and appreciated good work done by NABARD in Andaman and Nicobar. He expressed that the islands offer immense scope for high value spices like cinnamon which if branded well would fetch better price for farmers. He also expressed happiness of the revival of copra procurement after a decade and exhorted NABARD to impart skills in packaging of dessicated coconut powder and virgin coconut oil.
Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the MP greeted NABARD and agreed to extend necessary cooperation to NABARD in its developmental initiatives specially development of cooperative sector through PACS. He also urged NABARD to focus on livelihood schemes for SHG members which would emerge as a flourishing industry in the islands.
On this occasion, PACS in A & N Islands along with Master Trainers were felicitated for completing the first phase of Computerisation under the GoIproject and being the only State/UT to achieve 100% FHR in the country. RupayKisan Credit Cards were also launched at the hands of Chief Secretary and the MP. These Rupay KCCs will enable over 9000 farmers to use the KCC as a card and swipe transactions anytime anywhere.
The highlight of the function was flagging off two mobile vans one each for Hut Bay and Campbell Bay at the hands of Chief Secretary and Hon’ble MP. The Mobile Demo Van fitted with an ATM as well as microATM with the latest technology will deliver banking services at the doorsteps of the 2000 rural and tribal households in Little Andaman and 1600 households in Campbell Bay.
On the occasion SHG products, 7 products identified for GI tagging and Banking Technology products viz., Handheld projector, POS machine and micro ATM were also displayed.

 

ANTCC holds Street Corner Meeting at the Public Places of Dairyfarm and Bhatu Basti Area

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Port Blair, July 23: The Andaman Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee under the leadership of its President Mr. Rangalal Halder held a significant street corner meeting on the 21st of July,2023 at the public place of Dairyfarm junction and Bhatu Basti Vegetable Market, resonating with voices of concern over pressing issues that have been gripping the Islanders.
The NSUI State President Mr. M.A Sajid, The South Andaman Mahila Coordinator Smt. Zubaida Begum, City Congress General Secretary Mr. Raj Reddy, PBMC Councilor Mr. Joga Rao, Congress Seva Dal joint Secretary Mr. Akshay Kumar and Congress leaders Mr. Ishwar Rao, Mr. Sadab Riaz (Sunny) and Party Members also take part in the discussions of street corner meeting.
As the meeting commenced, The Congress Leaders raised voices against the Issues pertaining to increase in use of highly intoxicants Drugs by the youngsters in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Major challenges highlighted during the meeting was the persistent issue of electricity load shedding. They stated that the erratic power supply has hampered productivity and disrupted daily life, leading to frustration among citizens who yearn for stable and reliable energy access.
The speakers of ANTCC focus attention over the issues of unemployment which is increasing day by day in our Islands. They stated that the Jobs recruited by the A&N Administration are now filled up by the mainlanders due to which many aspiring candidates from Andaman & Nicobar Islanders fail to get benefits of those opportunities.
The Congress leaders also briefed the general public on the violence carried out on minorities and womens of manipur. They also criticized the BJP Govt. over their silence and no action taken in this matter.
The Congress Leaders further highlighted the issues relating to poor medical conditions , irregular water supply, Increase of Airfare rates and pathetic condition of medium of transportation in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.