Archives for August 2, 2023

Port Blair, Aug 02: VHP, A&N Islands held a demonstration at Bhahubasti on 02/08/2023 at 5:00 PM against the unprovoked attack on Brij Mandal Yatra of Bajrang Dal at Mewat, Haryana. A huge crowd gathered and voluntarily participated in the demonstration and condemned the violence and paid condolences to the departed souls of the devotees and Police killed in the attack. An appeal is made to the state and central Governments to take strictest action against the culprits and a detailed investigation be done through NIA.

Venkat
Port Blair, August 1, 2023: On the evening of July 31st, 2023, music enthusiasts in Port Blair were treated to a nostalgic and soul-stirring experience as “Sur Sangam,” a Social & Cultural Society, paid tribute to the legendary and versatile playback singer, Mohammed Rafi Sahab. The event, titled “Remembering Rafi Sahab,” took place at the Andaman Club, captivating the audience with the timeless melodies of the late maestro.
Gracing the event as Guest of Honours were esteemed personalities, including Ms. Komal Anand, Smti. Rupa Roy, and Ms. Sheela Singh, former Chairperson of PBMC. Their presence added a touch of grandeur to the occasion and demonstrated the enduring impact of Rafi Sahab’s music on the hearts of millions.
The lineup of talented artists who participated in the musical extravaganza included:
Mr. K Mammi, Mr. Aboo, Mr. Shakeel, Mr. Akhtar, Mr. Liny Boy, Mr. Rajesh Anand (Guest Appearance), Ms. Minaz, Ms. Ananya and Ms. Priti.
The event was skillfully hosted by the charismatic Mr. Gafoor, the anchor for the evening, who kept the audience engaged and entertained.

Port Blair, Aug 02: The Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) in partnership with the Travel Agents Association of Coimbatore took center stage on 01 August 2023, as they organized a highly successful roadshow at the prestigious Hotel Grand Regent in Coimbatore. The event aimed to foster mutual growth and cooperation between the two vibrant travel communities, while promoting the mesmerizing tourism opportunities in the Andaman Islands.
With a remarkable turnout of 50 esteemed travel agents from Coimbatore, the event was graced by the presence of AATO’s President, Mr. M. Vinod, whose vision and leadership have been instrumental in elevating the Andaman Islands as a prime tourist destination. The roadshow proved to be an invaluable platform for networking and knowledge sharing among the participants.
Highlighting the event’s significance, Mr. M. Vinod, President of AATO, said, “We are excited to collaborate with the Travel Agents Association of Coimbatore for this incredible roadshow. This platform has allowed us to showcase the diverse and breathtaking tourism opportunities that await travelers in the Andaman Islands. We are confident that this event will lead to fruitful partnerships and an increase in tourist footfall to our beautiful islands.”
The event commenced with a panel discussion on “Tourism Opportunities in Andaman” that was moderated by the Joint Secretary of AATO, Mr. Saikat Biswas. The discussion delved into the untapped potential of the Andaman Islands as a year-round travel destination, featuring its pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and thriving marine life. The insightful session garnered active participation from travel agents and industry experts, enabling the exchange of ideas on promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
Following the enriching panel discussion, the attendees were treated to a delightful dinner, fostering a congenial atmosphere for further discussions and camaraderie between the representatives of AATO and the Travel Agents Association of Coimbatore.
The roadshow concluded with an air of enthusiasm and optimism, with both parties expressing their eagerness to collaborate on joint marketing initiatives and tailored tour packages to the Andaman Islands. The event marked the beginning of a new era of cooperation, aimed at enhancing the tourism landscape in the region and creating unforgettable experiences for travelers.

Port Blair, Aug 02: Mrs. Veditha Reddy, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman held a meeting with stakeholders of Central Ground Water Authority and bulk water suppliers in South Andaman District on 02.08.2023.
The Deputy Commissioner (SA) along with Sub-Divisional Magistrate, South Andaman and the officers of CGWA Cell of Central Ground Water Board, Eastern Region, Kolkata apprised the procedures to obtain permission for operation of bore well and also briefed about the do’s and don’ts of ground water extraction. It was informed that permission to abstract ground water through any energized means will not be accorded for any purpose other than drinking water. The permission would be granted by the Authorized Officer in consultation with the advisory committee constituted for this purpose.
DC, SA emphasized the unprecedented water crisis witnessed during this summer due to illegal groundwater extractions and also briefed that
The provisions of the environmental compensation can be imposed based on groundwater abstraction, type of project and category of block in accordance with CGWA Guidelines 2020 dated 24/9/2020 and subsequent amendments.
Minimum penalty would be `1, 00,000/- irrespective of quantity, type and category of block to be imposed for illegal extraction and Environmental compensation charges as existing guidelines would be applicable depending on actual withdrawal.
Further for taking punitive action and Prosecution District Magistrate/ Sub Divisional Magistrates of each Revenue District/Sub-division as Authorized Officers, have been delegated the power to:
● Seal illegal wells,
● Disconnect electricity supply to the energized well,
● Launch prosecution against offenders etc.
● Grievance redressal related to groundwater.

As per the guidelines for Ground Water abstraction, for bulk water supply, all those users abstracting groundwater and using it for supply as bulk water supplies through private tankers will now mandatorily seek No Objection Certificate for ground water abstraction.
Documents to be submitted with the application
Proof of ownership of land of size 200 sq m or more on which abstraction structure is installed.
Proof of ownership/Lease of tanker Groundwater quality report.
General Conditions to be followed by the bulk water suppliers

All tankers shall be labeled “Potable Water”.
Abstraction structures shall be fitted with tamper proof digital water flow meters with telemetry.
Flow meters shall be calibrated once in a year from an authorized agency.
Water shall be used for drinking/domestic purposes only.
Water quality being supplied by the bulk water supplier shall be adhered to BIS norms for drinking and domestic purposes.
Filling of tankers shall be done only within the premises.
The Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman emphasized to all the bulk water suppliers that they should mandatorily register themselves with the CGWA. The link for registration with Central Ground Water Authority for obtaining No-Objection Certificate for ground water extraction is http://cgwa-noc.gov.in. As on date as per the list provided by CWGA, only 17 operators have obtained the No-Objection Certificates, list of which is available in the website http://cgwa.gov.in.
Further, it was also directed that Bore well machine operators shall submit a report to the office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate regarding the setting up and operation of portable drilling rigs to drill wells anywhere in the District.
It was also informed that 1 (One) month time period is being given to the bulk water suppliers for registering and obtaining No-objection certificate from the CGWA failing which punitive action will be initiated against the defaulters.
The Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman further reiterated that the General Public and all groundwater users may also be made aware that the purchase of water from registered bulk water suppliers should be strictly ensured.

Port Blair, Aug 02: Andaman & Nicobar State Organizing Committee of All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) has organized a Mass Demonstration in front of Port Blair Municipal Council, Port Blair today (2.8.2023) at 4 p.m to protest against the rape, murder and naked parading of women in Manipur. The demonstration was inaugurated by D. Ayyappan, Secretary, CPI (M) A & N State Organizing Committee. Addressing the women gathered at the venue, he criticized the BJP governments at center and in Manipur for their failure to control the communal violence in Manipur. Women in Manipur are the worst sufferers of these communal clashes. He said that women are raped, murdered and paraded naked on streets, but the police do not take any action against the culprits. Addressing the gathering, C. Anandi, Convener, AIDWA Andaman & Nicobar State Organizing Committee briefly explained the physical attack unleashed on women in Manipur.
R. Surendran Pillai, President and P. Sathyapal, Secretary, CITU A & N State Committee also greeted the participants in the Mass Demonstration on behalf of CITU. They came down heavily on the Prime Minister for his silence on the Manipur issue.
C. Anandi, Convener and Kala Devi, Member, AIDWA State Organizing Committee led the mass demonstration. A large number of women from Port Blair town and rural South Andaman areas attended the mass demonstration.
CITU leaders SP Kalairajan and M. Yugander were also present on the occasion.