ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Archives for December 28, 2023

Aging Fleet Concerns: Islanders Demand for Immediate Action as MV Bharat Seema and MV Dering Struggle to Meet Remote Island Transportation Needs

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Vikramaditya

Port Blair, Dec 28: The maritime landscape of the Andaman Nicobar Islands recently witnessed a transformative boost with the arrival of two new vessels, MV Nalanda and MV Sindhu. While these ships have marked a paradigm shift in local transportation, concerns linger over other old ship’s ability to cater to the needs of all remote islands.
Despite the presence of other vessels such as MV Kalighat, MV Bharat Seema, and MV Dering, passengers from remote islands voice grievances about the outdated condition of MV Bharat Seema and MV Dering, causing considerable inconvenience.
Detailed information reveals that MV Bharat Seema, a Passenger/Cargo Ship, was constructed somewhere in 1982, nearly 41 years ago, while MV Dering, a Passenger Ship, was built somewhere in 1992, almost 31 years ago. Islanders have expressed to Andaman Sheekha that these vessels, particularly MV Bharat Seema, are not suitable for long-distance travel to destinations like Hut Bay or Car Nicobar.
With a collective call for action, many islanders advocate for the administration to expedite the procurement of two new vessels on par with MV Sindhu and MV Nalanda. This move is perceived as a long-term solution to address the evolving shipping needs of Andaman Nicobar Islands for the next 10 to 15 years.
However, a major hurdle surfaces as placing orders for new vessels entails a delivery timeline of 5 to 6 years. In the interim, commuters face the challenge of relying on aged vessels like MV Bharat Seema and MV Dering, frequently scheduled for Car Nicobar.
Adding to the urgency, the available alternatives, MV Kalighat (built in about 2005, 18 years old) and MV Campbell Bay (built in about 2011, 12 years old), are also showing signs of aging.
In light of these circumstances, the shipping department is urged to explore short-term solutions, such as chartering two vessels, to ensure uninterrupted inter-island connectivity.
Islanders, especially those who are living in remote Islands can only hope that Administration will look into this matter before ships like MV Bharat Seema and MV Dering reports complete breakdown.

Directorate of Social Welfare Felicitates Participants of 11th Pre-Teen, Sub-Junior, Junior National Pencak Silat Championship-2023

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Port Blair, Dec 28: Dr. Nitin Shakya, Director (Social Welfare), took the opportunity today to felicitate the talented participants from the islands who competed in the 11th Pre-Teen, Sub-Junior, Junior National Pencak Silat Championship-2023 (Boys & Girls), the participants were felicitated and awarded with shawls, mementos, and appreciation certificates at a ceremony organized at Dirctorate of Social Welfare to celebrate their achievements.
The highlight of the event was the special felicitation of Shri Logarjun M, National Coach cum Trainer, and the qualified participants of the championship. Miss S. Rashi was honored with a gold medal, Mr. V. Tanish and Miss. N. Buvaneshwari were awarded silver medals, and Miss. V. Sharuka and Miss. Dristi Singh received bronze medals for their outstanding performances at the championship.
A heartfelt welcome from Shri A.K. Biswas, Probation Officer (JH), who extended his warm greetings to all the esteemed guests and valiant participants. On behalf of the Social Welfare Department, He also expressed his admiration and gratitude to the young athletes for their exceptional efforts and the honor they brought to their communities.
Dr. Nitin Shakya, Director (Social Welfare) expressed his pride and appreciation for the dedication and perseverance shown by the young athletes in representing their islands at the national championship. He also emphasized the importance of recognizing and nurturing young talent in the field of sports and pledged continued support from the Department of Social Welfare in providing opportunities for the holistic development of youth through sports.
The event served as a platform to motivate and inspire the young participants to continue their pursuit of excellence in sports and highlighted the unwavering commitment of the Department of Social Welfare in fostering a culture of sportsmanship and talent development.

 

Member of Parliament proposes Monsoon Festival for Tourism Boost in Andaman

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Port Blair, Dec 28: During the opening ceremony of the Island Tourism Festival, the Member of Parliament for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, in his address, proposed one more event like the Island Tourism Festival in the first few months of next year. He highlighted the annual Island Tourism Festival’s success, traditionally held in the last month of each year, and advocated for a parallel event like – the Monsoon Festival – during the first half of the year.
The Member of Parliament emphasized the potential of attracting tourists during the off-season, particularly the six-month stretch when Andaman experiences monsoons, while most of the parts in India witness the summer season. He underscored that promoting events like the Monsoon Festival could significantly boost tourism during this period.
Furthermore, he articulated that such initiatives could serve as a remedy for unemployment, providing job opportunities for the island’s youth. He added that with the recent inauguration of the new Airport Terminal
Building and ambitious plans to establish direct connections with other countries, he expressed optimism about reaching Andaman’s tourism to unprecedented heights.
Acknowledging this proposition, the Hon’ble Lt. Governor during his address assured to organize one or two additional mega events, akin to the Island Tourism Festival, in the coming year.

A&N Fire and Emergency Services Head Quarter Pays Tribute to Tsunami Martyrs through Kavi-Sammelan

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Port Blair, Dec 28: Andaman & Nicobar Police organized ‘Kavi-Sammelan’ on 27th December 2023 at Fire and Emergency Services Headquarters, to pay tribute to the martyrs of Tsunami.
Mr. Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS Director General of Police, ANI, graced the occasion as Chief Guest of the function and warmly felicitated the renowned participating poets – Mr. Dinesh Raghuvanshi, Dr. Sarvesh Kumar Asthana, Dr. Praveen Shukla, Dr. Soonrupa Vishal, and Dr. Hemant Pandey.
The gathering also included distinguished dignitaries – Mr. Sanjay Kumar Tyagi, IPS DIGP (Intel), Mrs. Monika Bhardwaj, IPS DIGP (L&O), Mr. Balwan Singh Jaglan, IAS, senior police officials and staff from various units of the A & N Police.
The esteemed poets graced the stage and mesmerized the audience with their poetic prowess and instant humor.
The Chief Guest, along with the captivated audience, thoroughly enjoyed the program, appreciating the thoughtful poets’ expressions. The Kavi-Sammelan served not only as an artistic and cultural celebration but also as a touching tribute to the memories of the Tsunami Martyrs, bringing the community together in remembrance and solidarity.
In his closing address, Mr. Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS Director General of Police, ANI, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the poets and commended them for sparing their precious time for the event. He also congratulated the Andaman & Nicobar Fire and Emergency Services officers for the meticulous planning of the event.

 

CPI (M) Secretary Holds BJP Government responsible for Growing Unemployment in A & N Islands

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Port Blair, Dec 28: CPI (M) Port Blair Area Committee has carried out door-to-door campaigns and corner meetings at Dairy Farm and Ranchi Basthi areas on 27th and 28th December, 2023. Various burning issues like (i) frequent power cuts, (ii) sky-rocketing price rise (iii) growing unemployment, (iv) corruption, (v) non-availability of stone chips, metals, etc were highlighted during the campaign and corner meetings.
Addressing a corner meeting at Dairy Farm on 27th December, 2023, D. Ayyappan, Secretary, CPI (M) A & N State Organising Committee said that problems of the islanders have increased due to the aggressive pursuit of neo-liberal policies by the BJP government at the center during the last 9 ½ years. He said that one lakhs unemployed youth who registered with the local Employment Exchange are waiting for a job. He further said that due to lack of foresightedness and vision on the part of the ruling parties at the center and the elected representatives who represented the islands in Parliament, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands remain without much development. He said that even after 76 years of independence, drinking water is being supplied to the residents of Port Blair once in ten days.
Addressing the corner meetings, D. Laxman Rao, State Secretariat Member of the party briefly explained the utter failure of the BJP-led Port Blair Municipal Council for repairing the existing footpaths in many areas of the town, deplorable condition of urban roads and scarcity of drinking water at many places.
SP Kalairajan, State Organising Committee Member of the Party while addressing the corner meetings blamed the central government for the frequent power cut in the islands.
CPI (M) Port Blair Area Committee Members NKP Nair and KG Samkutty also addressed the corner meetings at different places.

Swimming Test for the post of Seacunny and Engine Dinghy Operator to be conducted on 01 January at Swimming Pool, Netaji Stadium

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Port Blair, Dec 28: This Press release is in continuation of A&N Administration’s Press Note published in the Daily Telegrams dated 28.12.2023. Swimming Test for the Candidate names appeared in the list published by the A&N Administration on the above date for the post of Seacunny (Environment & Forest) and Engine Dinghy Operator (AAJVS) should be conducted on 01.01.2024 from 0600 hrs. onwards at the Swimming Pool, Netaji Stadium, Port Blair.
Candidates are informed to be present at the venue as per schedule mentioned above with proper swimming costume. Entry at the venue for the Swimming Test would be closed at 0900 hrs. Candidates shall not be permitted to enter after 0900 hrs.
Qualifying criteria for the Swimming Test of the participating Candidates is to swim a Distance of 100 mtrs within a time limit of 5.00 minutes (Male Candidate) and 7.00 minutes (Female Candidate).
Candidates participating in the Swimming Test for the above posts should bring the following documents in original for verification and one set of self-attested copies for records as detailed under:
Seacunny (Environment & Forest)
1. Certificate regarding 06 (Six) years’ experience as Lascar in Seagoing Vessels of which one year as Seacunny.
Engine Dinghy Operator (AAJVS)
1. Holding a Diploma in Marine Fitter Trade from any recognized Industrial Training Institute (ITI) or equivalent.
2. 2 years work experience to independently handling engine dinghy 10 to 20 HP and or OBM boats 80 to 115 HP.
3. Basic knowledge for storm and distress signals charts and compass.
Terms & Conditions for Swimming Test
1. The candidates must bring Admit Card/Identity Proof (In duplicate) while approaching the Swimming Test for official records.
2. Swimming costume is compulsory during the swimming test of the candidate.
3. The candidates entering the swimming pool without wearing a swimming costume will not be entertained at any cost.
4. Swimming suit and cap is compulsory for Female candidates.
5. Foot wears are not allowed on the pool deck.
6. Smoking and pan chewing is strictly prohibited.
7. Carrying edible items inside the swimming pool is not allowed.
8. Persons with Skin Diseases are not allowed.
The qualified candidates in the Swimming Test for the post of Seacunny (Environment & Forest) and Engine Dinghy Operator (AAJVS) should undergo Trade Test as per Recruitment Rules on the same day from 1100 hrs. at Marine Dockyard, DSS, Port Blair. Candidates are requested to present at Marine Dockyard, DSS, Port Blair by 1100 hrs. for their Trade Test before the Committee constituted for this purpose without fail.
Trade Test for the Candidate names appeared in the Press Note dated 28.12.2023 published in the Daily Telegrams dated 28.12.2023 by A&N Administrations for the post of Deck Rating, Engine Room Rating & Utility Hand (All posts pertains to DSS) should be conducted with effect from 02.01.2024 to 05.01.2024 Marine Dockyard Complex, DSS, Port Blair. Candidates are informed to be present at the venue at 0800 hrs. Entry in the venue for Trade Test would be closed at 0900 hrs. Candidates shall not be permitted to enter after 0900 hrs.
Candidates approaching the Trade Test for the post of Deck Rating, Engine Room Rating & Utility Hand must bring their original Certificates of Deck Rating/GP Rating/ Engine Room Rating and CDC with STCW’ 2010 as amended from time to time. from a recognized Institute approved by the DG (Shipping) and as per applicable Recruitment Rules. A self-attested copy of each certificate/document must also be brought for records of this Directorate.
The candidates are requested to adhere to the terms and conditions.

EMBARKATION NOTICE

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Port Blair, Dec 28: The Vessel SINDHU will sail from PORT BLAIR to CHENNAI on 31.12.2023 at 1600 Hrs as per the following programs.
Excess baggage will be loaded from 1400 Hrs to 1600 Hrs on 30.12.2023. The excess baggage/cargo required to be booked in advance at Commercial Wing, DSS.
Embarkation of passengers will commence from 1400 Hrs on 31.12.2023. The embarkation of passengers will be closed one hour before the schedule time. Passengers reporting late will not be allowed to board the vessel.
Bonafide passengers may please note that : –
The vessel will sail only after completion of survey procedure which will commence on completion of embarkation of passengers for issuance of ‘B’ Certificate as per MS Act.
The accompanied baggage’s exceeding the prescribed norms is likely to be rejected. The size and weight of each package should be 1 Mtrs x 0.5 Mtrs. and within 20 Kgs. It must show in bold letters the name and the ticket number of the passenger. The packages found bigger in size and more in weight will be rejected. The excess baggages will be subject to double the rate of freight.
Note: The passengers are strictly advice to reach well in time as the embarkation of passenger and excess baggage will be closed one hour before the scheduled time. Those passengers arriving late will not be entertained to board the vessel.