Diglipur, May 9: The Zonal Agriculture Office, Diglipur conducted a training program aimed at enhancing farmer’s proficiency in maintaining and operating farm machineries (Power Tiller, Brush Cutter, and Water Pump) today in the premises of Agriculture Department Workshop at Keralapuram, Diglipur. The training was imparted to the farmers those who have their own power tillers, brush cutters and water pumps with the objective to enhance their technical competency in the operation and upkeep of farm machineries.
The programme was inaugurated by the Shri Dipankar Mistry, Pramukh, Panchayat Samity as chief guest, in the presence of guest of honour, Smti Anita Mondal, Pradhan, Keralapuram Gram Panchayat, Shri Niranjan Hawlader Zilla Parishad Member, Sitanagar/Diglipur.
In his address, the chief guest advocated the benefit of Organic farming to the farmers. During the training program, the participating farmers were imparted hands-on training by Shri Biprotosh Das, Assistant Chargeman (ACM), Workshop Diglipur covering various aspects of farm machinery maintenance.
Earlier, welcoming the gathering, Smti. Arti Singh, Assistant Director (Agri) Diglipur said, this training is part of a broader effort by the Agriculture Department to promote sustainable farming practices and empowering farmers with the knowledge to independently manage their agricultural equipment.
The Agriculture Department, Diglipur plans to continue such training programs. For more information on upcoming training sessions and resources, farmers have been requested to contact the nearest Agriculture Sub-Depot.
During the programme, Soil Health Cards were also distributed to the farmers by the chief guest and others. The programme concluded with the distribution of tools to the participating farmers.
Archives for May 2025
One-Day Farm Machinery Maintenance Training Held at Chouldari for Local Farmers
Sri Vijaya Puram, May 9: To enhance the technical capabilities of farmers on farm machineries, a one-day training programme on maintenance of power tiller, brush cutter, and water pump was organized today at the Seed Multiplication Farm, Bloomsdale, Chouldari. The event was organized under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture, Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
The training programme was inaugurated by Smt. Tapasi Saha, Pradhan, Gram Panchayat, Chouldari as chief guest. She emphasized the need for regular maintenance and care of agricultural machinery to boost productivity and reduce downtime. The guest of honour, Smt. Pramila Kumari, Zilla Parishad Member and Smt. Chaitali Roy, Panchayat Samiti Member also addressed the farmers. Earlier, Shri R. Santosh Kumar, Chargeman, Directorate of Agriculture welcomed the gathering.
During the technical session, Shri R. Santosh Kumar, Chargeman and Shri Depankar Choudhury, Assistant Chargeman covered various topics related to importance of Farm Machineries in Agricultural Production and Repair etc.
AATO Delegation Meets CINCAN, Discusses Tourism Connectivity and Extends Gratitude
Sri Vijaya Puram, May 08: A delegation from the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), led by its President Shri M. Vinod, met Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, PVSM, AVSM, VM, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN), at the Headquarters in Port Blair.
The meeting was held as a courtesy call to thank the outgoing CINCAN for his distinguished service and for the continued support extended by the Armed Forces in maintaining security and stability in the region—critical enablers for a thriving tourism industry.
During the interaction, the AATO delegation discussed key issues related to inter-island connectivity, especially the role of ANC in enhancing air connectivity to remote islands. Topics included the current status of the Diglipur runway, the possibility of operating Dornier aircraft for civilian and tourist movement, and broader feasibility for expanding regional air services with the support of the Command.
Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan was appreciative of the tourism sector’s growing contribution to the local economy and assured the delegation that suggestions made would be considered within the operational framework of the Command.
The delegation included Shri K. Hamza (General Secretary) and Shri Saikat Biswas (Joint Secretary), who also conveyed AATO’s continued support and willingness to collaborate with the Administration and ANC in promoting safe, sustainable, and accessible tourism across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Operation Abhyas: Civil Defence Mock Drill Conducted in South Andaman to Test Emergency Preparedness
Sri Vijaya Puram, May 08: In view of direction of Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India, South Andaman District of A&N Islands conducted OPERATION ABHYAS (Civil Defence Mock Drill) on 07.05.2025 at 04:00 pm with primary goal to assess the present preparedness level of District Response Team and to find out gaps. The Scenario was Air Raid Simulation near Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM), Sri Vijaya Puram, A&N Islands that was followed by evacuation of present people on the site, Fire simulation, search and rescue, casualty evacuation of trapped people from the damaged building, their shifting in the nearby established temporary hospital and relief shelter.
The District Administration, South Andaman alongwith Civil Defence Volunteers and Emergency Support Functionaries (Disaster Management, A&N Police, Health, Fire & Emergency Services, NDRF, APWD, Electricity, NYK Volunteers, NCC, NSS, and all other line Department) of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands participated with great enthusiasm during entire exercise. The exercise was also witnessed by Member of Parliament, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray and some other public representatives.
The Mock Drill was conducted under the supervision of the Secretary (DM), A&N Administration, Mr. ASPS Raviprakash, IAS. The Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, Mr. Sunny Gupta, IPS, Incident Commander/ADM (S/A), Mr. Vinayak Chamadia, IAS, AC(Settle.), Mr. Abhishek Gulia led the entire exercise.
In accordance with the drill scenario, the ANC sent a message to SEOC about Air Attack at JNRM. The siren installed at JNRM, Sri Vijaya Puram briefly sounded during the exercise as part of the standard procedure. Blackout measures was also taken and practiced at the time of exercise. A temporary Hospital was established by Health Department at Andaman Club and Relief Shelter was setup at nearby Girls School on the direction of Incident Commander. All rescued persons were shifted to relief shelter and injured persons were shifted to temporary hospital for their primary treatment.
At the preparatory stage, the Incident Commander had taken pre briefing session on 06th May, 2025 at Aapda Prabhandan Bhawan and directed the appropriate resource Departments, Fire, Police, Electricity, NDRF & Health and others for support and assistance. The Fire & Police Department personnel & NDRF team effectively conducted safe evacuation and search and rescue operations. Ambulances and fire engines quickly arrived at the simulated location to rescue and treat the injured. The teams of Resource Departments carried out Search & Rescue and provided First Aid to the victims.
All activities were carried out in a controlled and supervised environment by trained professionals and coordinators. At 6 pm, the mock drill came to an end with a debriefing session. The Civil Defence Mock Drill is a preparedness exercise which seeks to identify strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the current Civil Defence preparedness during emergencies like war, missile attacks, or aerial strikes. The drill was aimed to test the preparedness and efficiency of the current Civil Defence mechanisms at the UT and local levels. The exercise aimed at evaluating the response capabilities of various agencies, their coordination, and the public’s preparedness to handle different types of emergencies.
Celestial Showcase: Stargazing & Astro-Tourism Lecture Set for May 12 at Corbyn’s Cove
Sri Vijaya Puram, May 8: The Tourism Department in association with Andaman Stargazing will be organizing a special lecture on the Potential of ‘Astro tourism in Andaman and Nicobar Islands’. The lecture follows a free guided session on Stargazing under the full moon sky at Corbyn’s Cove Beach on 12th May from 5.30 pm to 8 pm.
This unique event aims to introduce the exciting opportunities of Astrotourism in the Islands to promote night time tourism experience with insights on how the Islands night skies can become a celestial attraction, followed by a free guided stargazing session with professional telescopes perfectly timed with the radiant full moon. A chance for the tourist, students, astronomy enthusiast, nature lovers and public to connect with the cosmos by the serene seas. Let sky be your destination, bring your curiosity and witness the stars like never before.
Celebration of the 165th Birth Anniversary of Biswakabi Rabindranath Thakur by Andaman Sangeet Academy
Sri Vijaya Puram, May 08: Andaman Sangeet Academy (ASA), Dairy Farm, Junglighat, Sri Vijaya Puram, going to celebrate the “165th Birth Day of Biswakabi Rabindranath Thakur” on 9th May 2025, Friday in the Auditorium of Tagore Govt. College of Education, Middle Point, Sri Vijaya Puram at 5.30pm. Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, Deputy Commission (SA), and Secretary (RD), A & N Administration, will be the Chief Guest on this cultural programme.
South Andaman Forest Division Clears Over 86 Kg Waste in Collinpur Beach Clean-Up
Sri Vijaya Puram, May 8:The South Andaman Forest division conducted ‘Beach Cleaning’ drive at Collinpur Beach under Collinpur Gram Panchayat in active coordination with local villagers and PRI members today. The clean-up drive was undertaken in the entire stretch of Collinpur Beach and a total of 86.155 kgs of waste comprising of plastic bottles, glass bottles, thermocol debris, tin cans, disposable glass & plates etc. were cleared up.
The clean-up drive was conducted in active coordination with all the stakeholders to promote community driven initiatives in keeping the beach clean. Healthy & clean beaches aids significantly in maintaining the unique bio-diversity of our pristine Islands and also safeguards the local fauna from the ill-effects of plastic wastes and others. The stakeholders and visitors have been requested by the Department to use dustbins, along with adoption of healthy life practices to limit their use of single use plastics and to avoid littering of waste in the coastal ecosystems.
The Clean-up drive was conducted by Tushnabad Range under South Andaman Forest Division under the ongoing ‘Mission 1 Lakh beach clean-up’ initiative.
AATO Delegation Meets Lt. Governor, Requests Formation of Tourism Advisory Committee and Revival of International Air Connectivity
Sri Vijaya Puram, May 07: A delegation from the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), led by its President Mr. M. Vinod, met the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Admiral D. K. Joshi (Retd.), at Raj Niwas to discuss key matters concerning the sustainable development of tourism in the islands.
The delegation included Mr. K. Hamza (General Secretary), Mr. P. S. Vijayan (Organising Secretary), and Mr. Saikat Biswas (Joint Secretary). The team formally requested the formation of a Tourism Advisory Committee comprising local stakeholders and representatives from relevant departments. The committee is envisioned as a consultative body to provide regular inputs on tourism policies, infrastructure development, safety regulations, and promotional strategies.
The delegation also requested the revival of international air connectivity, especially the reinstatement of the Kuala Lumpur–Port Blair route, which was earlier operated by AirAsia. The team emphasized the need to convene a meeting with airline operators and civil aviation authorities to explore new international connections and strengthen inbound tourism potential.
The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the suggestions and directed his office to take up the issues raised with the Concerned departments for necessary action. AATO expressed its commitment to working hand-in-hand with the Administration in shaping a vibrant, safe, and globally connected tourism future for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Massive Jungle Search Operation in Cuthbert Bay Leads to the Largest Methamphetamine Seizure in N&MA District
Sri Vijaya Puram, May 07: In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing crackdown against narcotics in the North & Middle Andaman District, a massive jungle search operation was conducted on 04/05/2025 in the dense forests of Cutbert Bay. This operation was launched in the wake of the recent seizures of methamphetamine from the same region and was carried out by a joint team from PS Billiground and PS Rangat, under the overall supervision of Mr. Chandan G.S, DANIPS, SDPO Rangat.
A special team was constituted for the operation, comprising SI M.V. Shiju Kumar, SHO PS Billiground, HC Diwbendu Biswas, PCs Samir Halder, Sujan Gharami, Bhagirath, P. Sagar from PS Billiground and PCs Mohd. Mustafa and T.K. Anas from PS Rangat. The team, accompanied by Scene of Crime Officer, Ms. A.P Nasreen and SDPO Rangat, proceeded for Cutbert Bay by an engine dinghy.
Upon arrival, the team proceeded into the jungle and launched a thorough search operation and subsequently discovered a white plastic sack lying unclaimed in a secluded bushy area containing 20 packets individually wrapped and marked as “Gyanyinwang Refined Chinese Tea.”
Upon closer inspection, a strong odour and a suspicious white crystalline substance were detected. The contents were tested on-site using a drug detection kit confirming the presence of methamphetamine, a banned psychotropic substance. The total weight of the seized contraband was found to be 20.935 kg.
The banned substance was promptly seized with all legal protocols duly followed. Subsequently, a case has been registered under the relevant sections of NDPS Act, 1985 at PS Billiground and investigation has been taken up.
This seizure marks a major success in the ongoing efforts of Andaman & Nicobar Police against the menace of narcotics and reflects the unwavering commitment of the police force to keep the islands drug-free.
The general public is requested to pass and share any credible information pertaining to any crime or illegal activities to their nearest Police Station or over phone No.100, 112 & 03192-273344. The identity of the informers will be kept secret and will also be suitably rewarded.
The N&MA district is committed to keep the islands drugs free to align with the aim of a “Nasha Mukth Bharat”.
ANIIDCO Greenlights Major Eco-Tourism Projects in Aves, Smith & Megapode Islands
Sri Vijaya Puram, May 7:Andaman & Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO) on behalf of A&N Administration is engaged in development of sustainable eco- tourism in the Islands. Standing Finance Committee (SFC) in its meeting held on 03.04.2025 considered the proposal for development of Eco-Tourism Resorts in Aves Island & Smith Island and redevelopment of Megapode Resort on Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis. The brief of the projects are as under:
| Aves Island | Smith Island | Megapode Resort | |
| Total land area (ha) | 2.75 | 25 | 2.93 |
| No. of keys | 50 | 70 | 128 |
| Estimated project cost
(Rs. in crores) |
66 | 126 | 175 |
| Concession period (years) | 75 years including construction period of 4 years | 50 years including construction period of 3 years | |
MoEF&CC¸ Govt. of India has granted CRZ clearance for Aves Island & Smith Island project and for redevelopment of Megapode Resort also CRZ clearance shall be obtained by ANIIDCO. ANIIDCO has appointed M/s KPMG and M/s Deloitte as transaction advisors for handling the bid process management for appointment of concessionaire for the projects.
For sustainable development of the project, the concessionaire will meet development standards prescribed by GRIHA/LEED/ Green Globe and five- star categorization by Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India. The projects have been envisaged to be developed as self sustainable which includes development of trunk infrastructure like rain water harvesting & treatment plant, backup power including solar, STP, etc. by the concessionaire.
For success of the project, A & N Administration is also working on development of robust connectivity plan by expediting upgradation of NH4 including construction of bridges and air connectivity under UDAN Scheme.
These projects when completed will increase employment in hospitality sector especially for the local youths and will boost the overall economic prosperity of the Islands. The RFP for development of the projects will be issued shortly after approval of the competent authority.
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