Sri Vijaya Puram, May 06: On May 5th, 2025, the ICAR-CIARI Regional Station in Minicoy, Lakshadweep, and commemorated World Tuna Day by hosting a Fishermen-Scientist Interaction Meet focused on tuna resources and sustainable fishing practices. The event, attended by 15 participants including fishermen and community leaders from seven villages, aimed to improve the welfare of Minicoy’s tribal communities through informed resource management. Scientists Dr. Gladston Y. and Dr. Ajina S.M. led discussions on climate change, policy challenges, and the crucial role of community-based co-management in tuna fisheries. Technical insights were effectively communicated in the local Mahl language by Mr. Shareefuddeen Hassan and Mr. Arif M.I., while fishermen and moopans shared valuable field experiences to inform research strategies. The program, held under the guidance of Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI demonstrates ICAR-CIARI’s dedication to sustainable fisheries, community empowerment, and environmental responsibility in India’s island territories.
Archives for May 2025
MV Sentinel to Include Makachua and Afra Bay in Revised Monthly Route Starting May 8
Sri Vijaya Puram, May 6
The passengers/general public have been informed that the vessel MV Sentinel, initially scheduled to sail for Campbell Bay via Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, Chowra, Teressa, Katchal & Nancowry on 08.05.2025 at 0700 hrs from Sri Vijaya Puram and her return voyage from Campbell Bay to Sri Vijaya Puram via same route on 11.05.2025 at 2000 hrs has been revised.
In consideration of the request of the Tribal Council of Little Nicobar and in alignment with the requirement and development of Little Nicobar, the vessel will now call at the ports of Makachua and Afra Bay Island during her sailings from Sri Vijaya Puram on every 2nd Thursday of the month.
As per revised schedule, the vessel MV Sentinel will now sail for Campbell Bay via Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, Chowra, Teressa, Katchal, Nancowry, Makachua & Afra Bay on 08.05.2025 at 0700 hrs from Haddo Wharf and will sail back to Sri Vijaya Puram on 12.05.2025 at 0500 hrs from Campbell Bay via same route. The detailed sailing programme of MV Sentinel is as under:
ARRIVAL PORT DEPARTURE
— Sri Vijaya Puram 08/0700 Hrs
08/1600 Hrs Little Andaman 08/2000 Hrs
09/0800 Hrs Car Nicobar 09/1600 Hrs
10/0500 Hrs Chowra 10/0700 Hrs
10/0830 Hrs Teressa 10/1000 Hrs
10/1400 Hrs Katchal 10/1500 Hrs
10/1700 Hrs Nancowry 11/0500 Hrs
11/1100 Hrs Makachua 11/1130 Hrs
11/1500 Hrs Afra Bay 11/1530 Hrs
11/1800 Hrs Campbell Bay 12/0500 Hrs
12/0730 Hrs Afra Bay 12/0800 Hrs
12/1130 Hrs Makachua 12/1200 Hrs
12/1800 Hrs Nancowry 13/0600 Hrs
13/0730 Hrs Katchal 13/0830 Hrs
13/1230 Hrs Teressa 13/1300 Hrs
13/1430 Hrs Chowra 13/1500 Hrs
14/0600 Hrs Car Nicobar 14/0700 Hrs
14/1800 Hrs Little Andaman 14/2000 Hrs
15/0600 Hrs Sri Vijaya Puram —
The passengers and the general public have been requested to take note of these changes and advised to stay updated through the official website and Information Counter at Phoenix Bay by using Helpline Number 03192 – 245555/232714 & Toll Free Number 18003452714.
Tourism Department to Host Astrotourism Lecture and Stargazing Session at Corbyn’s Cove on May 12
Sri Vijaya Puram, May 6: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.
Chinmaya Jayanti at Chinmaya Mission
Sri Vijaya Puram, May 06: 109th Birth anniversary of Poojya Swami Chinmayanandajee (founder of Chinmaya Mission world-wide) will be celebrated at Chinmaya Mission Sri Vijaya Puram on Thursday 8th May from 4 pm to 8 pm. The Programme will start at 4 pm with Gita Chanting followed by Guru Paduka Pooja, Bhajan & Satsang. At 8 pm Arati will be performed followed by Prasad distribution. As a part of Jayanti celebration the members of the Mission will visit old-age home Ferrargunj today (May 7) and will distribute the sweets to the inmates of the home.
The Mission has invited citizens for the Jayanti Programme.
Additional Sailings to Chennai and Vizag Announced to Meet Summer Travel Demand Amid MV Swaraj Dweep’s Unavailability
Sri Vijaya Puram, May 6: The Directorate of Shipping Services, A&N Administration has informed the general public that, in view of the summer vacation season, the Directorate has scheduled the sailings to meet the requirements and aspirations of the diaspora. Due to the non-availability of MV Swaraj Dweep (the lone vessel in the Mainland-Island sector), the Directorate of Shipping Services is deploying Inter-Island vessels in the Vizag and Chennai sectors to fulfil the requirements.
Accordingly, the following sailings were scheduled from Sri Vijaya Puram:
• Nalanda to Chennai via Nancowry & Campbell Bay on 4th May, 2025
• MV Campbell Bay to Vizag on 5th May, 2025
Passenger tickets for the above sailings were issued exclusively through the online system. The ticketing was made accessible via the internet portal as well as through the STARS ticketing counters of DSS located at different Islands of the Union Territory. The STARS counters facilitated online booking for passengers who do not have internet facility.
The vessel sailed with her full capacity, and a large number of passengers availed the online facility, either directly or through STARS counters, and expressed satisfaction with the streamlined and queue-free experience.
This initiative has been part of the Directorate’s ongoing efforts to ensure hassle-free, transparent, and efficient service delivery to islanders.
Many passengers have approached the Directorate conveying that they could not obtain the tickets because of high demand. Considering the demand, the Directorate of Shipping Services has facilitated additional voyages to Chennai & Vizag sectors, as follows.
• Additional sailing to Vizag on 14th May, 2025
• Additional sailing to Chennai on 16th May, 2025
The Directorate remains committed to improve passenger convenience to meet the aspirations of the people.
Military Aircraft Firing Practice Scheduled Across May; Public Advised to Avoid Firing Range
Sri Vijaya Puram, May 6: In exercise of power conferred under Sub-Section (2) of Section 10 of the Manoeuvres, Field Firing and Artillery Practice Act, 1938, it is hereby notifying for the information of all concerned that the Firing Practice by Military Aircraft is scheduled on 07/05/2025, 14/05/2025, 21/05/2025 & 28/05/2025 from 1000 hrs to 1200 hrs.
Similarly, firing practice by Military Aircraft is scheduled on 08/05/2025, 13/05/2025, 20/05/2025 & 27/05/2025 from 1400 hrs to1600 hrs.
All concerned have been warned to keep themselves and their vehicles/livestock away from the firing range during the mentioned date and time.
AATO Refutes False Claims About Swimming Ban in Andaman, Calls Viral Video Misleading
Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, May 5: A recent viral video posted by two tourists from Bengaluru has sparked controversy after it falsely claimed that swimming is entirely banned across all beaches in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The video, which urged viewers to avoid visiting Andaman and instead choose destinations like Goa or Bangkok, has drawn sharp criticism from local tourism stakeholders.
Mr. Saikat Biswas, Joint Secretary of the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), strongly condemned the video and termed it “misleading and damaging to the tourism image of these Islands.”
In an exclusive statement to Andaman Sheekha Daily, Mr. Biswas said, “There is absolutely no blanket ban on swimming in Andaman. The islands remain one of the safest and most attractive destinations for beach and water sports tourism in India. Such misinformation can severely harm the reputation and economy of our tourism industry.”
Mr. Biswas clarified that only a few beaches, such as Wandoor and Chidiya Tapu, have swimming restrictions due to ecological reasons — either because they fall within a Marine National Park or have witnessed occasional saltwater crocodile sightings.
“Saltwater crocodiles are a Schedule I species and protected under Indian wildlife law. The Forest Department is responsible for ensuring their habitat remains undisturbed. That said, there are numerous other beaches in Andaman that are fully safe, well-maintained, and open for swimming,” he added.
Mr. Biswas emphasized that beaches like Radhanagar Beach (a Blue Flag-certified beach), Corbyn’s Cove, Lalaji Bay, Elephant Beach, and Ram Nagar Beach offer secure and supervised swimming zones with lifeguards, rescue teams, and well-defined swimming areas.
Additionally, he highlighted that adventure activities like scuba diving, sea walking, and snorkeling are actively available at Havelock, Neil Island, North Andaman, and Long Island, among others.
Calling the viral claims of scams and fraud “baseless,” Mr. Biswas urged tourists to verify facts from authentic sources before forming opinions.
“We request all visitors to gather accurate information from the official Department of Tourism website, the Ministry of Tourism, or trusted local tour operators. AATO has over 130 registered members, all committed to responsible and transparent tourism practices,” he said.
Mr. Biswas concluded with an appeal to tourists, “Please be assured, Andaman is very safe, secure, and tourist-friendly. The Administration and Tourism Department have done significant work to improve the island experience, especially under the Modi Government. We wholeheartedly welcome tourists to explore our beautiful islands without fear or hesitation.”
Chain-Reaction Road Accident: Defence Truck Rams Into Cars on Minnie Bay Main Road
Vikramaditya
Port Blair, May 05: A multi-vehicle collision involving a defence truck occurred at Minnie Bay main road today, resulting in significant damage to at least three private vehicles. Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the defence truck, allegedly traveling at a high speed, failed to stop in time and rammed into a stationary vehicle. The impact led to a chain reaction, damaging three other vehicles.
According to people present at the scene, the vehicles ahead were moving at a normal speed of around 30 km/h, and traffic was flowing smoothly. A sudden braking maneuver by one vehicle caused a pile-up when the defence truck behind failed to brake effectively. One witness stated that the force of the collision was such that the struck vehicle was pushed forward, hitting the next two cars.
Member of Parliament Chairs VSI Airport Advisory Meet; Focus on Fare Capping, 24-Hour Operations, and Medical Passenger Support
Sri Vijaya Puram, May 05: VSI Airport in its journey of excellence and continuous improvement of passenger centric facilities, has conducted an Airport Advisory Committee meeting under the Chairmanship of MP, Andaman & Nicobar Islands-Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray.
The purpose of the Airport Advisory Committee meeting is to make the airports user friendly from the point of view of passenger amenities to enhance airport image in terms of service and passenger facilitation. Hence, it encourages community participation in airport management.
Airport Director, Mr. Devender Yadav (convener of AAC) welcomed all the advisory committee members in the august presence of MP along with representatives from District Administration, Municipal Council, CISF, INS Utkrosh, Airline operators and members from trade, industry and travel & tour association.
MP informed that unprecedented fares and no capping of fares is generally observed in airline tickets to and from mainland. In addition to it, travelling of medical aided passengers or passengers with stretcher and ambulance aid takes an ample amount of time from airlines in getting clearances resulting in delayed transportation to the mainland. In response to it, airline operators informed that the issue will be taken up by their headquarters in response to the query raised.
Members of the AAC also raised the point of fare capping and flight operations under RCS UDAN scheme for inter-island air connectivity. Also, asked airlines for increasing the flight number of flights and extending the span of flight operations to evening and night as the airport now has capability for 24-hour operations.
Airport Director, informed that the airport is equipped with advanced air navigation equipment, State-of-the-art facilities with decorations in the terminal building depicting A&N rich cultural heritage and artifacts. In addition to it, a medical facility is available at the airport with provision of real time support in case of any emergencies.
The Airport Director conveyed sincere thanks and gratitude to MP and AAC members for sparing his time and giving valuable inputs in order to boost the aviation sector of the islands.
Addressing the Transportation Crisis in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands face a recurring crisis during the summer vacation season, as residents struggle to secure affordable transportation to the mainland. The issue is stark: long queues, limited ship tickets, and exorbitant flight fares—often reaching ₹25,000—leave ordinary citizens, especially daily wage earners and families, stranded. Many are forced to wait for days at ticket counters, enduring harsh conditions without basic amenities like water, toilets, or shelter. The desperation is palpable, with some residents, including women and differently-abled individuals, camping out for days to secure a spot on a ship, only to face uncertainty about ticket availability. This situation is compounded by an inefficient ticketing system, where online platforms exclude those without digital access, and offline counters are overwhelmed.
The core issue lies in the mismatch between demand and supply. During peak seasons, the demand for travel surges as families visit the mainland for medical treatment, education, or cultural obligations. However, the limited number of ships—often delayed or under-capacity—cannot accommodate the population’s needs. Flights, while an alternative, are financially out of reach for most, with fares far exceeding the monthly earnings of a typical worker. The discontinuation of subsidized chartered flights has further exacerbated the problem, leaving residents with few viable options. Additionally, the lack of basic facilities at ticketing counters highlights a broader administrative neglect of the islanders’ plight.
A multi-pronged solution is urgently needed. First, the administration must increase the frequency of ships during peak seasons, ensuring smaller vessels (400-500 passengers) operate fortnightly to meet demand. Second, the ticketing system should prioritize offline distribution during summer months to ensure equitable access, reserving a portion of tickets for vulnerable groups like the differently-abled and families with children. Third, reinstating subsidized chartered flights could alleviate pressure on maritime transport, making air travel accessible to more residents. Finally, the administration must provide basic amenities at ticketing counters—water, toilets, and security—to ensure the safety and dignity of waiting passengers. These steps, if implemented with urgency, can transform a systemic failure into an opportunity to better serve the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
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