Port Blair, Aug 11: A special drive was conducted by the Food Safety Department during the second week of August, 2024 to detect the presence of harmful chemical preservatives in fishes sold in the markets of South Andaman District. In some part of the country, it is reported that chemical preservative like formalin and ammonia are being used as preservatives in fishes for increasing its shelf life. The special drive was conducted with the help of formalin and ammonia testing field kits developed by Central Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi.
At Mohanpura Market, 15 varieties of fishes were tested and all the fishes were found free from chemical preservatives. 18 varieties of fishes were tested at Junglighat Fish Market and all the test reports were found negative. 9 types of fishes were tested at Haddo and 17 varieties of fishes were tested at Bathubasti Fish Market and all the fishes were found free from chemical preservatives.
Similarly, 21 fish samples were tested from various fish hawkers at Nayagaon, Dignabad, Garacharma and Jodakilan area and all fishes were found free from formalin and ammonia.
The Commissioner Food Safety/ Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman District has directed all fish vendors to refrain from the use of harmful chemicals for fish preservations. The Commissioner Food Safety further informed that similar drives shall also be organized in coming days jointly with Fisheries Department, A & N Administration and fish vendors, if anyone is found using chemical preservatives in fishes, shall attract stringent punishment under the provisions of Food Safety & Standards Act, Rules & Regulations made there under.

Port Blair, Aug 11: In connection with the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, the Port Blair Municipal Council is encouraging organizations, institutions and citizens to proudly hoist the National Flag at their respective premises. This initiative aims to promote a sense of patriotism and unity among the residents of Port Blair as we celebrate our nation’s independence.
As part of this campaign, Council is organizing a series of activities throughout the city. One of the key initiatives includes vibrant wall paintings at prominent locations, designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of our surroundings. These artistic expressions serve as a moving tribute to India’s rich heritage and the core principles of freedom and democracy that define our great nation.
The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign is not just about displaying the National Flag; it is a call to action for every citizen to participate in the celebration of our independence. By hoisting the flag, we honor the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters and reaffirm our commitment to the values that unite us as a nation.
PBMC urges all citizens of Port Blair to join in this celebration by displaying the National Flag at their homes, schools and workplaces. Let us come together to create a wave of tricolor across the city, symbolizing our collective pride and love for our country. Together, we can make this campaign a success and inspire future generations to value and uphold the ideals of freedom and democracy.

Port Blair, Aug 11: In view of Independence Day Celebration on Aug. 15, all IV boats have been directed to continue operation from Junglighat Terminal on Aug. 13, 14 & 15, 2024.
All owners of Jetski/ Para Sailing, Sport vessels have also been directed to park their Jetski / Para Sailing vessels at their designated place on the above mentioned date and time, a press release from PMB said.

Port Blair, Aug 11: The third edition of ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Campaign, 2024 has started in Andaman & Nicobar Islands in synch with all other States & UTs of India with effect from 9th August, 2024 and will last till 15th August, 2024 the Independence Day of India. The goal of the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign is to raise awareness of the Indian National Flag and fostering a deep sense of patriotism and unity among the local communities. The people are encouraged to bring the Tiranga home and hoist it to mark Independence Day-2024.
In the rural areas of A&N Islands, ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Campaign spearheaded by the Directorate of RD, PRIs & ULBs, A&N Administration and was inaugurated across several Gram Panchayats and Tribal areas in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on 9th August, 2024. In the Nicobar and N&M Andaman Districts, ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Campaign was initiated with the Triranga Yatra by the officials posted at District Office. In the Nicobar District, the presence of Deputy Commissioner in the Tiranga Yatra has filled great enthusiasm among the local populace towards the campaign.
The first day of the campaign was marked by a series of vibrant activities including Tiranga Yatrasand engaging Painting and Elocution competitions in various Gram Panchayats of South Andaman, N&M Andaman and Nicobar Districts. Additionally, Tiranga canvas signing events were held across Panchayat Offices, Block Offices, schools, and various community venues throughout the Islands.
The Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign will run from August 9 to August 15, 2024. Over the course of this week-long initiative, local officials and PRI members are ensuring the smooth execution of all activities and fostering a spirit of unity and national pride.
In alignment with the campaign’s objectives, approximately 30,000 national flags provided by the Ministry of Culture are being distributed to households across all gram panchayats and tribal villages in the islands. This distribution effort, managed by the Directorate of RD, PRIs, and ULBs, is designed to encourage every resident to participate in this patriotic observance.
The campaign’s overarching goal is to evoke a strong sense of nationalism and community solidarity. By engaging residents in various activities and ensuring widespread visibility of the national flag, the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign aims to reinforce the values of freedom and unity that are central to the spirit of Independence Day.

Port Blair, Aug 11: In recent times, there has been a concerning surge in fraudulent activities targeting individuals through calls over WhatsApp and other sources. Fraudsters, posing as representatives of law enforcement agencies such as CID, CBI, or similar bodies, are resorting to deceitful tactics to extort money from unsuspecting victims.
These fraudulent callers are falsely informing individuals that their son or daughter has been implicated in serious legal matters, such as rape cases/abetment to suicide cases/involving in Drugs and Narcotics cases etc. Exploiting the emotional vulnerability of parents, they demand gratification for the release of their children. Additionally, instances of college students being kidnapped and ransom demands made have also been reported.
The fraudulent calls often originate from numbers with the country code +92. General public are strongly advised not to respond to such calls and to exercise caution, especially when receiving international WhatsApp calls from unknown numbers.
In order to tackle this threat and safeguard citizens from becoming victims of such schemes, the A&N Police encourages individuals to take proactive steps:
Remain vigilant and cautious when receiving unsolicited calls or messages, especially from unknown international numbers via WhatsApp.
Refrain from engaging with individuals claiming to be from law enforcement agencies who ask for money or personal information over phone.
Utilize the ‘Chakshu-Report Suspected Fraud Communications’ facility available on the Sanchar Saathi portal (www.sancharsaathi.gov.in) to report fraudulent activities.
Regularly check and verify mobile connections associated with your name using the ‘Know Your Mobile Connections’ feature on the Sanchar Saathi portal (www.sancharsaathi.gov.in). Report any unauthorized connections immediately.
Go to WhatsApp settings Privacy calls Silence unknown callers.
Talk to your children/other relative/friend, directly on his/her mobile numbers, who is reportedly under distress, in order to verify.
The Andaman & Nicobar Police urges citizens to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding themselves and their loved ones against such fraudulent activities. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, together, we can combat cyber-crime and ensure the safety and security of our communities.
For assistance, information or enquiries, please contact: Cyber Crime Police Station, A&N Islands, over National Helpline No. 1930 and A&N Police Helpline No. 9531856083 or visit cybercrime.gov.in.

Port Blair, Aug 11: The Polit Bureau of the CPI (M) expresses its serious concern at the reports of several attacks on Hindu places of worship and the minority community in Bangladesh since the fall of the Shiekh Hasina government. It is evident that fundamentalist forces are targeting the minority community in the wake of the chaotic situation which developed consequent to the fall of the government.
A press release from CPI(M) today said that Immediate and firm steps should be taken by the interim government that has been installed to ensure the security and safety of the minorities, their houses and places of worship. The Union Government must also pursue this matter with the concerned authorities in Bangladesh.

Port Blair, Aug 11: The Port Blair Municipal Council in an effort to collect rental dues, have taken significant action by sealing nine shops in School Line and Dairy Farm areas, who have failed to pay their market rent. The action was taken due to failure by tenants to pay their long pending market rent to PBMC despite serving them several notices. The notice to these nine shops was served on 26.6.2024. However, they failed to pay their complete dues within the given time.
This enforcement operation was conducted in coordination with local law enforcement agencies to ensure that action is taken as per the procedure. The PBMC is committed to upholding its policies and will not hesitate to take similar action against other tenants who fail to meet their rental obligations. PBMC urges all tenants to make timely rent payments each month to prevent similar actions in the future.

Port Blair, Aug 11: The government of India initiative to integrate emergency helplines into a single helpline has resulted in the rolling out of 112 numbers.
ERSS-112, launched in 2019 in A & N Islands, offers residents the opportunity to access emergency services through the 112 helpline during any crisis. ERSS is a unified, Andaman-wide response system, accessible through the single number 112, providing immediate assistance from agencies such as Police (100), Fire (101), Health (102), and Disaster Management.
Key features of ERSS-112 include:
• 24/7 Access: Residents can dial 112, press the power button thrice on any smartphone, or long-press the “5” or “9” key on a regular phone to initiate a panic call to the dedicated DIAL 112 Control Room.
• Digital Communication: SOS alerts can be sent via email or through the 112 India mobile app, available for free on Google Play Store and Apple Store.
• Dedicated Control Room: The DIAL 112 is working with a dedicated Control Room staffed with trained call-takers and dispatchers who handle emergency requests efficiently. This facility is linked to Emergency Response Vehicles and various departmental control rooms, ensuring timely assistance to victims.
Recent developments in the ERSS-112 system:
• The ERSS in Port Blair is undergoing a transition to 100% police personnel deployment. Recent training for five female police officers has enhanced their capabilities in handling emergency calls and developing soft skills. Currently, police personnel constitute one-third of the total staffing, with ongoing efforts to increase this number further.
• A new SOP is in the consultation stage, aimed at improving transparency and accountability in handling emergency calls. This document will establish clear guidelines and procedures to ensure optimal service delivery.
• ERSS-112 has been further integrated with other important helplines like Cyber (1930), Narcotics etc. to achieve goal of single helpline number. Integration with CHILDLINE 1098 is also underprocess.
• A system is also under process to equipp ERSS-112 with facilities capable of transferring calls to related helplines like Cyber, Women etc through web based dispatcher system.
On average, ERSS receives approximately 150 calls daily related to various emergencies, with around 20% requiring immediate response. With anticipated increases in call volume, the Andaman & Nicobar police are committed to strengthening and enhancing ERSS services to meet growing demands.
The Andaman & Nicobar police are actively working to improve ERSS services and staffing, ensuring that the system remains effective and responsive. Members of the public are encouraged to register voluntarily on the 112 India mobile app and utilize ERSS-112 in any emergency situation.

Port Blair, Aug 11: In a concerted effort to educate and empower the youth, various units of the Andaman & Nicobar Police, including PS Pahargaon, PS Anti-Narcotics, the Police Entertainment Team, the Traffic Unit, and the Cyber Cell, in collaboration with PRAYAS, JAC, organized a significant awareness program at Govt. Senior Secondary School, Garacharma.
The program, which successfully reached 585 students, aimed to address critical issues that impact the younger generation. The key topics covered included suicide prevention, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Drug Abuse, and Traffic Safety. Andaman & Nicobar Police keeping in line with the motto of “Catch Them Young” have identified the urgent social need to create awareness among the children to ensure healthy development of the next generation of our country. With this aim in mind, the program was organised in collaboration with various units of Andaman & Nicobar Police and PRAYAS Foundation, an NGO working for child welfare.
A skit was also presented as part of the program, making the session both informative and engaging. The initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of the Andaman & Nicobar Police to foster a safe and informed community. The awareness program received positive feedback from both students and faculty, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in creating a safer and more aware society.
A&N Police will continue with such initiatives in future also. Any school or stakeholder wanting to coordinate for a similar session may write to SP (D) South Andaman office for the same.
General public is hereby requested to pass credible information regarding any anti-social activities noticed in their locality to phone 100, 112, 03192-250525, 03192-236641. Identity of the informer will be kept secret.