Port Blair, Feb 26: The Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman Mrs. Veditha Reddy, IAS along with the Additional District Magistrate, South Andaman Mr. Dilkhush Meena, IAS, the Assistant Commissioner, South Andaman /SDM (SA) Mr. Azharuddin Zahiruddin Quazi, IAS and the Tehsildar, Port Blair visited the areas predominantly inhabited by Ranchi Community such as Ranchi Basti, Brookshabad, Ranchi Basti at Birsa Nagar, Garachamama near Attam Pahad and Ranchi Tikrey at Lamba Line. The ward councilors of the areas, revenue staff and other staff of PBMC also accompanied.
During the visit, the DC (SA) interacted with the local residents of the Ranchi Basti at Brookshabad. The residents raised several issues such as providing bus service to the interior of the Ranchi Basti at Brookshabad as they are facing problems in commuting to and fro due to lack of bus services at their location and as of now, the buses are available at a distance of 2 kms away. The residents complained about cutting of dangerously standing trees keeping in view of close proximity to Sea and facing heavy winds during cyclones. The DC (SA) assured cutting and pruning of trees on a case to case basis under relevant provisions of Cr.PC. The residents raised the issues related to menace caused by domestic pigs and requested for taking up necessary suitable steps in curbing the pig menace, the DC(SA) informed the general public to take up the matter with PBMC and formulate any permanent solution to implement pig catching and fining for violations and also maintenance of the pig center available at Brookshabad village. The drainage stagnation was also pointed out for which the DC(SA) directed the Councillor to desalt the drains for free flow of drain water.
The DC(SA) also visited Ranchi Community settlement at Attam Pahad of Garacharama village locally known as Birsa Nagar and interacted with the residents. The residents raised several grievances like water crisis involving damage and rusting of the existing old pipelines resulting in slow water supply, drinking water getting contaminated in some places due to sewage water intrusion, also the public informed the DC(SA) that the source of their drinking water is alongside the existing graveyard and requested for getting water supply from hygienic sources and also requested for a Water tank in their locality for storage of sufficient water for their locality. In addition to these the issues of streetlights, damaged footpaths, improper drainage system, bus service of transport, electric poles at sufficient distance and maintenance of electric lines which are overlapping in dangerous positions and non collection of garbage from door steps. The DC (SA) gave a patient hearing and assured suitable steps within a time frame and directed Tehsildar, Port Blair to call for a meeting of all line departments for the speedy redressal of the grievances. The DC(SA) urged the Ranchi community to form suitable Self Help Groups and to take up part time works like bamboo weaving etc during their past time and also to come forward with future plans.
The DC (SA) further visited Ranchi Community areas at Ranchi Tikrey at Lamba Line. The general public expressed their gratitude to the visit of the DC (SA) and raised several grievances primarily of a retaining wall that is required for safeguarding the houses. In this regard, the DC(SA) asked the Councillor of the Ward to submit the requisition along with all details to the appropriate authority. The general public informed the DC (SA) about improper maintenance of drainage by the Defence. In addition to these, the issues related to renovation of the Community Hall, maintenance of fencing and compound wall of Vivekananda Kendra Nagar Palika Vidyalaya and the Community toilet were also stressed. The DC (SA) assured to take up the issues in a time bound manner after being put up by the area Councillor and the PBMC authorities.
In addition to the above-mentioned issues so raised, the DC (SA) urged the general public to come forward with their grievances in a systematic manner before the competent authorities. The District Administration is committed for the welfare and overall development of South Andaman District and the District Administration requests the public to come forward with genuine issues related to development of their areas.
