Port Blair, Feb 2: In the interim order passed by Hon’ble Supreme Court in the SLP No. 12125 of 2010, the Hon’ble Court was pleased to direct that the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) can be used by people residing in settlement villages, Govt. officials and other bonafide road users including those who transport goods and services to the settlement villages in North and Middle Andaman district.
It was also directed that no tourist shall be allowed to use the ATR passing through Jarawa Reserve Area. The residents of A&N Islands can use the ATR to travel to North & Middle Andaman in their own vehicles, commercial vehicles, STS Buses and Private Permit Buses after showing proper identity proof. The details in this regard have already been notified by the Directorate of Transport.
The Police Posts at Jirkatang and Middle Strait are strictly enforcing the convoy system. Necessary entries with regard to vehicles and passengers are being duly made in the Registers and the residents travelling on ATR passing through Jarawa Reserve Area shall have to produce their identity proof on demand at the checking pickets. Police have installed CCTV cameras to monitor and record the movement of vehicles at the check post.
In addition, two Police teams have been detailed at Joda Kalan (PS Pahargaon) and Dhanikhari Junction (PS Humfrigunj) where the vehicles shall be checked for presence of any tourist and only bonafide passengers shall be permitted to travel further. Any violation of the above instructions shall be liable for legal prosecution, a communication from DGP, Andaman and Nicobar Islands said.
