Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 20: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, has drawn attention to the long-pending issue of the damaged sluice gate near the Solar Power Plant at Garacharma Village – Attom Pahad in South Andaman. The sluice gate was originally constructed to prevent seawater intrusion into public and private lands. Unfortunately, it sustained major damage due to the Tsunami -2024 and subsequent earthquake, leading to continuous seawater ingress, which has left the lands of recorded tenants submerged and unsuitable for development.
Over the past two decades, the affected tenants have repeatedly conveyed their concerns to the authorities through written and verbal appeals, yet the issue remains unresolved. This has caused considerable distress to the landowners, many of whom had invested their hard-earned savings with the hope of constructing homes but are now unable to proceed with development due to the persistent water intrusion.
MP Bishnu Pada Ray has earnestly requested the Chief Secretary of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to kindly intervene and direct the APWD authorities to prioritize the repair and reconstruction of the sluice gate. Restoring the structure will not only safeguard the lands from further damage but also open up opportunities for the development of a residential colony with the potential to accommodate over 2,000 plots, thereby benefiting a large number of affected families.