Hope Town Residents Demand Urgent Action for Permanent Jetty After Two Years of Hardship

Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Hope Town, Mar 26: The residents of Hope Town have been grappling with severe difficulties since the collapse of the local jetty nearly two years ago. The lack of a permanent jetty has significantly affected the daily lives of the people, especially the fishermen and other working-class residents who depend on it for transportation and livelihood. Although a temporary jetty has been put in place, the community is now demanding immediate action for the construction of a permanent one.
Residents have raised their concerns with the Andaman & Nicobar Administration multiple times through letters and meetings with officials, including the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Secretary, and Shipping Department. However, despite repeated assurances, no concrete steps have been taken towards the jetty’s reconstruction, said Ms. Rashida Bibi, Pradhan of Hope Town Panchayat.
“People are suffering daily. Nearly 80% of the population here depends on the sea for their livelihood, and the lack of a jetty has forced them to spend extra money on alternative transportation. Fishermen, students, and daily wage earners are the worst affected,” she added.
Due to the absence of the jetty, people are forced to travel several extra kilometers, increasing their travel costs and inconvenience, said Mr. B. Laxmi Narayan, (Samiti Member)Hope Town.
The collapse of the jetty has resulted in serious hardships for the locals. Without it, residents must use expensive auto-rickshaws to reach other jetties for ferry services, adding to their financial burden. Additionally, the fishing community, which heavily relies on the jetty, has been struggling to transport their catch efficiently. “The situation is dire, and our livelihoods are at stake. The administration must act immediately,” he added.
Students and office-goers are also facing significant difficulties, as they have to travel long distances to reach ferry services. If no action is taken soon, the community may be forced to stage protests and demonstrations, said Mr. M K Hussain, Pradhan, Gram Panchayat, Stewart Gunj.
Similarly Padhan of Wimberlygunj, Mr. Venkat Ram Babu and Mr. P Abdul Basheer, Pradhan of Kanyapuram Panchayat have also highlighted similar problems being faced by public.
The PRI members have demanded that the administration take swift action by conducting a survey and approving the construction of a new jetty. They stressed that a new jetty is not just a demand but a necessity for the community’s survival and economic stability.