Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 17: CPI (M) has demanded immediate deployment of passenger ships having container carrying facilities to Katchal Island in view of the scarcity of essential commodities. In a letter sent to the Director of Shipping Services, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, CPI (M) Andaman & Nicobar State Secretary D. Ayyappan, by referring to his earlier letter sent to the DSS, said that the Shipping Department had deployed long-south ships m.v. Nalanda and m.v. Sindhu touched Katchal Island but the same was discontinued for the last several months. He said that the general public and various organizations including traders of Katchal have been requesting the Shipping Department and A & N Administration to resume deployment of long-south ships like MV Nalanda and MV Sindhu which are having container facilities. Ayyappan told the Director of Shipping Services that the boat like m.v. Sentinel, etc are carrying the cargo for Katchal which, on arrival at Katchal, are found to be damaged leading to heavy loss to the traders of Katchal.
Ayyappan stated in the letter that shopkeepers of Katchal have telephonically informed him that they have shut down their shops yesterday to protest against inaction on the part of the Shipping Department and A & N Administration towards their genuine demand. A letter sent to the authorities by the Katchal Traders was also submitted to the DSS for perusal. CPI (M) Secretary was informed by the general public and workers of Katchal that there is scarcity of many essential items at Katchal due to non-deployment of container carrying passenger ships like m.v. Sindhu/MV Nalanda, etc.
CPI (M) has urged the DSS to schedule some sailings of long-south ships like m.v. Nalanda, MV Sindhu, etc which can carry containers to berth at Katchal port immediately so that essential food items can be transported as demanded by the traders and general public of Katchal. CPI (M) Secretary has further requested the DSS to schedule berthing of the above ships at Katchal port regularly in order to ensure availability of essential items for the people of Katchal Island.
The general public, commuters and tourists have been informed that due to the prevailing inclement weather conditions, the Directorate of Shipping Services may be forced to suspend or cancel Mainland/Inter-Island/Foreshore Sector vessels at very short notice. The safety of passengers and vessels is the top priority of the Directorate.
Similarly, the operation of Harbour/Vehicle ferry services between Chatham, Bambooflat, Dundas Point, Hopetown, Phoenix Bay, and at outstations may also face disruption or suspension with short notice, depending on weather conditions. All commuters and tourists have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly to avoid any inconvenience. For updates on vessel status, passengers can contact the Information Counter at Phoenix Bay using the following numbers: Phone: 03192 – 245555 / 232714 or Toll-Free: 1800 345 2714, a press release from DSS said.
