Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 07: A major public movement is brewing in Bambooflat as residents, social workers, and community representatives announced a peaceful protest on November 12 at Bamboo Flat Jetty. The protest aims to highlight the severe hardships faced by thousands of residents due to the prolonged closure of the Chatham Bridge and the irregular ferry services connecting Bambooflat with Port Blair.
Zilla Parishad members, social activists, and local leaders jointly addressed a press conference today, expressing their deep frustration over the administration’s silence despite repeated representations. They said a formal letter was submitted to the Chief Secretary on October 15, urging immediate action to resolve the connectivity crisis. However, no response has been received so far, prompting the people to organize this peaceful protest.
Addressing the Media, Mr. P. Shamsudeen, Social worker of Stewartgunj region said that the Chatham Bridge has remained closed for nearly four months, forcing people — including students, elderly citizens, and pregnant women — to walk over a kilometre daily under harsh weather conditions to reach the ferry or their workplaces. Residents from distant areas such as Shoal Bay, Dandus Point, Namunaghar, and Jirkatang are among the worst affected.
“More than 2,500 to 3,000 people depend on this route every day. In rain or sun, women carrying children and goods walk long distances to catch a ferry. It’s a situation that cannot be tolerated anymore,” he said.
Another key concern raised was the irregular ferry service. Locals alleged that ferries are not operating at fixed intervals, making it difficult for ambulances and patients to reach hospitals in time. “Sometimes, ambulances carrying critical patients have to wait over two hours for the next ferry. Even mortuary vans and attendants are denied permission to board two-wheelers along with the body,” said a resident, calling it “insensitive and inhuman.”
The speakers demanded that the vehicle ferry service be made continuous and that the old jetty, which once operated successfully, be reopened as an alternative. They also urged the administration to allow three-wheelers and autos to ply on the Chatham route, at least until the bridge repairs are completed.
“This is not a political protest,” clarified the organizers. “People from all communities and parties are supporting it purely as a public issue. Over the past month, several meetings have been held across villages from Ferrargunj to Wimberly Gunj to form a 36-member coordination committee that will manage the protest peacefully.”
The organizers further emphasized that essential and emergency services will not be disrupted during the protest. However, general vehicular movement will be peacefully halted from 7:00 AM onwards on November 12, if the administration fails to act before that date.
“This is not a protest of anger, but of helplessness,” said Abhi Bhusan Ghosh, social worker. “People have waited long enough. The administration must ensure continuous marine ferry service, restore connectivity, and act before the situation worsens. Otherwise, we will be left with no choice but to take our plea to the streets.”Mr. PA Sharfuddin, South Andaman Zilla Parishad Member and Mr P Abdul Basheer, Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Kanyapuram were also present in the press conference.
They concluded by appealing to the general public, PRIs, NGOs, and all social organizations to join hands in this peaceful movement for justice and relief to the suffering people of Bambooflat.
