Sri Vijaya Puram, April 29:During the recent visit of the Member of Parliament of Andaman & Nicobar Islands along with the Assistant Commissioner, Rangat, a comprehensive public grievance meeting was held at the Forest Labour Club, Oralkatcha, Baratang. The meeting witnessed the participation of Heads of Departments (HODs), Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members, and members of the general public, where several long-pending and critical issues affecting Baratang Island were discussed in detail.
According to reports during the meeting, one of the major concerns raised was the pending resettlement in Baratang Island, which has remained unresolved since 2011. Previous attempts at survey and settlement were delayed due to logistical issues and later disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents emphasized the need for immediate resumption of the survey process to facilitate proper settlement and development.
Another significant issue highlighted was the non-notification of Khatta Khari as a settler village, which has hindered infrastructure development and access to essential services, including water supply. Similarly, the reopening of the stone quarry at Baratang was strongly demanded, as its closure has affected the availability of construction materials and limited employment opportunities for local residents.
The meeting also pointed out delays in the transfer of land in Nilambur from various departments to the Revenue Department, which is essential for planned development in the region. Concerns were raised over the deteriorating condition of roads, particularly the stretch from Etwa Lakhnwa House to Satish House, constructed in 2018–19, which is now in poor condition and poses difficulties for commuters, including school children.
In the power sector, residents highlighted persistent issues related to unstable electricity supply in Baratang, despite the installation of DG sets. Frequent outages and inconvenient load-shedding schedules have caused hardship to the public and affected commercial establishments.
The PRI members informed that during the meeting discussions were also held on the lack of basic infrastructure at Nayagarh and Baludera Beach, the need for proper management of the Passenger Terminal Building at Nilambur Jetty, and concerns over the absence of transparent tendering processes in certain cases.
Water scarcity emerged as another major concern, with delays reported in pending water supply infrastructure works at Roglachang and Khatta Khari, despite prior approvals. The incomplete Baratang Water Supply Project, particularly issues related to check weirs, was also flagged as a critical matter requiring immediate attention.
Additionally, demands were made for the reinstatement of revenue collection from boat operators, development of a school playground at Oralkatcha, and allocation of land for Panchayat facilities, including a community hall and market infrastructure.
The PRI members also drew attention to delays in pond construction at Kanchangarh, which is crucial for addressing water shortages in the area.
Residents emphasized that many of these issues have been repeatedly raised over the past decade but have seen minimal progress. They urged the Member of Parliament and the administration to take immediate and decisive action, particularly in improving basic services such as water supply, electricity, roads, and infrastructure.
As per the PRI members of Bartang, on the occasion, a formal memorandum outlining key concerns was handed over to the Member of Parliament. Subsequently, a detailed letter reiterating these issues was also submitted, seeking urgent intervention and time-bound action.
