Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 08: With Diwali scheduled to be celebrated on November 8, 2026, a request has been made for special passenger and cargo shipping services and timely availability of permitted Diwali crackers for residents of the Southern Group of Islands, including Car Nicobar, the Nancowry Group of Islands and Campbell Bay in Great Nicobar.
Mr. K. Paramasivam, State Secretary, Bharatiya Janata Party, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has written to the Lieutenant Governor, Prof. Dr. Dinesh Sharma, Lok Niwas, Sri Vijaya Puram, requesting necessary arrangements for the availability and transportation of permitted Diwali crackers to the Southern Group of Islands well before the festival, subject to all applicable safety and legal regulations.
Mr. Paramasivam stated that residents of the Southern Group of Islands face difficulties every year in obtaining Diwali crackers due to inadequate transportation and supply, resulting in many families being unable to celebrate the festival in the traditional manner. He requested that timely and adequate supplies be ensured before the festival.
He also requested the Administration to arrange special passenger ship services before Diwali, during the festival period and, if possible, immediately after Diwali, connecting Car Nicobar, the Nancowry Group of Islands and Campbell Bay in Great Nicobar, to facilitate safe and convenient travel for residents wishing to meet their relatives and celebrate the festival with their families.
Mr. Paramasivam further sought special cargo and vessel arrangements for the timely transportation of essential commodities to the Southern Group of Islands ahead of Diwali. He requested that adequate supplies of LPG cylinders, petrol, diesel, essential grocery and food items, household necessities, new clothes and other essential commodities be ensured during the festive period.
He urged the Lieutenant Governor to intervene and issue necessary directions to the concerned departments and authorities so that passenger and cargo shipping services are strengthened before, during and after Diwali, and residents of the Southern Nicobar Islands do not face shortages or transportation difficulties during the festival.
