Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 22: Mr. G. Kurma Rao, former Up-Adhyaksh of the Zilla Parishad, Baratang Island, has raised concerns over the poor maintenance of rooms and inadequate facilities at Andaman and Nicobar Bhawan in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, and Andaman House in K.K. Nagar, Chennai. Speaking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, Mr. Rao said that several essential facilities at the New Delhi establishment were found to be in unsatisfactory condition during his stay last month.
Mr. Rao stated that he stayed at Andaman and Nicobar Bhawan in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, on September 21, 2026, and experienced several problems with the room allotted to him. He said the air conditioner was not functioning properly, while the cable television service had been switched off. He also pointed out that the bathroom accessories and light fittings were in poor condition, the bathroom geyser was not working, and the bathroom tiles required attention.
Apart from the maintenance-related shortcomings, Mr. Rao expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of food served at the canteen and the service provided to guests. According to him, the food quality was poor and the overall canteen service was unsatisfactory, causing inconvenience to people staying at the facility.
He said that he had brought these problems to the attention of the manager of Andaman and Nicobar Bhawan during his stay. However, Mr. Rao emphasised the need for the concerned authorities to take the matter seriously and ensure that the shortcomings are addressed without further delay.
Mr. Rao also highlighted the issue recently on social media, drawing attention to the condition of the facilities provided to visitors from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands who travel to the mainland. He observed that the problems were not limited to the New Delhi establishment, as the condition of Andaman House at K.K. Nagar in Chennai was also reportedly unsatisfactory.
Expressing concern over the maintenance of these important establishments, Mr. Rao urged the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to take cognizance of the matter and initiate necessary corrective measures at both locations. He called for the rooms and essential facilities to be properly maintained, with particular attention to air conditioning, bathroom fittings, electrical fixtures, television services and other basic amenities.
Mr. Rao further stressed that the quality of food and the standard of service at the canteens should be improved to ensure a satisfactory experience for visitors. He said that Andaman Bhawans serve as important accommodation facilities for people travelling from the islands to the mainland for official work and other purposes, and therefore, their upkeep and management deserve appropriate attention.
He appealed to the Chief Secretary and the concerned authorities to arrange an inspection of the facilities, identify the deficiencies and ensure that the necessary repairs and improvements are carried out as soon as possible. Mr. Rao expressed hope that timely intervention by the Administration would improve the condition of the establishments and provide better accommodation and services to visitors from the islands.
