Port Blair, Aug 30: The Chatham road witnesses heavy traffic during morning hours almost everyday. This heavy traffic even blocks the exit gate of the Chatham Fire Station, making it almost impossible for Fire Tenders to come out in case of a Fire Accident.
When Andaman Sheekha today contacted Mr. V S Meena, the Chief Fire Office of A & N Fire Services in this regard, he admitted that he present have no information regarding this issue. However, he immediately rang up the incharge of Chatham Fire Station and found that the issue is genuine. The CFO immediately issued directions to the incharge of Chatham Fire Station to ensure that exit way for the Fire Tenders is always open. He also assured Andaman Sheekha to take up this matter with the Traffic Department.
Dear Editor – Andaman Sheekha, The crux of problem is no sufficient 4 wheeler parking space near Chatham jetty for commuters to Bambooflat / Dundus Point. These vehicles were previously parked in the New VF Jetty, which was abandoned by DSS and PMB converted the same from public utility to their needs / needs of private vessel owners’ for dry docking etc. Even old jetty does not have even sufficient parking space for 2 wheelers, since past few months a good 12′ x 6′ area has been blocked with anodised sheet enclosure in the parking bay for reasons best known to PMB authorities . Also, a stretch of jetty area near Tidal observatory has been blocked by Police. So, let us cut the roots instead pruning branches.
I agree to the comments made my Mr Subash. Earlier vehicles visiting Chatham were parked inside New Vehicle Ferry jetty complex at Chatham causeway. Eversince the parking lot at the New Vehicle Ferry jetty has been blocked by erecting walls and putting gates, the public utility service has been out of bonds for commuters. The wall which blocks entry of vehicles to the parking lot should be dismantled and the public space should be made available for public use.