Port Blair,July 06: After the devastating Tsunami of 2004, the jetty at Katchal was damaged and was not usable for berthing ships/boats etc and the passengers were shifted from ships/boats to Katchal jetty with the help of pontoon. For the safety purpose, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has started re-constructing of jetty by bifurcating one for big ships and other for speed/small boats and since the jetty meant for berthing the speed boats and other small boats is ready, the same needs to be used for berthing the speed boats etc for the safety and welfare of the passengers but which is at present not being done.
Hence PCC President Kuldeep Rai Sharma requested The Chief Secretary to kindly allow berthing speed boats at the jetty constructed for the purpose instead of shifting and carrying the passengers through pontoons.
In this regards, by drawing kind attention of the Chief Secretary to the incident when two tribal women fell of the pontoon in the sea water on 27th June, 2014 who were later been rescued, Kuldeep has also stated that at Katchal the poor residents have to visit Kamorta island frequently which is the head quarters of the Tehsil for various purpose, viz visiting Hospital, and other important works with the help of pontoons. The pregnant ladies, sick person, elderly person, small children have also to go to Kamorta island by using pontoon which is actually not safe for them and has earnestly requested for allowing berthing of speed boats etc at the jetty meant for the purpose.
