Port Blair, May 30: A special community interaction programme (CIP) was organised by Coast Guard Andaman & Nicobar Region at Baludera, Middle Andaman in co-ordination with the Nimbutala Gram Panchayat, Baratang. The special CIP attended by over 450 people had a four point agenda-to create awareness on the social & medical ill effects of liquor, to educate people on safety practices whilst out at sea, to connect the local fishing populace to the coastal security construct and lastly, but not the least, the importance of early information incase of any accident or eventuality. The special CIP had three separate comprising aspects to interact and involve the people in the programme lectures & illustrations on social agenda, practical demonstrations and practice on safety procedures and a Special Medical Camp for women and children.
A lecture was delivered on ill effects of liquor on individual health and the social and domestic stigma attached to drinking and drug abuse. Surg Lt. Abhay Nair, Medical Officer Coast Guard Air Enclave targeted the youth amongst the present audience and emphatically sponsored the benefits of good health and social responsibility. The Coast Guard Safety Team undertook training and practical demonstration of safety and survival equipment including air droppable life rafts engaging of helicopter rescue strop and distress alert transponders (DAT) with active participation of the villagers. The event witnessed live operations by the Coast Guard Chetak helicopter carrying out winching operations at the venue and giving practical demonstration on the use of helicopter rescue strop.
A special medical camp was conducted for women and children of the community. Senior specialists Dr. Brig (Retd) S Kathpalia, Gynaecologist and Dr Ratna Kumari, Paediatrician from GB Pant hospital were ably assisted by 03 Coast Guard doctors and 04 paramedics from Coast Guard and local health centre. A total of 208 women and children were offered treatment and medical advice during the camp including dispensing free medicines.
The emphasis on communication and early information of accidents and incidents was emphasised by each speaker during the interaction. Signages and multiple language hand bills were distributed to create awareness. It was the first community interaction programme conducted since Inspector General K Suresh, Tatrakshak Medal has assumed command of the Coast Guard Andaman and Nicobar region and re-inforces the Coast Guard Commander’s continued commitment to the safety and welfare of the islanders. The Pradhan of Nimbutala Gram Panchayat Shree Roy George acknowledged the role of Coast Guard to the service of the Local community. Special mention and expression of gratitude was conveyed for the search operation conducted by Coast Guard in December 2016 at Baludera. The support and assistance of Shri Moideen Kutty, SHO and local police for the crowd management and civic discipline enabled the interaction programme. The Coast Guard officials present at the venue expressed appreciation for the huge participation by local people and assistance of the local civic authorities for successful conduct of the event. A communique received from PRO Coast Guard “Vayam Rakshamah” “We Protect”.
