Sarthak Kanjilall
Nancowry, August 23: As no Cargo vessel was scheduled to Nancowry Islands since the 04th of August 2020, a huge shortage of some essential commodities has been reported by the residents of the Islands.
The Island is almost out of stock of Onions and Potatoes, which are used in almost every dish by people. “Even the tea packets are out of the stock now,” said an Islander, on the condition of anonymity.
Residents of the Island complain that when a Private Cargo Vessel reached Great Nicobar Island yesterday, why the administration did not take any step to schedule the same vessel via Nancowry?
“Although Nancowry Island has a low population as compared to Great Nicobar, but still during this time of difficulties, cargo ships must have been scheduled for Nancowry as well,” said a resident.
According to details available with Andaman Sheekha, it’s not just onions and potatoes, even there is a shortage of vegetables in the Island but things are managed anyhow by people from local sources.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha, Mr. Rashid Yousuf, Chairman, Akhil Bhartiya Adiwasi Vikas Parishad said that the tribal council of the Islands has informed him about the shortage of Potatoes and Onions. “I was in constant touch with the Civil Supplies Department and it has been put into my knowledge that by tomorrow or day after tomorrow a ship of TCI will reach Nancowry Islands,” Mr. Rashid Yousuf said.
Administration’s cargo vessel MV Chuglam has sent to the anchorage after most of the crew members and officers were tested positive recently.
People question that why the ship was not properly sanitized and sent to Southern Group of Islands with a different batch of officers and crew members for a temporary arrangement. “Once recovered the present batch of Officers and crew members could have been asked to man the ship once again. In case a bus driver is tested positive do we discard the entire bus?” a resident of Port Blair questioned.
