Sarthak Kanjilall & Ganesh
Port Blair, September 02: Troubled due to restrictions imposed by the Andaman Administration in the Convoy of Andaman Trunk Road, many commuters alleged that the Andaman Administration is violating the norms of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
According to the commuters, the Ministry of Home Affairs has stated that in unlock 04, there won’t be any restriction on movements of vehicles in persons, however some commuters alleged that things in these Islands are other way around.
Many, who wanted to travel till Mayabunder and Diglipur this morning, were asked to return by the authorities from Ferrargunj, stating that 40 vehicles are already in convoy and the rest of the vehicles won’t be allowed.
“Only two convoys are allowed in the ATR per day that too, the administration has drawn a limit of allowing only 40 vehicles at a convoy, what will others do?” questioned a commuter on the condition of anonymity.
Surprisingly, the vehicles which are allowed in the convoy are not based on a first come first basis, the authorities first identify the vehicles carrying essential commodities, then the government passenger buses, and finally if any space is left the private vehicles are allowed.
Situation is almost same at Baratang Island, the other side of the Jarawa Reserve of South Andaman. People who are coming from the North and Middle are getting stuck at the Baratang, many alleged.
Even yesterday, the first day of unlock 04, around 13 cargo trucks got stuck in the Baratang Check Post due to the restrictions imposed by the Andaman administration. The Drivers and the cleaners of the truck allegedly had to face tremendous difficulties for the same.
Although talking to Andaman Sheekha, the District Commissioner of North and Middle Andaman, Dr. Angel Bhati Chauhan said that being the first day of unlocking 04, a lot of private vehicles moved yesterday. The numbers of private vehicles crossed 40 in the Baratang Check Post and later those vehicles were allowed to cross, as a result some trucks got stuck.
However, the Deputy Commissioner claimed that the drivers and the cleaners did not suffer from any problem as they were provided a place to stay with food.
“Since today onwards a clear direction has been given that the vehicles with essential commodities driving back and forth will be given the priority, ambulances although will be the top most priority, the second priority will be given to the government passenger buses and then the private vehicles will be allowed, on first come first basis,” Dr. Chauhan added.
Meanwhile, when contacted a senior officer of the South Andaman Administration to know why the restrictions have been imposed on vehicles in the ATR, which is against the orders of the MHA, he said that it is just to safeguard the Tribal population in Jarawa Tribal Reserve Forest from COVID19 infection.
