John Wilbert & Savita Kumari
Port Blair, Mar 30: Since last nearly four years the Aerial Bay Jetty of Diglipur has become a dumping ground of constriction materials, where for reasons unknown some agency has dumped heavy machineries and huge amount of construction materials, including steel rods and metal plates.
Many believe that such careless dumping of heavy machineries and construction materials might lead to serious accident in future, causing damages to vessels or grievous injuries to passengers.
Andaman Sheekha had reported about this matter twice in past and last report was published on 2nd February 2018, in which it was reported that how dangerously the construction materials, mainly steel rods and other objects have been dumped indiscriminately on the Aerial Bay Jetty. In many places steel rods could be seen dangerously protruding outside, which is a serious threat to vessels, while berthing during heavy wind.
When contacted, a senior officer of Port Management Board, who does not want his name to be quoted, said the PMB has already sent three letters on this issue to Andaman Lakshadweep Harbor Works (ALHW), since November 2020 to till date.
“We have asked ALHW to clear all the construction materials which are dumped on the Diglipur Jetty but till now we haven’t got any reply from ALHW,” he said.
The senior officer also mentioned that these materials are being dumped on the Jetty since July 2017.
“We have also received several complaints in this regard from our staffs as well as from the passengers. Vehicles coming to the area are also facing some difficulties because of such dumped materials. These dumped materials have also become an eyesore for everyone,” he added.
This is an important issue and must be taken very seriously. Administration must direct ALHW and Port Management Board (PMB) to ensure that the Aerial Bay Jetty of Diglipur is safe for berthing of vessels and all the construction materials dumped at the jetty since last four years must be removed immediately.
