DJ Venkatesh
Diglipur, Nov 04: The Seaplane Service was launched with much fanfare at Port Blair in the month of December 2010 and it was said that the Seaplane service will bring sea of changes in these Islands. But for people of Diglipur Island, the reality appears other way round, even in 2012.
Since last one week, hardly thrice Seaplane landed at Diglipur with passengers and before that for nearly one month the sea plane service was totally disrupted for unknown reasons. Although reason behind disruption of Seaplane service is said to be ‘Bad Weather Condition’ but if weather conditions of October or November Months are considered bad for Seaplanes, then it appears that throughout the year the schedule of Seaplane Service will remain unpredictable for Diglipur region.
Prominent citizens and PRI members of Diglipur believe that if the Administration ties-up with the Andaman Nicobar Command then the Shibpur Airport of ANC could be used for landing of Sea Plane. In that case, everyday Sea Plane will be able to land at Diglipur, without worrying about high waves.
“When such arrangement is possible in Car Nicobar why the same can’t be done for people of Diglipur?” questioned a PRI member of North Andaman.
The saddest part of the story is the Helicopter Service to Diglipur was withdrawn by Administration as soon as the Sea Plane Service was started but at present neither Seaplane nor Helicopter reaches Diglipur, leaving people of Diglipur in high sea.
When Andaman Sheekha spoke to Dr. Vivek Kumar, the Assistant Commissioner of Diglipur he said that such arrangement is possible if the Administration desires.
“Shibpur Airport is quite capable for Seaplane landing and take-off. The Administration will have to seek permission from Defence Ministry. If that is done, we are ready to provide transport service upto Shibpur Airport for passengers,” the Assistant Commissioner added.
Andaman Sheekha sincerely hopes that the Administration will take up this matter seriously with the Defence Ministry to bring some relief for the people of Digilipur Region, who needs either Seaplane or helicopter service badly.
Isn’t the Mr. AC part of AN Administration? Why does everyone believes here in Andaman to make issues complicated by merging too many govt. agencies? Seaplane does not require much underground clearance and it will be lot more easier to land these amphibious-crafts inside the Diglipur harbor area by providing a sound break-water & sheltered anchorage.