John Wilbert & Ganeshan
Baratang, June 06: After 63 years since its settlement, the remote village of Kanchangarh, Baratang in the Middle Andaman district has finally been connected to the rest of the Island through a newly constructed road. The road, which connects Kanchangarh to the ATR (NH4) Road in Baratang Island, will provide the village with much-needed accessibility and connectivity.
The inauguration ceremony for the rural road took place on Monday morning, June 5th, 2023. The event was organized by the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD), and Smti. Nandini Paliwal (IAS), Commissioner-cum-Secretary (PWD), had the honor of inaugurating the road. The Assistant Commissioner of North and Middle Andaman,
Mr. Alagerswamy, the Zilla Parishad Member of Baratang, Mr. Vijay Mondal, Up-Pramukh, Rangat, Mrs. Somari Roy Pradhan Nilambur, Mrs. Sarla Krishnan Pradhan Sundergarh, and Mr. Kurma Rao, former Zilla Parishad member, were also present at the ceremony, which took place at the 04 Bamboo Nallah in Kanchangarh village.
The long-awaited road connectivity is a significant development for the village, situated approximately 3.12 kilometers away from the National Highway ATR main road. Since its establishment in 1956, the villagers have faced numerous challenges and inconvenience due to the lack of proper transportation infrastructure. Previously, they had to navigate through the jungle and agricultural areas, crossing the nallah, to travel to other parts of the Island.
Mr. Alagerswamy, the Zilla Parishad Member of Baratang, expressed his gratitude towards the APWD, specifically acknowledging Mr. Tej Bahadur, the Superintendent of Engineer APWD, and Me. Denis, the Executive Engineer CD-1, for their efforts in completing the road. He highlighted the significant benefits the road would bring, such as improved accessibility, timely movement, and easier transportation during medical emergencies.
The villagers, overjoyed with the completion of the long-awaited road, welcomed the officials with gratitude. They showcased their appreciation through tribal dances and a local band, which filled the atmosphere with cheer and hope.
The realization of this road project was a 63-year-long demand by the villagers, spearheaded by late Titus Sorang, a former two-time Pradhan and Zilla Parishad member of the area. Mr. Vincent Barla, a former resident of Kanchangarh village, who also worked under the Home Ministry, played a crucial role in recommending and advocating for the project.
