Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 12: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has expressed deep sorrow and serious concern over the tragic death of Mr. Barun Mazumder, a resident of Dharmapur under Shivapuram Gram Panchayat, who lost his life on 5th October 2025 after being swept away by floodwaters while returning home.
The MP strongly condemned the gross administrative negligence that led to this tragedy and highlighted that this is the 15th such death reported in the same location over the years due to the absence of a proper bridge at Loukhi Nallah, Mayabunder Tehsil. He stated that the administration’s continued silence and inaction, even after repeated incidents, reflect “a complete collapse of governance, indiscipline, and insensitivity toward human life.”
Mr. Ray expressed shock that no senior official of the Administration, including the Deputy Commissioner or other local officers, has visited the bereaved family or offered any condolence. “Such heartless behaviour tarnishes the image of the Administration and damages the credibility of the Modi Government, which stands for transparency, compassion, and accountability,” he said.
Recalling his previous tenure (2014–2019), Mr. Ray informed that the construction of a steel bridge at Laoukhi Nallah had already been sanctioned and initiated, with materials dumped at the site. However, the then Deputy Commissioner, N&M Andaman, unilaterally cancelled the sanctioned work and proposed an RCC bridge without proper authority or approval. This arbitrary decision not only caused an indefinite delay but has now cost several innocent lives.
The MP further revealed that a revised estimate of ₹6.02 crore for an RCC bridge was later prepared by the APWD, but the project remains stalled due to pendency of land set apart for the approach road. Despite his multiple follow-ups during review meetings and visits in May and September 2025, no progress has been made.
He also criticized the administration’s functioning style, alleging that most official visits to remote areas are confined to guesthouse meetings and photo opportunities, with no field inspections or interaction with affected citizens. “The Administration has become detached from the people, functioning in isolation and ignoring rural suffering,” he stated.
Mr. Ray pointed out that similar negligence prevails across the Islands from poor rural roads, drinking water shortages, non availability of school principals, VPs and HMs including teaching staff, collapsing healthcare and agriculture systems, to mismanagement in shipping and fisheries services all of which have created widespread dissatisfaction among the public.
He warned that if the Administration continues to remain indifferent, it could lead to serious law and order issues arising out of public frustration.
In his statement, the MP demanded the following immediate actions:
1. Compensation and ex-gratia relief to the family of late Mr. Barun Mazumder.
2. Accountability to be fixed on the officers responsible for cancelling the sanctioned bridge work and delaying the RCC bridge proposal.
3. Immediate sanction of funds and land clearance for the Lakhi Nallah bridge project (₹6.02 crore).
4. Temporary crossing arrangements (wooden bridge) at Lakhi Nallah to ensure public safety until the permanent bridge is completed.
5. Mandatory field visits by departmental Secretaries to assess ground realities and address long-pending public grievances.
The people of these Islands are losing faith in the Administration due to continuous neglect. It is time to restore confidence by ensuring justice, accountability, and prompt action,” Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray stated.
