Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 30: Former Pramukh of Mayabunder Mr. Abdul Siddique met Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Mr. Gyanesh Bharti, IAS, on September 29 and raised several long-pending public issues concerning Mayabunder and North & Middle Andaman.
During the meeting, Mr. Siddique highlighted the need to strengthen healthcare facilities at Dr. R.P. District Hospital, Mayabunder. He sought the posting of a Lab Technician, Dental Technician, X-ray Technician and Ophthalmic Assistant, along with a General Surgeon and Medical Specialist. He also requested the immediate posting of the Dental Technician already assigned to Mayabunder and urged the Administration to provide a properly equipped Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance at the district hospital.
Mr. Siddique also raised the demand for restoration of regular ship services for Mayabunder and Diglipur using higher-capacity vessels such as M.V. Nalanda, M.V. Sindhu and M.V. Campbell Bay. He specifically sought restoration of night sailing services, which were available earlier.
Another major issue raised during the meeting was the lack of a mortuary van in Mayabunder. Siddique pointed out that, in the absence of an official vehicle for transporting the bodies of deceased persons, bereaved families are forced to hire private vehicles and bear unusually high transportation expenses. He urged the Administration to provide a dedicated mortuary van at the earliest.
The former Pramukh further sought the posting of subject teachers, particularly Physics teachers, at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Mayabunder, as well as other schools in the area. He also requested the development of the Pokadera playground on the allotted land and urged that the project be included in the Annual Plan for 2026–27.
Mr. Siddique also brought attention to the poor condition of the mortuary building at Dr. R.P. District Hospital, Mayabunder. He sought urgent repairs to the building along with construction of an approach road to ensure proper access to the facility.
The issue of pending electricity meter connections was also discussed. According to Mr. Siddique, applications of approximately 500–600 consumers are pending with the Electricity Department, Mayabunder. He requested that the pending applications be processed and electricity meters provided to the applicants without further delay.
The widening and improvement of the Neemtala–Pokadera road was another important demand raised during the meeting. Mr. Siddique stressed that improvement of the road is essential for the people of Mayabunder, particularly because the route plays an important role in transporting patients to Dr. R.P. District Hospital.
He also raised concerns regarding the inadequate BSNL mobile network and internet services in and around Mayabunder. Special emphasis was placed on improving connectivity inside Dr. R.P. District Hospital, where admitted patients often face difficulties in contacting their family members and relatives during emergencies and other times of need.
Mr. Siddique said that the Chief Secretary gave due consideration to the issues raised during the meeting and directed the concerned departmental heads to examine the matters and take necessary action.
Expressing hope for an early resolution, Mr. Siddique said that these long-pending public issues should be addressed at the earliest in the larger interest of the people of Mayabunder and North & Middle Andaman.
