Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Nov 30: Shortage of cargo vessels is adversely affecting supply of essential commodities to far-flung islands in the Nicobar group of islands. With only one cargo vessel dispatched with supplies to the southern group of islands after about 30-45 days, almost all commercial establishments in the region are suffering inadequate stock of essential commodities causing extreme hardships to the remote residents particularly in Car Nicobar, Campbell Bay and Kamorta.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha, several residents of the southern group of islands complained that the Shipping Department deploys cargo ships with essential commodities after a gap of over 45 days. “Located more than 500 kilomters away from the capital city of these islands, stocks of essential commodities like ration articles, vegetables etc remain dry in almost all commercial establishments in the region. In several occasions in the past, residents of Great Nicobar have suffered from shortage of essential commodities. However, the Shipping Department has found no time to address the concern,” said some residents of Campbell Bay.
The Spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Mr Anil Tiwari said that during a recent trip to Campbell Bay, he noticed acute shortage of essential commodities in the markets. Supply of essential commodities are often delayed for months as the Shipping Department does not deploy cargo vessels in the sector.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha, the Deputy Director of Shipping Services, Mr R Veeraiah admitted that deployment of cargo vessels to the southern group of islands with supplies should be ensured. “Repairs of cargo vessel MV Badam has been completed and the Survey and Certification process is in the final stage. After the necessary procedures are complete, the DSS will deploy the vessel for supply of essentials to the southern group of islands,” the official informed.
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