Port Blair, July 22: The Lt Governor, Lt Gen AK Singh (Retd), today visited Birdline (Ward number 23) and Garacharama (Ward number 18) of the newly created municipal wards. The Chairperson PBMC, Smt. Sheela Singh, Secretary PBMC/ Deputy Commissioner (South Andaman), Shri Udit Prakash Rai, Ward Councillors of the respective wards and senior officers of different departments accompanied the Lt Governor during his visit to the two municipal wards. While interacting with the villagers, who were elated to see the Lt Governor amidst them listening their issues and grievances, the Lt Governor stated that it is the responsibility of the Administration and the Municipal Council to take care of the basic requirement of the residents of the newly created six wards and every effort will be made to see that basic amenities reach the residents of these new wards. The Lt Governor said that development activities will gradually improve in all the six newly created wards. A large gathering of villagers were present to meet the Lt Governor with their demands.
The Lt Governor first visited BirdLine ward number 23. Responding to the demands of the ward councillor, Shri Sanjay Meshak and the residents about construction of road, the Lt Governor directed the Chief Engineer (APWD) to take six major roads one each in the six new wards. Directions were given that road construction should be taken in this season itself for its speedy completion. Responding to the demand of the residents for LT line and electric poles for better power supply in that area, the Lt Governor directed the Superintendent Engineer of Electricity Department to look into the matter and complete the erection of LT line and electric poles in this financial year itself to address the demands of the residents.
When the attention of the Lt Governor was brought on the issue of air pollution by the residents near Prothrapur Jail due to crusher operations, the Lt Governor asked the Deputy Commissioner to look into the possibilities to re-locate the same to a low populated area. The Lt Governor also visited ‘Anganwadi Centre’ at Barood Godown where 20 children are enrolled. The Lt Governor wanted that this anganwadi should be developed as a Model Anganwadi Centre of Birdline area. He also asked APWD and Electricity departments to take general maintenance of the building and immediately restore the power supply.
The Lt Governor further directed the APWD to prepare a report about the Hathinallah water source. Directions were given that this water source to be integrated so that it will be an addition to the APWD’S water network. He further urged the resident of the ward to come forward and take cleanliness drive through ‘shramdan’ with the Councillor of the ward taking a lead role.
Expressing his displeasure over the poor quality drinking water being supplied to the residents of Hanuman Temple road Birdline, he said such things cannot be tolerated/accepted at any cost. He directed the APWD officials to set it right within seven days time. Regarding poor conditions of the road, the Secretary PBMC informed the Lt Governor that a new road has been sanctioned and estimate for the same has been approved, the work for which will start within two months time.
Thereafter, the Lt Governor visited Mahavir Nagar Prothrapur where residents demanded for construction of road. He assured them that their demand will be covered on priority through the PBMC. Taking on the spot decision on the demand for the plying of bus service in that area, the Lt Governor directed the Secretary Transport to start bus service within two days time.
Later, the Lt Governor visited Garacharama ward number 18. The Councillor of the ward, Ms Rubana Aziz and the villagers demanded widening of road from Garacharama Junction to water treatment Plant. The Lt Governor directed the APWD to take up the widening of road immediately. Responding to the demand for the bus service in that area, the Lt Governor directed the Secretary Transport to start bus service immediately. On the issue of shortage of sanitation staff in the new wards, he directed Secretary (PBMC) to take five sanitation workers from each of the older wards and distribute in the new wards. He also informed the Chairperson, PBMC that the administration will give priority to projects of the new wards.
