ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Inner Wheel Club and Pankh hand over Oxygen regulators with flow metres, sanitary napkins and milk packets

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Port Blair, June 08: Oxygen regulators with flow metres, sanitary napkins and milk packets were handed over to the administration (SA) and the Directorate of Health Services by the Inner Wheel Club of Port Blair in collaboration with NGO Pankh.
During this pandemic the administration has been strengthening the medical facilities of the islands relentlessly to fight the 2nd wave of Covid19 and be ready for the 3rd wave as well. In order to augment this, the Inner Wheel Club of Port Blair in collaboration with NGO Pankh has handed over oxygen regulators with flow metres to the DHS and also sanitary Napkins and milk packets to the Administration (SA). NGO Pankh has also distributed ration kits to the daily wagers staying the outskirts at Wandoor, who are totally depended upon tourists for their income.
In continuation of the efforts of the administration these oxygen regulators and other essentials being the need of the hour were given to the DHS and the Administration for the benefit the people of these Islands which was been received by Mr Suneel Anchipaka IAS DC(SA), Mr Hari Kallikat IAS SDM(SA), Yashaswini B IAS P AC(SA) on behalf of the administration and the representative of the medical authority in the presence of President Inner wheel Club/ NGO Pankh Mrs Komal Anand.

AILRO Distributes Ration Kits at the Doors of Needy Families

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Port Blair, June 08: All India legal rights organization (AILRO) organized door to door distribution of ration kits to the needy families in various areas of South Andaman. Deputy Commissioner south Andaman Mr Suneel Anchipaka, along with SDM south Andaman Mr Hari Kalikat and & Miss. B. Yashaswini, IAS, Probationer AC (UT) inaugurated the distribution program.
A total of 100 kits were distributed to the needy families of Mithakari, Ograbranj, Tushnabad, & Chouldari which consist of Rice, 2 types of pulses, 3 types of vegetables, salt, oil, and spices etc.
During the second wave, AILRO have been regularly providing ration packages to the needy families. The program was conducted by All india legal rights organization, Youth wing secretary Mr R Vasanth, Coordinator Mr S. Ayyangkalai & Medical wing secretary Mr Muthuswamy in support of Mohd safiq Ex Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Mithakari under the guidance of Organisation State Secretary Mr P Anbarasan.
Since March 2020, Ailro has distributed more than 2000 ration kits among the poor, along with about 100,000 mask and sanitisers and hand gloves etc. “Currently, we are relying on our own investments of all the members of organisation as well as donations. For assistance, people can reach Ailro office located at Thirumagal studio, near light house cinema hall, Port Blair. Efforts are on to help as many people as possible,” said Mr R Vasanth, Youth Wing Secretary All India Legal rights organisation. Youth wing secretary also extended sincere thanks to all the members of organization and donors for their contribution and support.

Lockdown extended in South Andaman for the second time despite decline in COVID-19 cases

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Vikramaditya

Port Blair, June 07: The South Andaman district today extended lockdown for the second time despite visible decline in COVID-19 cases in the region. This extension shall come into effect from 08 June 2021 and shall remain in force till 14 June 2021.

The District Commissioner of South Andaman, Mr. Suneel Anchipaka today issued the extension order mentioning that the situation is being monitored by the District Administration and though there is a marginal dip in the positive cases, it is felt that the Administration cannot be complacent until there is drastic reduction in the number of positive cases.

Although many Islanders have expressed resentment against this extension but political parties have largely welcomed the move but demanded some relaxations for common man and daily workers.

No doubt this decision has left many upset but if we see the larger pictures, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are presently the safest place in entire Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which no one can deny.

Meanwhile, social media is buzzing with comments from Islanders having mixed reactions regarding this extension. “This is appreciable that Administration wants to bring COVID-19 cases in Andaman to zero but before that no Islander should die because of hunger,” said a local political leader on the condition of anonymity.

As per last available update there are 96 active COVID-19 cases in entire Andaman and Nicobar Islands at present.

In first and second wave total 7131 people have been tested COVID-19 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands out of which 6912 people have recovered.

Altogether 123 deaths have been reported in first and second waves in the Union Territory.

At present there are 14 containment zones in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

As per the COVID-19 lockdown extension order shops selling essential items such as Provision Stores, Vegetable shops, shops dealing with food, groceries, fruits, dairy and milk booth/shop, meat and fish, animal feed/fodder, bakeries shall be allowed to open between 6:00 am to 8:00 am by observing COVID appropriate behaviors.

No movement of men and material other than the time fixed for opening of shops between 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM shall be allowed except for persons having valid movement/e-passes issued by the Office of the District Magistrate.

Movement shall be allowed for emergency cases, medical emergencies, pregnant women and patients availing medical services.

Clinical establishments, Chemists and Pharmacy shops shall be allowed to open with movement of bare minimum personnel attached with such organisations for which valid e-passes shall be issued by the Office of District Magistrate based on the certification from the concerned organisation.Home delivery of medicines should be encouraged and promoted.

Persons engaged for essential activities for movement of goods on Andaman Trunk road, loading and unloading of essential cargo shall be allowed on production of valid movement passes issued by the Office of District Magistrate.

Travel of persons shall be allowed to proceed to their destinations at mainland on production of valid travel documents. However, the person (one person) who intend to pick/drop the traveler should apply for e-pass well in advance with supporting documents and the same shall be issued by the Office of District Magistrate on case to case basis.

Movement of officers/officials involved in providing essential services such as District Administration, Police, CISF, Health Services, ICMR, PBMC, Home Guards, Civil Defence, Fire and emergency services, Defence personnel on duty shall be permitted on production of valid Identity Cards issued by their concerned departments.

Movement of bare minimum number of Officers/Officials, for whom movement passes have already been issued by the Office of District Magistrate,involved in providing services such as Pay & Accounts, Shipping Services, Forest, Banking, Electricity, Water Supply & Sanitation in Rural Areas, Disaster Management, Port services and related services, Telecommunication shall be allowed. The concerned department should also ensure that such officials are called on for duties on alternate days to maintain COVID appropriate behavior at workplaces.

Persons going for COVID vaccination shall be permitted subject to production of acknowledgment slip/SMS.

Movement of bare minimum personnel for whom movement passes have already been issued by the Office of District Magistrate involved in providing Broadcasting and Cable services, Internet service providers, all print and electronic media persons, private security services, POL Outlets, LPG Stores/Godown, ATMs, e-commerce activities, Cold Storages and warehouses shall be allowed. The concerned organization should also ensure that such officials are called on for duties on alternate days to maintain COVID appropriate behavior at workplaces.

All POL outlets shall be opened from 06.00 AM to 01.00 PM.

Movement of bare minimum private medical personnel such as Doctors, nursing staff, paramedics etc. attached with diagnostic centres and clinics, veterinary clinics shall be allowed for which valid e-passes shall be issued by the Office of District Magistrate based on the certification from the concerned organisation.

Movement of persons from containment zones shall be strictly restricted and shall only be permitted on case to case basis upon approval from the Office of District Magistrate.

Movement of persons involved with Hotels/Restaurants and Mess to be certified by the firm/organisation for home delivery of food shall be allowed between 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM for which valid e-passes shall be issued by the Office of District Magistrate based on the certification from the concerned organisation.

e-pass for movement during lockdown may be submitted online on https://epass.andaman.gov.in. The applicants/organizations submitting applications for e-pass should invariably submit valid and clear supporting documents, failing which the application will be summarily rejected.

“Any disobedience of the above orders shall invite penal action u/s 188 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 and the relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 against the violator(s) and fine shall also be imposed as per Order issued by this office from time to time,” the order added.

Administration thinks that this not a right time to lift the lockdown: Secretary IP&T

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John Wilbert & Savita Kumari
Port Blair, Jun 07: The Secretary IP&T, Mr. S K Singh informed today that lockdown has been extended in South Andaman from 08 June 2021 till 14 June 2021, the norms of extended lockdown are same as the previous ones.
While addressing a COVID-19 media briefing in the conference hall of IP&T, the Secretary said that although the number of COVID-19 positive cases in these Islands have come down but administration thinks that this not a right time to lift the lockdown, it might lead to a situation where the positive cases can again arise, so therefore the decision has been taken to continue the lockdown for next one more week, further decision would be taken accordingly, depending upon the situation, he added.
About the COVID-19 positive cases in the islands the Secretary disclosed that two flights with 358 passengers arrived at Port Blair Airport and all passengers have undergone RT-PCR test. He further informed that 56 persons (travelers) bound for N&M Andaman were tested at Ferrargunj out of which none of them was tested COVID-19 positive.
He further pointed out that yesterday (Sunday) among 400 passengers, three were found COVID-19 positive and results for today’s RT-PCR are awaited.
About vaccination drive, the Secretary informed that altogether 337 eligible beneficiaries got vaccinated today by 03:00 PM. In which 33 beneficiaries were of age group above 45 year old and 304 were beneficiaries of age group above 18-44 year old who got their first dose of vaccine.
The Director, ANIIMS, Dr. AK Mandal, informed to media persons that 03 new COVID patients were admitted today in G.B. Pant Hospital and 04 patients got discharged. With this, the number of corona positive patients in Hospital is 40. Out of the 40 patients, 26 are on Oxygen support and 01 patient is on ventilator.
Later the Deputy Director GB Pant Hospital, Dr. Amitabha De said that today 04 new admissions and 06 discharges were reported at COVID Care Centers Port Blair and the number of patients in the COVID Care Centers is 08 and at Wimberlygunj COVID Care Center 02 got discharged and at present 02 are admitted till date. “Situation is slightly improving”, he added.

Distribution of ration kits and ayurvedic medicine in association with civil society organisations

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Port Blair, June 07: The South Andaman District Administration has left no stone unturned in supporting the people of this Islands and today District administration reached the northern most tip and remotest part of the district Shoal Bay 19,Chouldari&Ograbraj for distribution of ration kits and ayurvedic medicine in association with Civil society organisations.

The Deputy Commissioner (SA),Mr. Suneel Anchipaka, SDM(SA) and AC(U/T) visited Shoal Bay 19 in Ferraragunj tehsil, one of the remotest village in the Islands about 59km away from District headquarters, Port Blair. The purpose of the visit was to distribute ration kits donated by Civil society organisations and ayurvedic medicine to the families of Shoal Bay 19 who were facing problems because of the lockdown. This is a testimony of District administration reaching out to each and every person in every nook and corner of this Islands.

The DC(SA), SDM (SA) and AC(U/T) also visited the pre-primary school and health care facility in Shoal Bay 19, interacted with the general public and heard their grievances.They were also invited to the house of a resident and were offered refreshments. The people of the village expressed their gratitude to the Administration for reaching out to them and with no connectivity in terms of road or network, people of Shoal Bay 19 requested the district administration to provide them with road connectivity and small mobile tower to ensure network.The DC(SA) assured them the matter will be taken up with the concerned authorities and all kind of support will be provided from District administration.

On the way back, they also visited Chouldhari and Ograbrajwhere ration kits were distributed by the Civil society organisations for the needy people along with auto and gypsy drivers who were in need and were facing ration problems due to lockdown. District Administration appreciates Civil Society Organisations for all their support to the general public during this pandemic.

The District administration is always ready to extend help and support to each and every person in every possible manner. We request the public to reach out to district administration and co-operate with us in our endeavours.

Decision regarding extension of lockdown will be taken today: Secretary IP&T

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John Wilbert & Savita Kumari

Port Blair, June 06: The Secretary IP&T Mr. Suneel Kumar Singh today informed that decision regarding extension of lockdown will be taken tomorrow (07 June 2021).

While addressing a COVID-19 media briefing in the conference hall of IP&T, the Secretary further pointed out that four flights with 400 passengers arrived today at Port Blair Airport and all passengers have undergone RT-PCR test. He further informed that 77 persons (travellers) bound for N&M Andaman were tested at Ferrargunj out of which none of them was tested COVID-19 positive.

He further disclosed that yesterday (Saturday) among 405 passengers, two were found COVID-19 positive and results for today’s RT-PCR is awaited. The Secretary said that today there was no vaccination drive.

The Director, ANIIMS, Dr. AK Mandal, informed to media persons that 04 new COVID patients were admitted today in G.B. Pant Hospital and 05 patients got discharged. With this, the number of corona positive patients in Hospital is 42. Out of the 42 patients, 30 are on Oxygen support and 01 patient is on ventilator.

Later the Deputy Director GB Pant Hospital, Dr. Amitabha De said that today there was no new admission or discharge reported at COVID Care Centers of Port Blair and the number of patients in the COVID Care Centers is 10 and at Wimberlygunj COVID Care Center 04 are admitted till date, he added.

Andaman records decline in new COVID-19 cases; Zero patient on ventilator

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John Wilbert & Vikramaditya

Port Blair, June 04: The Secretary of IP&T, Mr. Sunil Kumar Singh today said that the numbers of admissions of COVID-19 and total numbers of COVID-19 patients, is coming down progressively, which is a good sign.
Addressing a press conference at IP&T Conference hall today he said that there is a decline in new admission cases.
“The numbers of discharged patients are more than number of new admission, which is a good sign,” he said.
He added that earlier there were 45 patients on oxygen support but now there are 35 and similarly there is no patient on ventilator at present.
“Still we can’t say that community spread is under total control. Administration will take a decision in this regard soon,” he said.
The Secretary said that today three flights with 405 passengers landed at Port Blair Airport and all passengers have undergone RT-PCR test. RT-PCR results of today’s flight passengers are awaited.
He further informed that 84 persons (travelers) bound for N&M Andaman were tested at Ferrargunj out of which one of people was tested COVID-19 positive.
The secretary further pointed out that yesterday (Thursday) among 289 passengers, three were found COVID-19 positive.
About vaccination drive, the Secretary informed that today altogether 350 eligible beneficiaries got vaccinated, which consisted of 22 beneficiaries of age group above 45 year old ,who got their first dose of vaccine and 328 beneficiaries of age group above 18-44 year old.
Later the Director ANIIMS, Dr. Mandal, informed media persons that 03 new COVID patients were admitted today in G.B. Pant Hospital and 07 patients got discharged. With this, the number of corona positive patients in Hospital is 46.
Out of the 46 patients, 35 are on Oxygen support and no patient is on ventilator.
Further Deputy Director of Health, Dr. Amitabh De said that today one new patient is admitted at COVID Care Center South Andaman whereas five of patients got discharged and the number of patients in the COVID Care Center is 11 and at Wimberlygunj COVID Care Center no new admission is reported and two of patient got discharged after treatment, at present two patients are admitted there.

50 oxygen concentrators donated by Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Swarajdweep reaches Andaman

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Port Blair, June 04: The South Andaman District Administration is strengthening the medical infrastructure in order to augment medical requirements of COVID-19. 50 oxygen concentrators have been received today in this regard.
In continuation of persistent efforts of the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Mr. Jitendra Narain, 50 Oxygen concentrators have been donated for the benefit of people of Andaman & Nicobar Islands by M/s Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Swarajdweep as part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the same was received by Mr. Suneel Anchipaka, Deputy Commissioner (SA), SDM(SA) and AC (U/T) on behalf of the Administration. The concentrators have been handed over to the medical authorities for proper utilisation in the treatment of COVID patients requiring oxygen support.
The District Administration is committed in doing its best to improve health facilities and manage the covid situation and prepare our islands to fight second wave of COVID-19 and avert the possible third wave.

Free Ration Kit distributed to 45+ families by DCSA and SDM, SA

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Port Blair, June 04: Yesterday a local youth Group FA2i organised a mass ration kit distribution for more than 45 families of New Pahadgaon area with the help of some other local NGO and some responsible society members.
The kits were distributed by Mr. Suneel Anchipaka (DC, SA). Mr. Hari Kalikkat (SDM, SA) was present during the occasion.
The team FA2i expressed gratitude to DC and SDM, Mr. Abdul Rasheed (Ration Rasheed), Mr. Divesh Surendra (Hotel Pearl), Mr. Jayakumar (AIPWA), Miss. Aradhana Kunwar (Local Resident of Garacharama) & Mr. Faiz Asif (Sea Link Adventure) for providing the kits.

Cap on retail selling price of vegetables by Department of CS&CA

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Port Blair, June 04: The Department of Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs has been actively monitoring the price and availability of all essential commodities including groceries and agro-horticultural products in the markets of this UT. On 03rd June, 2021 it is reported from various corners that there is a sudden hike in price of vegetables which was found to be created artificially to exploit the consumers.
Taking a serious note of this issue in the interest of the consumers, the Enforcement team of this Directorate conducted a surprise inspection and intervened to control the retail selling price of vegetables which is accordingly capped as under:
Sl. No. Name of Vegetable Unit Retail Price on 03.06.2021 Retail Price as on 04.06.2021 Remarks
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
1. Onion Kg Rs. 40/- Rs. 40/- The Prices mentioned at Column No. (5) are tentative which may be revised in future.
2. Potato Kg Rs. 40/- Rs. 40/-
3. Tomato Kg Rs. 60/- Rs. 60/-
4. Cauliflower Kg Rs. 140/- Rs.120/-
5. Cabbage Kg Rs. 80/- Rs.80/-
6. Carrot Kg — Rs.100/-
7. Ladies Finger Kg Rs.140/- Rs.100/-
8. Pumpkin Kg Rs. 60/- Rs.60/-
9. Bottle Gourd Kg Rs. 100/- Rs.80/-
10. Cucumber/Kheera Kg Rs. 80/- Rs.60/-
11. Kundru Kg Rs. 120/- Rs.90/-
12. Lobiya Kg Rs. 120/- Rs.90/-
13. Karela (Big) Kg Rs. 180/- Rs.80/-
14. Karela (Small) Kg Rs. 200/- Rs.120/-
15. Brinjal Kg Rs. 120/- Rs.80/-
16. Turai Kg Rs. 120/- Rs.80/-
17. Potal Kg Rs. 120/- Rs.90/-
18. Chichinda Kg — Rs.70/-
19. Leafy Vegetables Rs. 50/- Rs.40/-
The Department in close coordination with Directorate of Shipping Services has also facilitated transportation of locally grown vegetables from outer islands to ensure adequate availability of cargo space in shipping vessels which will further improve the supply chain to meet demand forces.
All the wholesalers and retailers are made to display the rates of vegetables in their business premises in a conspicuous manner for the information of the general public and shall not sell beyond the rates displayed on the display board. If any wholesaler/retailer/vendor is found indulged in any kind of malpractice, stringent legal action as deemed fit will be initiated against them as per the various provisions under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 as well as the Legal Metrology Act, 2009; which may result in imprisonment of up to 7 years or fine or both. Offenders shall also be detained under the Prevention of Black Marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980. The main objective of this Department is to that the interest of the consumers are not jeopardised.
All wholesalers/retailers/vendors & consumers are directed to maintain strict COVID appropriate behaviours like adequate social distancing (“Do Gaj Doori”), washing/sanitizing their hands regularly, wearing face mask, ensuring proper hygiene etc.
All the Consumers are hereby advised that any malpractice by any person/shop/establishment may be brought to the notice of this Department over Toll Free No. 1800-345-3197 or Telephone No. 03192-230337.