Welcome to Andaman, where every auto-rickshaw ride is a journey into the unknown—an experience that could only be described as the automotive equivalent of a rollercoaster, minus the safety checks and with a soundtrack that’ll make your ears beg for mercy.
In Andaman, inside some auto-rickshaws the entire contraption comes alive with a symphony of squeaks, clanks, and rattles from every part except the horn. It’s like riding in a musical instrument that’s tragically out of tune. And if you’re lucky—or unlucky, depending on your tolerance for aural assaults—your ride might be accompanied by the sweet serenade of Himesh Reshammiya or a lively South Indian track, blasting through a sound system that was clearly not part of the original auto-rickshaw design.
But what truly sets some of the Andaman’s auto drivers apart is their unique driving posture. Spotting one is easy: just look for a driver perched delicately on one buttock, with their spine twisted like a pretzel and their left leg dangling out of the vehicle as if it’s a high-tech sensor. You’d think they were preparing for takeoff rather than navigating the pothole-ridden streets of Port Blair.
Now, let’s talk about the fares. Once you step inside an Andaman auto-rickshaw, you’re no longer a citizen governed by the Indian Penal Code. You’ve entered a parallel universe where the driver’s word is law. Whether you’re a high-ranking official or a humble tourist, the fare is non-negotiable and always inflated. A mere 100-meter ride? That’ll be ₹30, please. And don’t even think about questioning the rate for a longer journey—it’s set in stone, impervious to even the most persuasive arguments from seasoned debaters.
One might wonder if the local government, with all its power, could intervene. But alas, not even the Lieutenant Governor or the Chief Secretary seems to have powers to convince these drivers to use their meters. Those devices, once intended to ensure fairness, are now just relics—a quaint reminder of a time when logic and reason had a place in the world of Andaman auto-rickshaws.
And let’s not forget the weather. In a place where it rains for ten months a year, you’d think windshield wipers would be a priority. But no, why bother with such trivialities when you can drive blind and add a little thrill to the passenger experience? Sadly even today many auto operates without a automatic windshield wiper. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a heart-pounding game of “Will We Crash?” on their morning commute?
Finally, the pièce de résistance: the rear of the auto-rickshaw, a canvas for advertisements that rivals Times Square. Visual pollution? A distraction to other drivers? Who cares! The more garish and cluttered, the better.
A visiting foreign tourists had once said, the Andaman auto-rickshaw is not just a mode of transportation—it’s an adventure, a cultural experience, and a lesson in resilience. Whether you’re braving the elements, the fares, or the music, one thing is certain: you’ll never forget your ride.

 

When we think of craters, uneven surfaces, and rocky terrain, our minds naturally drift to the Moon’s surface—a place uninhabitable and hostile. But take a stroll through the streets of Port Blair, and you might wonder if some of our city roads were crafted by lunar architects, who perhaps moonlight as engineers for the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD).
The state of city roads in Port Blair is a matter of concern, and if sarcasm could fix potholes, the city would be as smooth as the VIP Road. It’s ironic, really, that the same engineers who shrug their shoulders and blame heavy rains for the deplorable condition of our public roads seem to possess miraculous road-building skills when it comes to areas frequently graced by the wheels of Very Very Important People (VVIPs).
The stretch from Marina Park to the Judges’ Quarters and road from Airport to Raj Niwas are a prime example. Here, the roads are immaculately maintained, as if the rain politely avoids these hallowed grounds. Meanwhile, just a few kilometers away, the common citizen is left navigating potholes large enough to swallow a small car. It begs the question: Do the rains have a special affinity for non-VIP roads, or is it that our APWD engineers have selective expertise?
One could argue that the real experts in road construction are those who worked on the NHIDCL road from Kodiaghat to Ferrargunj. This road, built under similar weather conditions, remains in remarkable shape even after four to five years. Perhaps the APWD engineers should consider a field trip to study this marvel of construction. It seems the NHIDCL knows something about road-building that has eluded the APWD—like how to make a road that lasts more than a single monsoon.
The irony doesn’t stop there. The absence of surprise visits by the Lieutenant Governor or the Chief Secretary to the more ‘ordinary’ parts of Port Blair only adds to the problem. If our leaders stuck to public roads rather than just the VIP routes, they might gain a more realistic perspective on the daily struggles of their citizens. Instead, the APWD continues its double standards, maintaining the roads most likely to be graced by VVIPs while neglecting those that serve the everyday public.
In the end, it’s not just about poor road conditions—it’s about the glaring inequities in how public resources are allocated. The common taxpayer, who funds these roads, deserves better than this lunar landscape. Until then, we can only hope that the APWD engineers develop a newfound respect for all roads in Port Blair, not just the ones that lead to power.

The pervasive use of plastic packets for hot food parcels from restaurants and food stalls is still a common practice in Port Blair city despite the fact that significant concerns about its adverse effects on public health. As these plastic packets are widely utilized due to their cost-effectiveness, their detrimental impact on human health cannot be overlooked any longer. These packets pose severe health risks due to the chemicals that leach into the food when exposed to heat. Harmful substances from these plastics can easily transfer into the food, leading to various health issues upon consumption. Several studies have highlighted the dangers of plastic packaging, especially when in contact with hot and oily foods. As per Indian Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018 – Products made of recycled plastics including carry bags shall not be used for packaging, storing, carrying or dispensing articles of food.

The widespread use of these plastic packets, driven by convenience and low cost, has led many individuals to compromise their health unwittingly. The lack of awareness about the health hazards associated with these containers further exacerbates the issue, putting the general public at risk.

This urgent call for a ban on plastic packaging for hot food aligns with global efforts to mitigate plastic pollution and safeguard public health. Several regions worldwide have already implemented similar bans, prioritizing the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives for food packaging. Encouraging the adoption of biodegradable or eco-friendly alternatives, such as paper-based containers or compostable materials, will not only address health concerns but also contribute positively to environmental sustainability.

It’s imperative to prioritize public health by swiftly implementing measures to ban plastic packets used for hot food parcels. This proactive step will not only protect the well-being of the populace but also contribute significantly to the broader goal of reducing plastic pollution and fostering a healthier environment for generations to come. The Union Territory Administration is urged to collaborate with local food businesses, providing guidance and support for the transition to safer and environmentally friendly packaging options. Simultaneously, public awareness campaigns should be initiated to educate consumers about the risks associated with plastic packaging for hot foods and promote healthier alternatives.

One of the main issues that have plagued the Andaman and Nicobar Islands since ages is connectivity, both within and outside the islands. While the administration has already taken up the project of constructing a bridge between Bambooflat and Chatham, the need for a bridge between Minnie Bay and Mithakhari cannot be ignored.
The distance between Minnie Bay and Mithakhari is approximately 0.98 kilometers, and the sea is just 1 to 3 meters deep, making it a feasible option for a bridge construction project. Therefore, constructing a bridge between the two points would not only be cost-effective but also provide a much-needed solution to the residents on both sides.
The proposal to construct a bridge between Minnie Bay and Mithakhari has already been forwarded to the Andaman Public Works Department, and it is high time that necessary action is taken in this regard.
One of the most significant benefits of constructing this bridge-cum-dam is the boost it will give to the Andaman tourism industry. Tourism spots like Wright Myo and Shoal Bay, currently accessible only via water, will become accessible by road. Moreover, the journey of Andaman Trunk Road will also become shorter, making it easier for tourists to explore the islands.
For Islanders, the construction of a bridge between Minnie Bay and Mithakhari is a much-needed project that cannot be ignored any further. It will not only benefit the residents of both sides but also give a solid boost to the Andaman tourism industry and bring economic prosperity to the South Andaman region. The administration must take swift action in this regard and make the islands more accessible to all.
Most importantly the Administration must issue press releases and inform the public about the updates regarding this project on a regular basis as people are deeply connected with the project. Not only the delay but also lack of information about this project is leaving people upset and disappointed.

The water crisis in Andaman Nicobar Island has been a persistent issue for decades. Every year, from January to May, Islanders witness a huge water crisis, which is then tackled with a lot of effort and resources. However, as soon as the monsoon arrives, all efforts and resources are forgotten, and the issue is left unresolved for the next year.
This year, the Islanders have once again demanded concrete steps from the administration to solve the water crisis issue. People are demanding the constitution of a Jal Board department, dedicated to water supply, so that throughout the year, the department can work towards augmenting water supply in all the islands and create more water bodies to prevent the crisis.
The Islanders are also demanding the construction of massive ponds in all remote pockets of Andaman and Nicobar island where the water crisis is more severe. These massive water bodies can be utilized to supply water through tankers to affected areas during the dry season.
It is high time that the administration takes this issue seriously and constitutes a special committee to find out where more water bodies can be constructed for Andaman and Nicobar island. Dependence on only one water source, the Dhanikhari Dam, can be dangerous in the future, especially considering the fact that we are in a very active seismic zone, which is zone five.
The issue of water crisis is not just limited to Port Blair, but many other islands are also facing severe water crisis during this time. Therefore, it is imperative that the administration takes concrete steps to solve this issue for good.
Islanders urge the administration to take immediate action and constitute a Jal Board department dedicated to water supply, construct massive ponds in all remote pockets of Andaman and Nicobar island, and find alternative water sources to prevent dependency on only one water source. It is time to end the persistent water crisis in Andaman Nicobar Island and provide the Islanders with a sustainable solution for their water needs.

The recent puja conducted by the Port Blair Municipal Council (PBMC) at Dhanikhari Dam to bring rain has left many Islanders feeling disheartened. Voters who elected the councillors expect practical measures on the ground to address Port Blair city’s water crisis rather than relying on traditional rituals.

While we recognize the significance of invoking divine blessings to bring rainfall, relying solely on such rituals to deal with the severe water shortage faced by the public is irrational. In the last decade, the PBMC has not undertaken any significant projects to ensure adequate water availability for the municipal region, in contrast to many other cities that have established substantial seawater desalination plants.

It is essential for the PBMC to be proactive in addressing the water scarcity problem by digging more wells or constructing ponds to collect rainwater for the dry season, rather than relying on traditional rituals.

In addition, water wastage from PBMC pipelines is a major concern that needs immediate attention. Unconfirmed reports suggest that nearly 15 – 20% of water from the PBMC pipelines is lost due to leakages, which is a substantial amount. The PBMC must be transparent about the actual percentage of water wastage and take corrective measures to repair leaks and encourage water conservation practices.

Across the world many civilizations follow various rain calling rituals. Who knows tomorrow PBMC may go for other rituals too in case rain is delayed, such as the Rain Dance of the Native American Plains Tribes; The Varuna Yajna Ritual; The Frog Dance of the Australian Aboriginal People; The Chanting of the Monks; The Vodou Rain Dance of the Haitian People and The Mayan ChacChac Ritual.

While there is nothing wrong with conducting puja, it is essential for the councillors to first establish basic infrastructure for water conservation and management. The PBMC must concentrate on establishing a sustainable and efficient water management system that caters to the needs of the region’s citizens.

Port Blairians urge the PBMC to take immediate and concrete steps to ensure that they have access to adequate water throughout the year, prioritizing the development of a sustainable and efficient water management system. While traditional beliefs and practices are respected and appreciated, it is time for the PBMC to adopt a more pragmatic approach to address the water scarcity problem.

The ambitious Andaman Trunk Road (NH4) upgradation project, initiated almost six years ago, aimed to revolutionize transportation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, the project has become a constant source of frustration, inconvenience, and disappointment for the residents of these islands, particularly those in North and Middle Andaman.
The situation has worsened to the point where the road has been dubbed a “death trap,” with hundreds of accidents reported over the past six years, many of which have gone unnoticed. As the monsoon season looms, the pressing question remains: who will answer for these losses, and when will the suffering of the general public come to an end?
The project’s initial objective was to bring positive change and improved connectivity to the islands. However, it has been marred by delays, execution problems, and poor quality work by the contractors from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). This unprofessional working style has resulted in treacherous stretches of road filled with mud and loose earth, making it increasingly risky for travelers.
Several protests and agitations have been staged across South Andaman and North & Middle Andaman by islanders against the delay in NH4 upgradation works and the poor quality of the project. These concerns have not been adequately addressed, leaving the public to bear the brunt of the delays and substandard work.
With the monsoon season fast approaching, the residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are once again faced with the prospect of their roads becoming even more hazardous. It is crucial that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed by the relevant authorities.
In light of the ongoing suffering of the general public, particularly those in North and Middle Andaman, it is imperative that a high-level expert committee be established to review the NH4 upgradation works. This committee must hold those responsible for the delays and poor quality work accountable and ensure that the project is completed as swiftly as possible.
The residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have endured more than six years of inconvenience, danger, and disappointment. It is high time that the authorities prioritize their safety and well-being by expediting the completion of the NH4 upgradation project and ensuring that the benefits of this mega project are finally realized.

 

Cinema halls that charge for 3D glasses are a common and accepted sight in our Island, but it is a practice that must come under scrutiny immediately. One of the main reasons for this is the concern over hygiene, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies have shown that viruses like the coronavirus can survive on surfaces for extended periods, including on the plastic frames of 3D glasses.
Given this, it is not unreasonable for movie-goers to be worried about the hygiene of 3D glasses provided by the cinema hall. They may feel that they are being forced to pay for something that could put their health at risk, and this is a valid concern. Moreover, the use of disposable 3D glasses may not be an environmentally-friendly practice.
One potential solution to this issue could be for cinema halls to provide movie-goers with the option of bringing their own 3D glasses like it is practiced in many Cinema Halls across the land of our country. This would not only help to alleviate concerns over hygiene, but it would also be more cost-effective and eco-friendly. By providing an option for viewers to bring their own 3D glasses, cinema halls could help to address concerns about hygiene and contribute to the larger goal of environmental sustainability.
Looking at the cost side, movie goers allege that at present, the cinema lovers are forced to pay three times the actual cost of a 3D glass each time on rent for a few hours at Port Blair. For every 3D show they have to pay such an amount for old, sticky, oily and used 3D glasses, again and again, why? Why the Administration is allowing such exploitation of movie goers.
The Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman and Director Civil Suppliers must look into this issue as no one should be allowed to force the public to rent 3D glasses given only by the cinema hall, in such a way that too putting the health of movie goers at risk.

 

For years, the Andaman Nicobar Islands have been claimed as an epitome of good governance by the top officials of the administration. However, the ground reality is entirely different. The islands have been facing persistent issues with power and water crises, and the internal system often collapses during challenging times.
It’s high time to acknowledge the failures and work towards a better future for the people of these islands.
The power generation systems on the islands have consistently failed to produce enough electricity to meet the growing demand, resulting in a power crisis every year during the dry season.
Similarly, the water scarcity issue has been a common occurrence for most of the past years. Unfortunately, the administration has failed to formulate an efficient plan to tackle these issues, and as a result, the residents of the islands have been suffering heavily, year after year.
One of the significant problems has been the frequent change of officials every two to three years, leading to a lack of continuity in governance. This often results in officials taking their time to get acquainted with the problems, and by the time they come up with a plan, they are transferred to another location. This lack of consistency has been detrimental to the overall development of the islands.
To address the ongoing crisis, standing committees on water and power are the need of the hour. The committees must consist of prominent citizens, senior officers, and political leaders who understand the local issues and can provide effective solutions.
The committee should submit its recommendations in a time-bound manner, and if approved the administration must follow the same, even if top officials are changed.
By doing so, the authorities can follow a standardized approach to solve the water and power crisis, once and for all.
Unfortunately, the opinion and views of the general public and political leaders are never considered in the decision-making process. In the recent past in some cases, bureaucrats often implement their policies for their own reasons, leading to governance failure. This approach has resulted in the basic problem of water and power crisis remaining unresolved.
However, there is hope for a better future. The arrival of the present chief secretary has brought about positive changes in the Andaman Nicobar Administration. IAS officers under his guidance have started meeting with the public to understand the problems and work towards finding effective solutions. This initiative has given a ray of hope to the people of these islands.
Many believe that it’s time to move from governance failure to hope for a better future for the people of the Andaman Nicobar Islands. It’s high time that the administration understands the ground realities and involves the local community and political leaders in the decision-making process. By forming committees that consist of people who understand the local issues, the authorities can work towards a common goal – a continuous supply of power and water. It’s time to acknowledge the failures, take accountability, and work towards building a better future for the people of these beautiful islands.

The recent announcement by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration regarding strict measures to deal with the power crisis in the region has caused concern among the public. While the administration has put in place a detailed demand side management plan to ensure optimal utilization of available power, the measures announced have caused hardships for the common people and businesses in the region. The Optimal energy utility plan seems to be giving shocks to Islanders.
The decision to impose strict restrictions on the usage of air conditioning units in government buildings and commercial establishments during peak hours of the day is understandable. However, it is unfair to impose the responsibility of providing power supply on small businesses, hotel owners and the public in general. The administration must take responsibility for ensuring adequate power supply to meet the needs of the people, especially during hot and humid weather conditions.
The directive to shut down shops by 7.00 pm has also had a negative impact on the economy of the region. Many businesses have been forced to operate at reduced hours, causing financial losses to owners and workers. Moreover, this decision has also caused transportation problems for the workers who depend on public transport to travel back home. Sudden change The rush of auto-rickshaws during peak hours has caused chaos and inconvenience for the public.
The hotel owners and small industry owners are also facing a significant financial burden due to the directive to use their own generators during peak hours. The cost of fuel required to run these generators for several hours each day is significant and will have to be passed on to the customers, increasing the cost of living for the people in the region.
The Andaman and Nicobar Administration must take immediate action to address the power crisis in the region. It is essential to ensure that all machinery and equipment required to provide a continuous supply of power are in place and functioning correctly. The administration should also conduct an inquiry into the failure of the electricity department officials responsible for maintaining the power supply in the region. The top officials of Electricity Department must be questioned by the Administration as why they have failed so miserably to provide sufficient power to the public? How can administration plan to transform such powerless Andaman into a Tourism hub? There is a need to fix responsibility on some officials so that from next year everyone remembers the maths of power requirement during exam season and power available.
The directive issued by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to deal with the power crisis in the region has caused hardships for the people and businesses. The administration must take responsibility for providing basic amenities to the people, including a 24-hour power supply. The people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands deserve better, and it is the responsibility of the administration to ensure that their needs are met.