The True Mirror of A & N Islands
Port Blair, Oct 9: A fire incident was reported at INWTC building of the Andaman and Nicobar Command at around midday on Friday. All available fire fighting resources were immediately mobilised and the fire was contained. The cause of the fire is being ascertained.
One individual has suffered burn injury and is under treatment at INHS Dhanvantari. His condition is stable, said the Command PRO in a release.
Port Blair, Oct 9: A one day state level seminar entitled “Memories, Emotions and Soundscape: Recapitulation of Japanese in Andaman and Nicobar Islands” was organized by the Department of Historical Studies, JNRM on 09.10.2015 to readdress the legacies of Japanese occupation and surrender. The chief guest on the occasion was Shri Raajiv Yadhuvanshi, Principal Secretary, A & N Administration. The guest of honour was Smt. Tanvi Garg, Secretary (Higher Edn.), A & N Islands.
Addressing the gathering, the chief guest Shri Raajiv Yadhuvanshi congratulated the Department of Historical Studies, JNRM for organizing the seminar in right earnest and perspective of Japanese occupation and surrender in these islands. He desired that the Department of Historical Studies, JNRM should make an effort to preserve the historical legacies of these islands by recording audio-visual documentaries of the senior citizens who are witness to that period of history. Earlier in the welcome address, Dr K. Chanderdeep, HOD & Assistant Professor of Historical Studies, JNRM mentioned that the present seminar is an academic tribute to the courage and fortitude of the people of A & N Islands and their exemplary resilience.
Dr N. Francis Xavier, Principal, JNRM gave a detailed power-point presentation on the various facets of Japanese occupation and surrender through vivid and rare photographs of that period which was much appreciated by the audience.
Shri Gauri Shankar Pandey reminisced the memories of Japanese tyranny. Shri Mujataba, Retired Principal elucidated the education system of those times and the changes brought into it by the Japanese. Smt. Shakuntala Shivram through her poetic skills paid her homage to the people of Andamans who suffered under the Japanese occupation. Shri John Lobo stressed upon the fact that the people of A & N Islands cast their fortunes with the Indian Union and choose to remain as Indians.
In the technical session Shri T. Prasad Rao, Assistant Professor in Historical Studies presented a paper on “Japanese Occupation of A & N Islands” showcasing the global perspective of the said event in the context of Second World War. Dr Anjani Kumar Shrivastava, Assistant Professor in Hindi gave a different perspective of colonialism and imperialism in respect of both Britian and Japan. He emphasized that comparisons of cruelty must be objective and impartial. Shri Zubair Ahmed lamented the fact that history of A & N Islands is Port Blair-centric and no voice has been given to the people living in the periphery. Shri Farukh Shaikh revisited the historic event of the martyrdom of 21 year old Zulfiqar, the first victim of Japanese occupation forces.
The valedictory program included the distribution of certificates to the resource persons and participants. The event concluded with vote of thanks by Dr. Manju Nair, Associate Professor in Geography, JNRM.
Port Blair, Oct 8: The Lt Governor, Lt Gen AK Singh today underlined the need for taking all necessary steps to protect the wildlife and preserve our rich forests. He said this while speaking at the valedictory function of the 61st Wildlife Week celebrations held in the conference hall of the Megapode Nest here this evening.
The Chairperson, PBMC, Smt Sheela Singh, Smt Rupa Ray and other senior officials of the Administration were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Lt Governor said that we should take pride in having 94 percent forest cover and mangroves around us. “I compliment the citizens of these islands for protecting and preserving our forests”, he said. Making a special mention of ‘Dugong’, the Lt. Governor urged for restoring its declining population.
Regarding the human-crocodile conflict, the Lt Governor said the Administration will resolve this issue through education, control of crocodile and by adopting safety measures & precautions.
The Lt Governor stated that 9 centrally sponsored schemes, under the Environment & Forest Department has been sanctioned by the Environment & Forest Ministry for conservation related activities in the Islands. Turning to tourism in the isles, the Lt Governor stated that 6 islands have been identified for tourism development purpose, with the support of ACCI and other stakeholders. The Lt Governor desired that tourism should not remain Port Blair, Neil and Havelock centric but should also be taken to other Islands. He said that Diglipur, Long Island, Hut Bay and Campbell Bay must be developed for tourism purpose. Eco resorts will also be created in some of the Islands to attract more tourists, he added. The Lt Governor further informed about the plans of the Administration to start day time tourism activities; as is done at Jolly Buoy Island, in five more Islands before this tourist season starts in Islands.
The Lt Governor informed that proposals worth an amount of Rs 71 crores have been placed before the Tourism Ministry for taking up tourism related projects in Isles. The projects include up-gradation of Cellular Jail, developing eco resorts at Neil and Long Islands besides an Oceanarium. He also informed about the creation of the Botanical Garden at Haddo, as the area is very appropriate for this project. This project will be a pleasure for everyone in the islands as it will offer scope for education, recreation, scientific study related activities etc. This project is to be completed in a year’s time, the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor also emphasized the need to drastically reduce the dependency on diesel for power generation and for going green in the coming days by adopting renewable sources of energy. He also assured that the Administration is committed to resolving the issue of availability of sand for construction purpose in the islands.
The Lt Governor concluded his speech by saying that with the support of the Central Govt and under the dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, these islands will march forward on the path of progress and development.
Earlier, the Lt. Governor gave away prizes to the winners of various competitions like drawing, debate and quiz, held during the week-long celebration under different categories. The Lt. Governor also presented mementoes to some corporate houses and associations for their involvement in the celebration of the Wildlife Week as part of their corporate social responsibilities. They included the Managing Director, Agency House, Shri Avinash Nanda, President, A&N Tourist Boat Operators Association and the President, Andaman Association of Tour Operators, Shri M. Vinod. Shri Jagjivan Ram, Office Assistant, ICMR who created a logo for the Department of Forest and Environment for Wild Life week- 2015 was also felicitated by the Lt. Governor.
The Lt. Governor also released a manual titled ‘Management of Captive Elephants’ in A&N Islands and two pamphlets viz. wetland birds and reptiles & amphibians of A&N Islands.
Speaking as the guest of honour, the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Anand Prakash complimented the Department of Environment & Forests for organizing befitting programmes to mark the Wildlife Week celebration, which he said, is a sign of greater awareness. “Without forests there can be no wildlife. Forests has to be preserved to protect the wildlife”, the Chief Secretary said. He also said that the botanical garden that will come up at Haddo will fully justify our love for nature in the city. “Man and animal must live in harmony”, he said.
The PCCF (Wildlife/Chief Wildlife Warden), Shri G.N. Sinha presented a report about the events and competitions organized during the 61st Wildlife Week celebration in A&N Islands.
The PCCF and Principal Secretary (Environment & Forests), Shri Omkar Singh spoke about the commencement of the celebration of Wildlife Week way back in 1952 with the Constitution of Indian Board for Wildlife. He also informed about the development of 42 eco-tourism sites in A&N Islands besides one city forest here. The function concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Shri Yogesh, CCF (Wild Life).
DJ Venkatesh
Diglipur, Oct 8: The Assistant Commissioner of Diglipur, Mr AK Trivedi along with Revenue Officials and Block Development Officer, Smt Lalita Tigga embarked on an extensive visit to remote Shantinagar village to take stock of issues on Wednesday. The team travelled for over an hour in country-made dinghy, walked through the muddy creeks to reach Shanti Nagar.
After being received warmly by the villagers, the Assistant Commissioner inspected the Anganwadi Centre and Govt. Middle School in the village. He also inspected the Mid Day Meal served to students during lunch hours and expressed satisfaction over the quality of the meals.
Mr Trivedi, later, had an interactive session with the villagers during which several issues were raised by the locals. The villagers demanded a solution to the problems being faced during the 700 mtr walk through the muddy creeks to approach the Dinghy Ghat. According to reports, the creek falls under forest land and villagers have laid timber and damaged logs to facilitate movement of villagers to the approach the boats. Moreover, villagers of Shanti Nagar have often met with accidents after falling into the creeks while negotiating the rough stretch.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha, the newly elected Pradhan, Smt Gulabi Das said that bulk of the vegetables to Diglipur are supplied from Shantinagar and farmers used the creek way to transport vegetables via dinghy. A road is being constructed through Gandhi Nagar; but it may take years to complete, she said requesting the Administration to find an early solution to the problem and prevent villagers from suffering inhuman conditions in the area.
After the successful conduct of night landing by Spicejet Airline at Port Blair on 11th September 2015, the Go Airlines has also taken initiative to carryout trial flight during night hours. In this connection, a team of flight safety officers led by Vice President of Go Air have visited Port Blair on 8th October 2015 and met the Chief Secretary Shri Anand Prakash and Secretary (Civil Aviation) Shri N.K.Sharma and held meetings with all the stake holders including Navy, Airport Authority of India, CISF and concerned handling agencies to ascertain the readiness to start night schedule flights to Port Blair. As such, another proving flight during night hours by Go Air is expected shortly followed by scheduled operations once necessary clearances from Regulatory Authority is obtained, a communication received from Secretary (Civil Aviation) says.
Campbell Bay, Oct 07: A resident of D-Quarry area of Campbell Bay Island killed his neighbor, a lady, following a minor argument and then burnt her body, pouring kerosene oil.
According to reports the incident took place on 5th September at around 10.00 am near D-Quarry Tsunami Shelter area, when there was an argument between these two people.
Soon the argument between the two neighbours took an ugly shape and the man, Sitaram Ekka, 48 years, strangulated the lady, Munni Toppo, 45 years to death.
The matter was soon reported to the police and taking swift action the police team of Campbell Bay arrested the accused. The accused has been sent to Judicial Custody, it is learnt.
Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Oct 07: Putting an end to all the speculations over dispute between ANC and Tribal Council, the Andaman and Nicobar Command today clarified that the Kamorta Island land belongs to the Armed Forces.
Answering to questions during the Press Conference the CINCAN stated that he has the letter issued by Government of India in which it is clear mentioned that the Kamorta land belongs to the Armed forces and in the letter it is also specified that how much of land should be given to the Coast Guard.
“I cannot give a Defense land to anybody else, let anyone come and challenge me,” the CINCAN added.
Regarding objections over the Bambooflat-Chatham Bridge, the Commander in Chief of Andaman & Nicobar Command, Mr Pradip Kumar Chatterjee had made it clear that the ANC has not received any letter or communication from the Andaman & Nicobar Administration about the Chatham-Bambooflat Bridge construction.
Further the CINCAN made it clear that ANC has no objection in the construction of Chatham- Bambooflat Bridge unless and until there is a real-real hurdle. The ANC further said that there is always a way to meet the problems. “If anyone believes that ANC is objecting then you have to take a pinch of salt,” the CINCAN added.
Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Oct O7: The Andaman and Nicobar Command today said that the Chinese movement along the International Borders near Andaman Sea is being closely monitored and the ANC is letting Chinese know that they are being monitored.
“We are letting them know that we are monitoring their movement. Only 12 miles is ours area after that it’s the international border and it’s the international law. We cannot do anything if they don’t enter inside out area or come close to it,” the Commander in Chief of Andaman and Nicobar Command, Vice Admiral Pradeep K Chatterjee told media person while replying to a question during a press conference at Port Blair today.
The CINCAN said that the ANC is keeping a close watch along the International Border. “Let it be anything, their surveillance etc etc all that are taken care off,” he added.
The CINCAN said that the ANC is committed to protect the emerald Andaman and Nicobar Islands from any threats be it convention or sub-conventional. Safeguarding the islands and the country’s maritime boundaries and airspace is the prime role of the Unified Theatre Command. Besides, search and rescue operations at sea, anti-poaching operations, vigil against human trafficking, illegal migration and disaster management are among other crucial tasks assigned to the Andaman and Nicobar Command, said the Commander-in-Chief, A & N Command, Vice Admiral PK Chatterjee.
Vice Admiral Chatterjee said that infrastructure development to support the assets of the Unified Command and future accretions remains a major challenge. With 90 percent of area in the islands declared as forests, obtaining environmental clearances after extensive procedures has become a cumbersome task. But the synergy between all the four components, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, the Unified Command has grown leaps and bounds and is prepared to face any challenges, he said.
Synergy between different defence components has helped build quality military troops indisputably the best in the country over the years. Apprehension of foreign poachers have come down from 93 in 2013 to 27 this year. 24×7 surveillance of the seas and coastal areas by Navy, Coast Guard and different agencies of the local administration has been ensured. But, the issue of illegal immigration needs to be addressed as it may become a cause of social unrest in future, said Vice Admiral PK Chatterjee.
The Andaman and Nicobar Command also plays a crucial role in Defence Diplomacy through Coordinated Patrols with littoral nationals like Myanmar, Indonesia and Thailand. The seamless integration of all elements in the recently held Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Management Exercise, Jal Suraksha, 10 SAR Operations carried earlier this year for personnel as well as missing vessels of the local populace, evacuation of civilian medical causalities from Campbell Bay and other remote areas, transportation of more than 400 passengers stranded at Port Blair and Hut Bay in May this year are examples of joint operations carried out by the ANC recently.
To strengthen Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Management of the ANC, specialist equipments such as JCBs, Bulldozers, Mobile Cranes, Tractors etc have been procured and positioned across various Defence Units in the islands. Besides, additional Gensets and lighting equipments, potable water plants, chemical toilets, Bedding and equipments for Relief Camps have also been procured and the ANC is fully prepared to deal with any natural disaster, Vice Admiral PK Chatterjee added.
Port Blair, October 6: The newly elected members of the Port Blair Municipal Council (PBMC), led by Smt Sheela Singh, Chairperson PBMC, called on the Hon’ble Lt Governor, Lt Gen A K Singh (Retd), at Raj Niwas today. The Lt Governor congratulated each member of the Council and told them that they had dual role to play in the affairs of the Council. Firstly, a collective responsibility as a Councillor for the overall development of the city and to the citizens of Port Blair. Secondly, their individual role as representatives of their wards. He urged all members to honour the mandate of people, who voted them to the Council, by working honestly and sincerely to address their legitimate grievances. He also urged them to be honest and forthright in their work so that there is transparency in their public dealings.
During the meeting, he requested the Chairperson to take stock of the Municipal finances and work out ways and means to augment Municipal revenues so that they are financially better equipped to undertake developmental activities. Besides, he also requested them to work on rationalization of taxes and levies. Special attention needs to be paid to the six newly formed wards.
Hon’ble Lt Governor gave a strong message to the new Council that fresh encroachments will not be tolerated and each member should take upon themselves the responsibility to ensure that fresh encroachments does not occur in their respective wards. He also stressed on the crucial role of the Council for making Port Blair a ‘Smart City’ since PBMC will be the implementing agency of the smart city project.
Finally, he suggested that a mechanism be put in place where PBMC and the Administration work together for the benefit of the people of the city. For this, he suggested a quarterly review meeting of the Council with the Chief Secretary and, separately, a meeting with the Lt Governor once in six months.
Port Blair, October 6: In response to the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s call to provide effective governance at the grass root level and provide a responsive and people friendly administration, the Lt Governor, Lt Gen A K Singh (Retd), has ordered the Chief Secretary, along with a team of key Secretaries/Directors and other officials to undertake a tour of North & Middle Andaman District over a period three days from 12 to 14 October 2015.
They will review the progress of development works and redressal of public grievances, at Diglipur, Mayabunder and Rangat. They will also undertake inspection of major projects, review progress of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and also hold extensive consultations with the PRIs at the three places. The team will first visit Diglipur on 12th October, Mayabunder on 13th October and Rangat on 14th October 2015.
Secretaries and HoDs of major Departments have been instructed to gear up for this. All field officers of the concerned Departments shall be present to assist the Chief Secretary.
Efforts shall be made to settle maximum local issues on the spot while major issues which may require further examination shall be referred to Port Blair. The Deputy Commissioner (N&M Andaman) shall be the nodal officer and a mini Secretariat shall operate at Mayabunder (DC’s Office) with linkages to the office of Assistant Commissioners at Rangat and Diglipur.
Shri N K Sharma, Secretary (Home, Civil Aviation, RD/PRIs) shall be the nodal Secretary and coordinate this programme. A similar programme will be undertaken at Nicobar District in late October 2015/November 2015.