Port Blair, Aug 21: Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, President, Pradesh Congress Committee has deeply condoled the untimely death of two children of Gandhi Nagar Village, Cambell Bay, who along with four others have gone for bathing but were washed away by the wave on 19th August, 2012. Out of these six children, four were saved by the local inhabitants. Mr. Sharma has also recorded his appreciation for those two persons who have saved four valuable lives.
Training on “Modern Fish Catching Methods” concluded
Port Blair, Aug 13: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Nicobar in collaboration with Deptt. of Fisheries, A & N Admn. has organized a three day training programme on “Modern Fish Catching Methods” at Community Hall of Small Lapathy Village in Car Nicobar from 7th to 9th August, 2012. Mr. Marcus, 2nd Headman, Small Lapathy village was the Chief Guest and inaugurated the training programme. He expressed heartfelt thankfulness to the KVK-Nicobar for organizing training on Modern Fish Catching Methods and advised the trainees to get maximum benefit from the training programme. Mr. Abdul Aziz, Deputy Project Director, ATMA-Nicobar was the Guest of Honour and spoke on the role of ATMA in development of Fisheries and its importance. Mr. Aziz appreciated the efforts in selecting the right kind of training programme for exploiting the underutilized marine resources through adoption of new technologies in capturing the fishes. On the occasion, Mr. Zakariah 4th Headman, Small Lapathy village, Mr. Francis Albert and Mr.Rajesh from Fisheries Department were also present.
Mr. Francis Albert, In-charge, Zonal Fisheries Office, informed about the Incentives & Welfare Scheme of the Fisheries department in developing island fisheries and stressed the significance of the fishing boat registration and fishing license in the coastal security. The essential fishing requisite at 50% subsidy rate for worth of Rs. 706/- was also distributed to 10 needy trainees. During the three days training, the trainees were taught about different kinds of fishing nets both active & passive, fabrication & repairing of different fishing nets, care & maintenance of fishing boat & nets and importance of fish in human health etc.
Earlier Mr. T.Ravikumar SMS (Fisheries), welcomed the dignitaries, trainees and stressed on the importance of Modern Fish Catching Methods in exploiting the unutilized marine resources for livelihood improvement, income and employment generation.
A total of 30 tribal fishers including 8 fisherwomen were participated in the said training programme. The training was conducted under the overall guidance of Dr. Nagesh Ram, programme Coordinator I/c, KVK-Car Nicobar. Earlier Mr. T Ravikumar SMS (Fisheries) welcomed the dignitaries and at the vote of thanks by Dr. Zachariah George, SMS (Animal Science).
LG launches Fruits & Vegetable Mission at Carnic
Port Blair, Aug 08: The Lt Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM today launched the Fruits & Vegetable Mission at Car Nicobar. At a function held at the Tribal Community Hall, Tamaloo, Car Nicobar here this morning, the Lt Governor distributed seed kits to the farmers and planted tree/fruit saplings at the Mission Plot.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor stated that the southern group of Islands particularly Car Nicobar has been experiencing non-availability of fruits and vegetables. Considering this, directions were given to Agriculture department to evolve a plan on the lines of the Coconut Mission at Car Nicobar to increase the production of vegetables and fruits which will improve the nutritional status of the tribal population of Car Nicobar.
Highlighting the importance of vegetable consumption, he stated that there is an urgent need to popularize vegetable and fruit dietary habit among the Nicobari people as vegetables and fruits not only provides energy rich food but also guarantees supply of vital protective nutrients like minerals and vitamins which play an important role in the balanced diet of human being. He expressed happiness that the Nicobari people have started realizing the importance of consuming vegetables and fruits for the maintenance of their normal health.
He further stated that vegetables cultivated in Car Nicobar are far below the recommended per day consumption of the estimated population. The gap between the requirement per day and production of fruits and vegetables can be narrowed down through cultivation of fruits and vegetables in a Mission Mode.
The Vice Chief Captain, Car Nicobar, Shri Chamberlain Paul, Tribal Captains, local head of the departments and people of Car Nicobar were present on the occasion.
The Fruits & Vegetable Mission, Car Nicobar includes establishing demonstration plots on vegetable and fruits cultivation, protected cultivation of vegetable in polyhouse supporting with vegetable and fruit nutritional garden each and every household by distributing kits containing vegetable seeds and fruit saplings, establishment of Demonstration unit of Mushroom in each village and establishment of spawn production unit. The Programme will be implemented by pooling resources from existing schemes of the Department of Agriculture like RKVY, ATMA, dovetailing with MGNREGA. Technical support and participation from the Department of Health Services, Food and Nutrition Department and Department of Education. The goal of the programme is to popularize vegetables and fruits in the dietary habit of local people, to increase the area, production and productivity of vegetables and fruits and ultimately improvement in health of the local population.
Under the newly launched Mission, the cost benefit ratio per Demonstration plot for two year is 1:17, wherein on an expenditure of Rs 3,29,255, the income will be Rs 5,60,000. In the same manner, the cost benefit ratio per fruits demonstration plot for two year is 1:2.35, wherein on an expenditure of Rs 1,40,415, the income will be Rs 3,30,000.
Besides, the Mission also proposed to establish vermi beds in each Tuhet @ Rs 2000 per bed for production of vermi-compost. Use of quality vermi-compost is an important step towards cultivation of vegetables and fruits organically as it contains nutrients in easily available forms in addition to a number of plant growth promoting substances and humic acids. The Fruits and Vegetable Mission also initiate efforts to popularizing and production of Mushroom cultivation for which establishment of one Demonstration unit on Mushroom Production in each village is proposed.
To further promote fruits and vegetable production, the best performing village will be awarded with cash prizes with trophy. A district level vegetable show/fruit show is also proposed to be organised where farmers will be suitably awarded for the exhibits.
A & N SCB Promotes Sports facilities at Kamorta
Kamorta, July 11, 2012: Mr. Bhagat Singh, Chairman, A & N State Cooperative Bank Ltd. visited Kamortato ascertain the potentiality for opening a Bank Branch. On his trip, he met Smti. Ayesha Majuro, Chairperson, Tribal Council, Nancowrie and discussed the scope of bank’s activities in Kamorta & nearby Islands. Besides this, he also met the local villagers and assured that the long felt demand of openingof Branch at Kamorta by the villagers shall be taken by the Bank, on prioritybasis, which is one of the thrust areas under the Financial Inclusion Scheme ofRBI.
In order to promote and improve the sporting activities at Kamorta, Kakana & Plilipilow village of Nancowry Island, and also in Islands like Teressa, Chowra and Tapong, Mr. Bhagat Singh, Chairman, A & N S C B has distributed six sets of Football each containing 5 Footballs to the captains of above village in a simple function organised at A & N Marketing Federation at Port Blair on 07 th July, 2012.
Two day Road Safety Mela organised at Car Nicobar
Port Blair, June 22: The Car Nicobar District Police Administration in an attempt to reach out to the people of Car Nicobar had in active co-operation with the District Administration and Tribal Council organized a two day Road Safety Mela at Perka Community Hall on 19th & 20th June 2012, whereat a Centralized facility was provided to all eligible public to get learner’s Licence, Pay Road Tax, Get their insurance papers for vehicles and also got a general Medical check up done.
The initiative, a first in our Islands is aimed at reaching out to people and to sensitise people, especially the Tribals, that police is not a prosecuting arm of the Administration but can act as a facilitator for different wings of the administration to reach out to the public.
This Mela was a great success and saw local people especially woman participate in hundreds. Incidentally, the native Tribal Vice Chief Captain, who had been driving vehicles for four decades and who inaugurated the camp, was beaming with joy when he passed his driving test and was presented with a LLR on the spot. Over 300 LLRs and 200 Insurance papers were processed at the Mela which also witnessed Road Safety Posters, Films by the Police in a bid to educate the public.
The other significant aspect was the poster campaign on Road Safety by school children, who won lovely gifts for their efforts.
Super Hercules: Gigantic Flying Machine lands at Air Force Station, Car Nicobar
Port Blair, May 29: The tense and gripping moments turned into sigh of relief and joy of accomplishment as a C-130J Super Hercules touched down at Air Force Station, Carnicobar on 28 May 2012 on its maiden flight.
Group Captain Tejbir Singh, who accomplished this rare feat, was received by the Chief Operations Officer Wing Commander Sanjay M Nijai. The Chief Staff Officer CSO (Ops), HQANC, Air Commodore TK Sinha was also present on this occasion. It marked a big leap for the Indian Air Force in projecting its strategic reach even at this remote and far-flung island base of Air Force.
C – 130 J is one of the latest warbird with state of art avionics and defensive suites. This aircraft has ability to execute special operations which shall involve not only the Air Force elements but also Army and Naval forces to achieve the assigned task by displaying a great synergy between them. These also showcase our ability and operational infrastructure to induct variety of forces & technology. This endorses the vision of our planners to induct this magnificent machine into tech – savvy Indian Air Force. It is indeed a proud and historic moment which will go down the annals of Indian Air Force’s only island base rightfully known as ‘Commendable Carnic’.
BJP fumes over unavailability of Drinking water in GSSS Champin
Port Blair, Apr 30: The State President of A & N State BJP unit Mr. R Mohan has urged the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration to ensure availability of clean drinking water in Government Senior Secondary School Champin. According to BJP students of GSSS Champin are not getting clean drinking water as the RO plant is not functioning properly.
Compensation for Tsunami Affected Farmers in two Months: LG
Port Blair, Apr 29: The Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lt Gen (Retd.) Bhopindher Singh visited Campbell bay and held meeting with the PRI members and senior officers of the administration at APWD Guest House yesterday morning.
During his interaction with the PRI members, the Lt Governor assured that the compensation for the tsunami affected farmers in lieu of their submerged lands and also the compensation for the loss of livestock will be given within next two months. Responding to an appeal made by the PRI members to post adequate medical specialists, X ray technician, Lab technician and other Para-medical staff in the Government Hospital there, the Lt Governor said the medical specialists will be deputed to Campbell bay on regular basis every month to conduct special medical camps, besides taking necessary action for posting the Doctors on one year tenure to improve the health care facilities in the southern most island.
Expressing concern over the problems faced by the people in getting the construction materials, the Lt Governor said the administration will take necessary steps to open the quarries in Campbell bay.
The price of quarry products is nearly five times higher in the remote islands due to transportation cost and the opening of quarries there will facilitate the availability of construction materials at affordable costs. Though five quarries were functioning in Campbell bay until December, 2004, they were closed after the killer Tsunami that ravaged the islands.
Reviewing the reconstruction works of Jetties in Campbell bay, the Lt Governor emphasized that the construction of jetties should be completed on Priority basis. He also directed the Engineers of ALHW to expedite the construction works of Gandhi Nagar mini Jetty and drudging works of bigger vessel jetty at Campbell bay to ease the logistic problems faced by the people in far flung islands.
The Deputy Commissioner of Car Nicobar, Shri P Jawahar accompanied the Lt Governor during the visit.
Nicobar Islands to become self-sufficient in animal husbandry sector shortly: LG
LG inaugurates Composite Livestock Farm at Kamorta
Port Blair, Apr 27: A Composite Livestock Farm comprising of Hatchery Unit, Poultry Unit, Goat Unit, Pig Unit and Fodder farm have been established by the Directorate of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS) at Chota Enaka in Kamorta. The Lt. Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM today inaugurated the livestock farm by unveiling a plaque.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor stated that the Composite Livestock Farm at Kamorta will benefit almost 15,000 people of 39 villages in the six inhabited Islands of Nancowry group of Islands. Besides ensuring easy supply of animal husbandry products like chicks, goats and pigs to people living in this part of the Islands, the livestock farm would also help in providing training facilities to the beneficiaries, he added. He further stated that with the establishment of the composite livestock farm, the transportation problem for supplying animal husbandry inputs to Nancowry group of Islands from Port Blair would be solved as inputs will now be made available to people of all the surrounding villages through the transit poultry sheds at Katchal and Teressa, he said. He further stated that a full-fledged Composite Livestock farm will also be established at Arong Village, Car Nicobar, which is likely to be completed by July 2012. After the completion of all the Composite Livestock farms at Kamorta, Car Nicobar and Campbell Bay, the entire group of Nicobar Islands will become self-sufficient in Animal Husbandry sector, he said. He urged the people to avail full benefit of the new facilities not only for self-consumption but for generating employment for themselves.
Mr. A.S. Dagar, Secretary (AH&VS) in his address mentioned that this farm was to be commissioned on 21 April 2012 by the Hon’ble Lt. Governor in presence of Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament and Smt Aysha Mazeed, Chairperson, Tribal Council of Nancowry, but the same was postponed due to some unavoidable circumstances. 28 April 2012, being World Veterinary Day, it was decided late evening on 26th April that the same may be commissioned to mark the World Veterinary Day in the islands.
Thereafter, the Lt Governor visited Campbell Bay and held meeting with the PRI members and local heads in the APWD Guest House and discussed with them local pending issues and gave directions to all concerned departments to attend to them on priority. He asked the DC (Nicobar) to submit a report on the physical presence of all department representatives in the Nicobar group of Islands and visit of HoDs in the year 2012.
India taking steps to resettle Andaman’s Sri Lankan Tamil Repatriates
Port Blair, Mar 31: The Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs Mr. Mullappally Ramachandran has informed that government of India is taking necessary steps to resettle Andaman’s Sri Lankan Tamil Repatriates.
The Government of India, by a scheme under the Indo-Ceylon pact of 1964, had settled 48 Ceylon repatriates with their families in Katchal Island in the year 1974.
They were originally employed by the Rubber Board and later by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Forest Development Corporation Ltd, which is on the verge of total closer.
Each of the 48 settler families was allotted half an acre of land in Katchal Islands and they have been living there since then. Over past 35 years, their population has increased to 173 extended families.
In his reply to a parliament question raised by the lone Member of Parliament, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray recently, the Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs Mr. Mullappally Ramachandran has now informed that in order to relocate Sri Lankan Tamil repatriates from the Tribal area of Katchal and re-settlement at Shaithan Khari Rubber Plantation, a survey of persons of Sri Lankan Tamil origin was carried out.
“In 2009, the Rubber Board conveyed their -No objection- for transferring the land at Shaitan Khari back to A&N Administration along with existing 77 work men already employed in the plantation and subject to concurrence of Ministry of Commerce & Industry”,
The MOS further said, “The proposal also envisaged development of the plantation in a phased manner by re-planning on a cost sharing basis between the A&N Administration (50%) Rubber Board (43%) and the beneficiaries (7%) by way of labour. One more proposal to resettle them in South Andaman and North & Middle Andaman by locating an area of 98 hectare deemed forest land was also pursued”.
In 2003 in a meeting held in Raj Niwas, it was decided that the Deputy Commissioner, Nicobar and Director, Agriculture may formulate a definite package for shifting the families to Shaitan Khari.
“The options were taken up with the authorities concerned. In the meantime, the settlers filed a writ petition in the Hon’ble High Court of Calcutta sitting in circuit at Port Blair claiming for land and other issues. The matter is subjudice”, the MOS added.