Rabindranath Biswas
Diglipur, Dec. 02: Shri Ashit Kr. Mondal, Pradhan Gram Panchayat Kalighat has pressed for the demand of construction of a RCC Bridge over the creek between Kalighat and Nishchintapur village.
According to information, the Pradhan has written a letter to the honourable Member of Parliament, A & N Islands, Sri Vijaya Puram for taking up the matter for construction of an RCC bridge over the creek between Kalighat and Nishchintapur village.
Nishchintapur village was settled by the Government in 1960. Even after a long period of time the Government has not made any arrangements for a road in Nishchintapur village, the Pradhan said. About 50 families live in this remote village. All the residents of this village requested the senior officials of the Government and Adminstration many times, but till date no work has been started to build a road to Nishchintapur. The main reason for this is a creek located between these two villages: Kalighat & Nachnapur. If a 48.60 meter long and 4 meter wide bridge is built on this creek, then the villagers will be able to make to and fro movement from Nishchintapur to Kalighat and vice versa comfortably, the Pradhan said. When the Administration asked APWD to prepare an estimate for construction of a bridge, the APWD reportedly prepared the estimate for a bridge more than 200 meters long in the style of a flyover bridge, the Pradhan said. Its construction will reportedly cost crores of rupees, he said in the letter. But if this Bridge is constructed near the Marine jetty, then only a 48.60 meter long bridge will have to be built, the Pradhan maintained. The people of Nishchintapur village have been commuting through this route since the beginning of their settlement and electric poles have also been laid by the Electricity Department along this route, the Pradhan claimed. Apart from this, the Divisional Forest Officer & Assistant Commissioner, Diglipur and other officials also inspected this route and gave their consent for this route, the Pradhan said. Apart from this, it has a 187 meter Deemed Forest Area and 139 meter area reserve forest and this forest area has not yet received no-objection certificate from the Forest Department, Mr. Mondal said. Furthermore, there are almost no mangroves on this route, as stated by the Pradhan.
The Kalighat GP Pradhan then urged the lone MP of A & N islands to pay a visit to the place and inspect the site and get the long cherished bridge constructed over the creek and bridge the gap between Kalighat and Nishchintapur and give the residents of Nishchintapur a relief, the Pradhan wrote in the letter as stated by him.

Rabindranath Biswas
Harinagar/Diglipur, Dec. 01: Shri Manojit Halder, Pradhan of Harinagar Gram Panchayat and Shri Dilip Kumar Das, PSM, Harinagar met with Ms. Jagtap Kalyani Rajendra (DANICS), Director of Fisheries on November 28, 2024 to discuss a number of key issues hitting the local fishing community.
According to information, the local fishermen have been facing predicaments owing to a plethora of issues such as delay in the Renewal of Fishing Boat licenses, unavailability of Subsidy on Fishing Equipment, non-existence of a Cold Storage Facility etc being the prime ones.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, the Pradhan GP Harinagar said that these are some of the basic issues which are directly affecting the local fishing community. Highlighting these points during the meeting, Mr. Halder and his colleague Mr. D.K. Das reportedly apprised the Director of Fisheries of the problems being faced by the fishermen owing to lengthy renewal process of their Fishing Boat licenses; in fact, it results in operational difficulties for fishermen thereby severely impacting their livelihood. The fishermen often have to reportedly bear the brunt of high price of fishing gear without subsidy, and hence they stressed the need to provide fishing gear at subsidized rates, aiming to bolster the economic stability of the fishing community, the Pradhan said. Another crucial area which the Pradhan along with his political associate raised and urged the Director of Fisheries to address is early establishment of a Cold Storage facility for local fishermen without which the fishermen have to encounter a number of hurdles, they said. They requested for setting-up of a Cold Storage Unit at the Superintendent Office in Billiground, utilizing the land already allotted to the Fisheries Department in Harinagar village. This facility would ensure proper preservation of the catch and significantly reduce post-harvest losses, they maintained.
The Director of Fisheries, on the other hand, reportedly attentively listened to the issues raised by the PRI elected members and assured them of prompt action to resolve these matters, Mr. Halder further said.

 

Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 29 : The Andaman & Nicobar Police have made critical advances in the investigation into India’s largest-ever drug seizure. A staggering 6,016 kilograms of methamphetamine was recovered from six Myanmarese nationals in a meticulously planned operation of the Andaman & Nicobar Police in close coordination with the Indian Coast Guard leading to arrest and seizure of Narco cartel members. As the probe unfolds, new and important findings are emerging, pointing to the scale and sophistication of the transnational drug network involved in this case.
In pursuit of investigation and further intelligence, a seven-day police remand was secured for the six Myanmar nationals. During this period, the accused have been subjected to rigorous joint interrogations. The questioning has yielded valuable insights that are expected to help uncover the entire truth and expose the drug cartel’s structure and reach.
As part of the investigative process, the seized Boat involved in the operation has undergone a thorough examination. This inspection revealed significant evidences, including several communication devices and notably, a Starlink satellite dish. The presence of this advanced technology, designed to provide seamless internet connectivity even in remote locations, underscores the cartel’s highly organized and transnational reach.
From the facts collected on record, of the master of the boat who is one of the major cartel member, it is established that he visited Tachileik, Myanmar on multiple occasions. Tachileik is located on Laos/Thai/China border trijunction and is the fulcrum of Meth trade of Golden Triangle. His movement pattern also shows visits to Kwathoung which is also a border town situated on the Myanmar-Thailand border. The GPS coordinates had Sumatra/Indonesia and Rangat/Neil Islands of Andaman & Nicobar Islands which is being further investigated.

The Andaman & Nicobar Police have also ensured strict compliance with legal and procedural requirements during the investigation. In strict adherence to the guidelines of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the sampling and certification of the 222 bags of methamphetamine were completed within an efficient 48-hour window.
The six Myanmar nationals remain under sustained interrogation, as investigators seek to dismantle the network responsible for orchestrating this elaborate smuggling operation. The Andaman & Nicobar Police, in collaboration with other national agencies, is working tirelessly to trace the full extent of the drug cartel’s activities, ensuring that every individual involved is brought to justice.
As investigations continue, the police remain resolute in their mission to protect the citizens and uphold the rule of law. The findings from this case will contribute significantly to broader efforts to combat drug trafficking across borders, reinforcing India’s stand against organized crime and realizing Hon’ble PM and Union Home Minister’s vision of “Nasha Mukt Bharat”.

 

Rabindranath Biswas
Kadamtala, Nov. 27: The presence of a crocodile in a pond of Mr. Bijoy Sheel of Fultala village under Gram Panchayat Kadamtala has created a panic for the entire Sheel family.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, Mr. Bijoy Sheel said that about one and half month ago a salt water strayed into his pond and started causing havoc. The crocodile might have swept into his 10-12 feet deep pond during the recent flooding caused by heavy rain in the area. The reptile has reportedly gobbled down all the fish in the pond and killed a number of ducks, Mr. Sheel said. “We are in tremendous panic, we usually take bath in our pond, but we have ceased to descend into the pond since the sighting of the crocodile lest it should attack us; our children are petrified of the one-and-half a meter long croc, while my octagerian father and elderly mother are the most vulnerable to the croc-attack, the panic-stricken Sheel said.” Expressing his deep anguish, he further said that the crocodile has eaten away all the fish worth of about one lakh rupees.
He reported the matter to the Forest Department with the request to capture and relocate the crocodile from his pond, he said. Accordingly, the concerned Forest Officials/staff visited Sheel’s pond for rescuing the crocodile. At first they tried to capture the reptile with a net, but when they reportedly failed to catch it, they brought a pump set for pumping out water and then capture the crocodile, but it also yielded no fruitful result. Then they reportedly aborted the rescue effort irresponsibly leaving the Sheel family in an awful situation, Mr. Sheel lamented. Mr. Bijoy Sheel went to the Range Office, Kadamtala to meet the Range Officer but he was reportedly unavailable in the Office, hence he couldn’t talk to him on the matter.
Mr. Sheel wants that the Administration should take immediate necessary steps in this regard and should capture & relocate the crocodile and provide relief to the Sheel family as well as to the reptile in no time, Mr. Bijoy Sheel added.

Rabindranath Biswas
Dasarathpur/Diglipur, Nov. 25: The residents of Dasarathpur and its adjoining areas under Dasarathpur Gram Panchayat have been facing severe commuting woes owing to the damaged and closed Bailey bridge at Magar Nallah for the last couple of years.
According to information, the Bailey bridge constructed by the APWD, Rangat is the lifeline for the villagers of Dasarathpur and its adjoining areas under Dasarathpur GP. The said Bailey Bridge after getting severely damaged has been lying closed for more than 5 yrs (since 2019), the residents of the region said. “The bridge was closed by APWD by welding pipes and bars across the entrance to prevent the entry of all kinds of vehicles and owing to which we have to take a long detour to transport our agricultural products” the locals of the area rued. A veteran resident of Dasarathpur said, “It was all right that the Magar Nallah Bailey Bridge was closed for safety reasons; but wasn’t it the responsibility of the concerned department to maintain/repair the bridge and restore it to usable condition? Wouldn’t the authorities acknowledge the plight we have been experiencing owing to the closure of the bridge since 2019?” And since the closure of the Bailey Bridge in question are impacting the daily lives of the residents of the region, the localites said that they are put in a grievous situation in medical emergency due to this damaged and closed bridge.
However, when Andaman Sheekha Daily contacted the Pradhan, GP Dasarathpur and wanted to know more on the matter, the Pradhan admitted that the residents of Dasarathpur and its adjoining areas have been suffering a lot owing to the damaged and closed Bailey Bridge at Magar Nallah. This bridge is the only direct route for the villagers, and its closure has forced them to take alternate and much longer routes, leading to significant hardship, time wastage and frustration. And worst affected are the school going children who have to take a detour through Mithila to reach their school(s) at Sabari; in fact, the link between Dasarathpur and Sabari snapped the day the damaged bridge was closed. Despite repeated representations and appeals by the villagers and elected representatives such as the Pradhan of Dasarathpur, no action has been taken by the administration to reconstruct the bridge, leaving the villagers to fend for themselves for nearly 05 years, she said.
As such, the villagers are deeply disheartened and feel that their genuine concerns are being reportedly ignored. Taking a great exception to the entire matter, a veteran of the area said on condition of anonymity, “The villagers expressed their disappointment over how their pleas for such a crucial infrastructure project have gone unheard and why the A & N Administration is turning a blind eye to their welfare and needs.” The residents, on the other hand, made an earnest request to the A & N Administration for the immediate reconstruction of the Magar Nallah Bailey bridge to eliminate the suffering especially their school going children are undergoing.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 25: On 25 Nov 24, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) of Andaman and Nicobar Command created history in the maritime domain in India by apprehending a Myanmarese Fishing boat named “Soe Wai Yan Htoo” in Andaman seas which was carrying approx. 5500 kgs of prohibited drug Methamphetamine along with one portable Inmarsat Satellite phone. The anticipated value of drug haul is expected to be thousands of crores, in international market.

Based on the pattern of operations in the past likely areas of Andaman Sea were kept under surveillance. As part of heightened surveillance measures, Headquarters Andaman and Nicobar Command maintained regular maritime aircraft missions. On 23 Nov 24, the Indian Coast Guard Dornier aircraft whilst on reconnaissance sortie detected a boat which was operating in suspicious manner. The information was passed on to the
Joint Operation Centre (JOC)/ HQANC, which subsequently deployed Fast Patrol Vessel, ICG Ship Aruna Asaf Ali captained by Commandant (JG) Ankit Sharma from Sri Vijaya Puram to intercept the suspicious Myanmarese boat.

The ICG ship despite prevailing rough sea conditions proceeded with best speed to intercept the suspicious Myanmarese boat. The ICG Ship intercepted the Myanmarese boat and shadowed till early morning of 24 Nov 24. The ship crew boarded the suspicious Myanmarese boat for investigation at 0630 hrs on 24 Nov 24 when the boat was 08 nm off Barren Island in Indian Territorial waters. The six-boat crew onboard were identified as Myanmarese nationals. During inspection of the boat, the ICG ship crew detected approx. 5500 kgs of white crystalline compound onboard along with one portable Inmarsat Satellite phone. The white crystalline compound was anticipated to be contraband and hence boat was apprehended. Subsequently boat was brought to Sri Vijaya Puram by 0500hrs on 25 Nov 24 for further investigation.
The initial inspection by local police and drug enforcement agencies at Sri Vijaya Puram identified the white compound as pure Methamphetamine worth approx. thousands of crores in international market, the apprehension is one of the biggest drug overhauls in Indian maritime history. This operation highlights unwavering commitment to safeguarding our territorial integrity and preventing the trafficking of illegal substances. The dedication and swift action of our teams involved in ensuring that such illicit activities do not compromise national security.

The Andaman and Nicobar Command remains vigilant and committed to ensuring the safety of the Andamans waters. Enhanced patrolling and intelligence-sharing continue to play a vital role in combating such crimes. The Apprehension of the Myanmarese boat with contraband through coordinated efforts of all components exemplifies the commitment of HQ ANC and reiterates the motto of HQ ANC “Sanghe Shakti” (“Together We are Stronger”).

 

Rabindranath Biswas
Rangat, Nov. 24: The Ultrasound Unit at CHC, Rangat has not been functioning since the last many months, causing hardships to the patients. The reason is the non-availability of the technician of the ultrasound machine.
According to information, the absence of ultrasound technician is forcing the poor patients of Rangat and adjoining areas to run from pillar to post. Talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, Smti. S. Laxmi Devi, Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Rangat said that she has been raising the issue of non-availability of technician of the ultrasound machine in CHC Rangat and urging the concerned authorities for an early appointment of a technician; but her pleas have fallen into deaf ears so far, she decried. Patients especially the expecting mothers who are recommended for an ultrasound after every trimester of pregnancy are awfully suffering owing to non-availability of technician of the ultrasound machine in the CHC Rangat, but the higher authorities of the Directorate of Health Services are least bothered about the gravity of the situation, she rued.
Meanwhile, the Andaman Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee President Shri. Rangalal Halder, has recently issued a formal request to the Director of Health Services, emphasizing the urgent need for a qualified Ultrasonography Machine Operator at the Community Health Center (CHC), Rangat.
In his appeal, Shri. Halder highlighted the dire need for skilled personnel to operate the ultrasonography equipment, which is currently unavailable to local patients due to the lack of a certified operator. He expressed concern over the impact this shortage has on timely diagnostic services, especially in crucial areas such as prenatal diagnostics and general sonographic imaging, both of which are essential for early detection and treatment.
The request underscores the importance of deploying a certified operator to CHC Rangat as a necessary step to support healthcare delivery in the region and to significantly improve the quality of medical services for the people of North & Middle Andaman, who rely on the CHC for accessible healthcare, the formal request further read.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 22: Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands and Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency today unveiled Policies related to Tourism activities & Guide to Direct Recruitment, SOP for North Cinque Island and Logo of A&N Administration in the conference hall of Raj Niwas here today.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Lt. Governor noted with appreciation that A&N Islands have done immensely well in the Rozgar Melas held from time to time by filling around 5400 posts in different Departments. At some occasion, A&N Islands stood first in the country for giving maximum number of appointment letters from a Single Centre during ‘Rozgar Mela’ conducted across the country. The Lt. Governor stated that he himself chaired the review meetings periodically regarding the recruitment process so that the entire recruitment process is completed in a time bound manner.
The Lt. Governor remarked that the most significant part of the recruitment process was that the entire process was done in an absolutely transparent manner and not a single complaint of malafide or corrupt practices has come up. The Lt. Governor congratulated the Chief Secretary and his entire team for conducting the recruitments in a time bound manner in A&N Islands.
Referring to the Tourism Policies, the Lt. Governor stated that the Tourism Department is coming up with unique & outstanding policies aimed at boosting the tourism sector in Isles. He underlined the need for proper publicity of these newly devised policies in the national and international level, so that the Islands get the maximum mileage in showcasing its tourism potential. He expressed the hope that the policies on Bird watching, Caravan Tourism, Luxury Tourism and Glamping Tourism will immensely help in attracting more tourists to these emerald Islands.
The Lt. Governor also appreciated the contributions made by the Chief Secretary in taking Islands on the path of progress.
In his address, the Chief Secretary stated that Tourism & Fisheries projects were constantly monitored during the review meetings held on every Saturday for its meaningful implementation as these two sectors have the potential to take these Islands on the path of economic development. He further stated that Tourism Department has selected 5 policies, out of which, 3 have been unveiled today and other two policies are in advanced stage which will be unveiled soon, he said.
In his opening remarks, the Secretary (Tourism), Shri Viswendra outlined the objectives and vision of the policies brought out by the Tourism Department of A&N Islands which included Policy of Development and Promotion of Luxury Tented Accommodation, Bird Watching Policy and Policy for Development and Promotion of Caravan Tourism. He also informed about the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Tourism in North Cinque Island. The purpose of framing of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Cinque Island is to ensure that operations in terms of issuing Wildlife Vessel/Ship Permit, Ship tickets, ferrying of tourists, basic amenities and facilities, environmental protection & conservation/ waste management etc. are managed efficiently, safely and sustainably.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri C. Arvind, Secretary (Perl.) gave a detailed account of the entire recruitment process and expressed his sincere gratitude towards Hon’ble Lt. Governor for providing necessary directions which has helped the A&N Administration to conduct the entire recruitment process smoothly and in a time-bound manner. He made a special mention of the Chief Secretary, Shri Keshav Chandra with whose periodic reviews and day-to-day supervision, the UT has been able to achieve the highest recruitments in a mission-mode over last two years resulting in employment opportunities for nearly 5400 unemployed youth. He also mentioned the untiring and relentless efforts and team spirit shown by the R & E Section of the Secretariat for making the entire recruitment process and this massive exercise possible in a time-bound manner with full transparency and merit-based.
Proposing the vote of thanks, the Director (Tourism), Shri Azharuddin Zahiruddin Quazi, IAS expressed his gratitude to the Lt. Governor for unveiling the Policies related to Tourism activities, Guide to Direct Recruitment and SOP of North Cinque Island and Logo of A&N Administration. The Director further stated that these initiatives represent a remarkable stride towards sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship. They not only address the growing interest in eco-tourism and experiential travel but also promise to boost the socio-economic fabric of our region while preserving its natural beauty and cultural heritage. These policies are not just initiatives—they are transformative steps toward positioning our region as a hub for responsible and innovative tourism. “We are excited about the immense potential they hold to create economic opportunities, promote local culture, and protect our invaluable natural resources”, he added.
The Logo for Andaman & Nicobar Administration which was unveiled today conveys historic legacy of A&N Islands and the essence of the Government’s thrust towards infrastructure thereby contributing towards ‘Viksit Bharat’. The Logo designed by an Island’s well known Designer, Shri Jag Jeevan Ram represents the historical legacy – Cellular Jail, Flora and Fauna of the Islands i.e. Mangroves, State Animal Dugong and Narcondam Hornbill, Infrastructures – Veer Savarkar International Airport Terminal Building, International Container Tans-shipment Terminal (ICTT) Great Nicobar, Azad Hind Fauz Setu (Uttara) connecting Gandhi Ghat & Uttara in Middle Andaman and Solar Panels representing a paradigm shift in renewable energy sources.

Rabindranath Biswas
Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov. 21: The residents of Macca Pahad village Ward No. 02 under Gram Panchayat Beodnabad are wrestling with the water scarcity problem owing to non-existence of a water pipeline in the region.
According to information, the delay in laying pipelines in Macca Pahad village Ward No. 02 under Gram Panchayat Beodnabad has worsened the drinking water crisis in the region. Talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, Shri Paramasivam, Pradhan, GP Beodnabad said that the villagers and public are struggling due to the lack of pipeline water supply in the area. People here lack access to safe water and have to trek a long distance to fetch water from wells and nearby nallahs and are forced to use the water for drinking as well as domestic purposes, the Pradhan claimed. The residents of Chidiyatapu are facing the similar kind of problems, the Pradhan said. The villagers approached the concerned Officials of the APWD multiple times to solve the water crisis but to no avail; till date the water problem has not been resolved, the Pradhan decried. Furthermore, the GP also approached APWD and met with various Officials right from the concerned Junior Engineer to the concerned Executive Engineer but the problem hasn’t been resolved till date, the Pradhan maintained. In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, the Pradhan him of the grim situation of the water in the region and urged the CS to impress upon the concerned authority/Dept. to redress the problem by laying the pipelines and extending water-tap connections to the households in the region, the Pradhan informed. However, laying of pipeline has been recently sanctioned in certain areas under GP Beodnabad but pipe laying work has not yet started yet while more than half area is still to get the nod from the department, the Pradhan further said.