Port Blair, May 30:In exercise of the power conferred under M.V. Act 1988 (Act No.59 of 1988) read with Administrations Notification No./2008/F.No.32-95/2008-TR dated 10th March, 2008, the District Magistrate, South Andaman District has notified for the information of all concerned that the counting process of the General Election for the 18thLok Sabha will be held on 4th June 2024 at JNRM Complex and for this purpose, the following diversion have been made for the smooth flow of vehicular traffic:
• Pickets/barricades will be placed at Sinclair Junction, South Point Circuit House Junction, Govt. Press, Machi Line, RK Mission and Girls School Junction at 0400 hrs till the end of the counting process.
• No vehicles shall be allowed to cross the above picket/barricade points except vehicles having necessary passes as issued by the DC (SA) Office to enter the Counting Centre area i.e. JNRM from 0400 hrs.
• Vehicles without passes shall be parked on both sides of the Mahavir Singh road upto Dharamsala crossing. Two wheelers on left side from Dharamsala Junction to Girls School Junction. Four wheeler can also be parked on right side of the above route and at the parking lot near Swimming pool and in front of velodrome.
• No vehicle to be parked in between Old Scout Hut to Girls School Traffic Point, a notification issued by ADM (SA) said.
Member of Parliament proposes Introduction of Insurance Policy for Visiting Tourists
Port Blair, May 29: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has proposed introduction of Insurance Policy for Visiting Tourists to minimize losses suffered by tourism stakeholders and tourists for cancellation of flights or ferries.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration, the Member of Parliament mentioned that recent incidents of cancellation of several flights between Port Blair and Kolkata as well as Chennai Sectors have highlighted the pressing need for a robust mechanism to protect both tourists and local tourism stakeholders from the significant losses and inconveniences caused by such events.
He pointed out that Andaman and Nicobar Islands are highly susceptible to natural disasters like cyclones, earthquakes, and heavy rainfall. These incidents often lead to tourists getting stranded, disrupted travel plans, and financial hardships for both visitors and local businesses.
Referring to an earlier letter on the same subject written by the Member of Parliament to the Chief Secretary last year, the Member of Parliament mentioned that tourists frequently face difficulties with altered shipping schedules, flight cancellations, room shortages, and adverse weather conditions, leading to missed flights and unexpected expenses. This not only causes distress to the visitors but also impacts the reputation of our tourism industry.
He added that local hotel owners and tour operators often bear the brunt of these disruptions, accommodating tourists at minimal profit or even for free. This compassionate gesture, while commendable, results in financial setbacks for them. Additionally, such situations tarnish the Andaman Tourism brand and affect the business of concerned tour operators.
To address these issues, he proposed the introduction of an insurance policy for tourists, in collaboration with private players. Such policies, available at a nominal cost (e.g., Rs. 100 or Rs. 200), could be offered to tourists upon their arrival.
“These insurance policies would cover unforeseen expenses arising from natural calamities, thereby safeguarding tourists, hotel owners, and tour operators from financial losses,” he added.
The Member of Parliament mentioned that implementing this policy would align Andaman and Nicobar Islands with many foreign countries, especially small island nations, that mandate travel insurance to protect visitors during natural disasters.
“This approach would not only provide peace of mind to tourists but also ensure the stability and resilience of our local tourism industry. By doing so, we can significantly enhance the safety and satisfaction of tourists while supporting the financial well-being of our local tourism operators,” he said.
Encroachment Eviction Drive continues in N & M Andaman
Port Blair, May 28: The District Administration of North and Middle Andaman (N&MA) today conducted an eviction drive to address fresh encroachments on government land. Under the directive of Deputy Commissioner Shri Dilkhush Meena, IAS, the Revenue Department officials executed the drive in the Harinagar village under Mayabunder Tehsil.
During this operation, encroachments in the form of banana plantation, Coconut sappling and arecanut plantations were cleared. The affected land covering approximately 3500 Sq. Mtrs, was successfully restored to the government’s possession. This initiative is part of a broader policy of zero tolerance towards encroachment, and similar actions are planned for other villages in the district.
The public is urged to report any instances of encroachment to the Revenue Department, reinforcing community involvement in maintaining lawful land use. This eviction drive underscores the administration’s commitment to preserving government land and ensuring its proper use.
Member of Parliament applauds New 21 Bus Inductions, Seeks allocation of a few for remote Islands of Nicobar District
Port Blair, May 27: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma requested the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration to allocate a few newly procured buses for left out remote Islands of Nicobar District.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration the Member of Parliament appreciated the Administration for the recent induction of 21 newly procured buses by Andaman and Nicobar Administration into service.
He said that this commendable initiative will undoubtedly enhance the public transportation system and significantly benefit the residents of our islands.
As per the details provided, as per his knowledge 4 new buses will be sent to Diglipur, 3 each in Mayabunder, Rangat, Baratang, Ferrargunj, and Port Blair, while Car Nicobar and Hutbay STS Units will each receive 1 bus.
“This strategic deployment is a positive step towards improving connectivity and accessibility across our region,” he said.
However, I would like to take this opportunity to urge the administration to consider the unique challenges faced by the residents of remote Islands Nicobar District. Given the geographical remoteness and the absence of alternative transportation facilities, the public in these areas is entirely dependent on State Transport Service (STS) buses for their daily commuting needs. The current allocation, while beneficial, may not fully meet the high demand and critical need for reliable transportation in these underserved regions.
In light of this, he requested the Chief Secretary to allocate a few new STS buses in the left out Tribal Islands of Nicobar District.
He mentioned that increasing the number of buses in these remote areas will not only address the transportation needs of the Islanders but also contribute to the overall socio-economic development by facilitating better access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for the Tribal People.
Distant Cautionary Signal-I Hoisted at Port Blair Port; Fishermen Advised Not to Venture into Sea Till May 27
Port Blair, May 26:Distant Cautionary Signal-I has been hoisted at Port Blair port. Squally weather with gusty surface wind exceeding 45 kmph is very likely to be along and off Andaman & Nicobar coast. Sea condition is very likely to be rough to very rough. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea till May 27 or further notice.
For further enquiries / information, one may contact helpline of State Emergency Operation Centre at Helpline No. 1070 & District Emergency Operation Centre at Helpline No. 1077. For any emergency/assistance at sea, call Coast Guard SAR Agency at Toll Free number 1554.
Chief Secretary inaugurates new ‘Mini Bus Terminus’ at Campbell Bay
Port Blair, May 24: The State Transport Department is focused towards providing reliable, comfortable and sustainable Public Transport to the general public of these Islands. To further achieve these goals, the Department has constructed a new ‘Mini Bus Terminus’ at Campbell Bay. The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS as the chief guest inaugurated the Bus Terminus through virtual mode at a brief function held in the conference hall of A&N Secretariat today.
The Commissioner-cum-Secretary(Transport), A&N Administration, Shri Nikhil Kumar, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, A&N Administration, Smt. Nandini Paliwal, IAS, the Secretary, Transport, Shri Vishwendra, Senior Officers of the A&N Administration were present on the occasion while, the AC Campbell Bay, HoDs of the Line Department and general public of Campbell Bay participated in the event through virtual mode.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary congratulated the people of Campbell Bay for getting a very architecturally designed spacious infrastructure in the form of a ‘Mini Bus Terminus’ and also appreciated all the officers of the Transport and PWD Departments for devising the plan and timely execution of the project. The Chief Secretary further said that though the number of buses in Campbell Bay is presently11but it will be increased gradually in the coming years. He appreciated the effort of the Transport Department in providing the much needed facility for the people of the Southernmost Island of A&N archipelago. The Chief Secretary said, now the people of Campbell Bay can avail buses for different locations from the newly built Bus Terminus and comfortably access buses, especially during the rainy season.
The Chief Secretary further urged the Transport Department for better upkeep/maintenance of the newly created asset. He also urged people of Campbell Bay to make better use of this facility and keep the new Mini Bus Terminus building premises spick and span.
The Chief Secretary also interacted with the Assistant Commissioner, Campbell Bay through virtual mode and enquired about the additional requirement with regard to Transport Department at Campbell Bay.
Earlier, welcoming the Chief Secretary and others present on the occasion, the Secretary (Transport), Shri Vishwendra said that STS Campbell Bay is having a fleet strength of 11 buses operating in 6 routes with an average daily ridership of 710 passengers. Bus Terminus, Campbell Bay is a vital element of multimodal transport that would contribute to people’s accessibility to places with the modes of travel. It would interconnect particularly for pedestrians, ship bound passengers and automobiles critical to enhancing people’s overall accessibility to the bus network, people’s transferability within the bus network, key modes connecting bus service network to other mobility networks and ultimately people’s ability to reach their desired destination, he said.
The Secretary further said that for the construction of Bus Terminus with waiting hall and transit accommodation at STS Unit Campbell Bay, an amount of Rs.2.38 Crs. has been incurred. The new Terminal Building has a provision of waiting hall for 100 passengers and two Bus Parking Bays, Oil Room, Office Room, Garage, Enquiry Counter in the ground floor and RTO Office in the first floor. Apart from this, it has also provision for Officers Room, Transit Accommodation in the form of dormitory having ten beds with kitchen and Store Room, he added.
The Director, Transport, Dr. Jatinder Sohal proposed the vote of thanks on the occasion.
The completion and inauguration of Mini Bus Terminus would promote the holistic development in this far flung Island which would make the Public Transport System organized, fully integrated and inter-modal allowing travellers and freight to switch seamlessly between modes and across the Island. It would ensure convenient, economic, reliant and safe mobility to local populace such as school children, office staff and patient for health purpose. It would improve the living standards of the citizens, reduce logistic cost, create avenues for employment and catalyze economic development by boosting travel & trade.
Police Station Aberdeen Seizes 2.85kgs of Illicit Ganja & 15 Gms of Methamphetamine and arrests 02 Peddlers
Port Blair, May 23: Continuing our commitment to eradicating the illegal drug trade and keeping our community safe, Police Station Aberdeen under South Andaman District seized 2.8 Kgs of illicit Ganja & 15 gms of Methamphetamine and arrested 02 peddlers including an engineering drop out and a travel agent.
On 20.05.24, credible information was received that an individual named Kartick, working in a Pharmacy in Buniyadabad was in possession of illicit Ganja at his residence in Middle Point and intended to sell it at a lucrative price. Upon receipt of this information, a team comprising SI P. Jeevan, HC Vinod Kumar, PCs Jairaj, P Mohd Rafique, Jagdish Babu & Mamta was constituted under the guidance of Inspector Mithun Kirtania, I/c PS Aberdeen. The team augmented by two independent witnesses and conducted raid on the house of accused Kartick. During the personal search, 15 gms of Methamphetamine was recovered and from the house 250 gms of Ganja was recovered in 10 plastic pouches, each containing 25 gms along with ₹ 27,400/ – cash, digital weighing machine and packaging materials.
The accused Kartick was arrested under NDPS Act and investigation of the case was entrusted to SI Prakash Kr. Shivhare. During interrogation, Kartick revealed that, he is involved in illegal drug peddling in partnership with Mahesh R/o Junglighat who runs a travel agency namely Travel with Andaman from his home, Mahesh is a BCA graduate from JNRM college in the year 2021. Mahesh brought this from mainland to sell in the local market at higher price. They both prepare several pouches of 25 gms each and sold each pouch at ₹ 5,000/-. Kartick also disclosed that the remaining Ganja was kept in his personal locker at his work place. Based on this confession 2.6 kgs of illicit Ganja was recovered in 60 plastic pouches each containing 25 gms (total – 1.5kg) and on sealed pack of 1.1 kg from the personal locker at his work place (pharmacy in Buniyadabad). The recovered illicit Ganja was seized on the spot after observing all formalities. In the meantime, Mahesh atempted to remove or conceal the drug from the Pharmacy, but he failed and got arrested under NDPS Act for his partnership in the crime.
A total of 2.85 Kgs of illicit Ganja and 15 gms of Methamphetamine were seized during this operation, which was conducted under the direct supervision of Smti Yogita Sharma, DANIPS, SDPO (SA) and overall supervision of Smti Niharika Bhatt, IPS, Superintendent of Police, South Andaman District.
The district police follow a policy of zero tolerance towards any organized crime. The general public is requested to inform about any credible information pertaining to sale or possession of contrabands or any other illegal activity on the following telephone numbers- 100, 03192-232400 & 03192-236641. In case of emergency, general public can call- 112 for any assistance. The identity of the informer will be kept secret.
Swift Response By PS Diglipur: Suspects Arrested And Stolen Goods Recovered in Sitanagar Theft
Port Blair, May 22: Two complaints regarding housebreaking and theft of household articles and a mobile phone were received from two house owners in the Sitanagar area at PS Diglipur. Subsequently, two cases under relevant sections of the IPC were registered at PS Diglipur. Acting promptly, Inspr. K Binoj formed a special investigative team led by SI Dheeraj Kishen, including SI Abdul Shakil, HC V.M. Prasad, PCs Michael Paul, Devsai Toppo, and Aboobaker Siddque, to trace the accused.
The team conducted an extensive search for the culprits involved in the theft, alerted informers, and gathered intelligence. As a result of the team’s diligent efforts, they identified a person, namely Suraj Mazumder @ Gullu, as the prime suspect, and found that a CCL (Child in conflict with Law) was also involved in the theft. Acting swiftly, they devised a plan and successfully apprehended the accused and the CCL. Following the arrest of Suraj Mazumdar, he was subjected to a thorough interrogation, during which he admitted his involvement in both thefts. As a result of the team’s diligent efforts, the stolen properties were successfully recovered from the accused.
The police commend the community’s cooperation and highlight the importance of swift action and collaboration in securing justice. The recovered items and evidence will be crucial in the legal proceedings against the accused.
The general public is requested to pass and share any credible information pertaining to any crime or illegal activities to their nearest police station or over phone No.100, 112 & 03192-273344. The identity of the informers will be kept secret and will also be suitably rewarded.
Swift Action by PS Mayabunder Leads to Arrest and Recovery in Temple Theft
Port Blair, May 21: A complaint of theft at Mayabunder Kali Temple was reported at PS Mayabunder. Upon this, a special team, led by Inspector P.K. Abdul Arif, SHO, PS Mayabunder, including HC N.K.K. Kerketta as the Investigating Officer, was formed to trace the offender.
Through thorough site inspections and careful analysis of CCTV footage, the team identified a person, namely Nayan Bar, as the prime suspect. Acting swiftly, they devised a plan and successfully apprehended Nayan Bar. Following his arrest, Nayan Bar was subjected to thorough interrogation, during which he admitted his involvement in the theft at the temple. As a result of the team’s diligent efforts, the accused has been put behind bars, and the stolen amount was successfully recovered from Nayan Bar’s possession.
The police commend the community’s cooperation and highlight the importance of swift action and collaboration in securing justice. The recovered items and evidence will be crucial in the legal proceedings against the accused.
The general public is requested to pass and share any credible information pertaining to any crime or illegal activities to their nearest police station or over phone No.100, 112 & 03192-273344. The identity of the informers will be kept secret and will also be suitably rewarded.
Member of Parliament demands Permanent Solution to Prolonged Power Cuts in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Port Blair, May 19: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested a Permanent Solution to Prolonged Power Cuts in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration, the Member of Parliament mentioned that in almost every part of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, people are facing multiple power cuts lasting several hours, making daily life exceedingly difficult.
He added that the temperature in these islands has risen sharply in the months of March, April and May, exacerbating the discomfort caused by these power cuts, especially during the summer vacation period.
The Member of Parliament mentioned that due to power cuts, small business owners, who cannot afford generators or inverters, are finding it extremely challenging to maintain their operations under these circumstances.
Given the severity of this issue, he requested the Chief Secretary to urgently address this matter and find a permanent solution to the power crisis that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands face almost every year.
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