Staff Correspondent
Port Blair, Feb 13: A press release issued by Andaman and Nicobar Administration dated 22nd July 2014 had triggered a new hope in the heart of Islanders, which said that works on bridges at Middle Strait and Humphry Strait to start by January 2015 and the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Shipping, Mr. Nitin Gadkari has agreed to lay foundation stone for these two bridges during January 2015.
The Press Release had said that “the works on bridges at Middle Strait and Humphry Strait shall commence by January 2015. In this connection, a meeting was held with the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari, in New Delhi, on July 18, 2014, regarding early commencement of two bridges at Middle Strait and Humphry Strait. Shri Gadkari has agreed to lay foundation stone for these two bridges during January 2015.”
Sadly according to the itinerary released by PIB about the Minister’s present visit, there is no such mention of laying foundation stone for the two crucial bridges of ATR.
If constructed, Middle Strait and Humphry Strait bridges will complete the Andaman Trunk Road, which presently has two breaks at Middle Strait and Humphry Strait, where vehicles and public have to take a vehicle-ferry. Andaman Trunk Road, which connects Port Blair with North and Middle Andaman is the life line of A and N Islands and since last several decades people have been demanding for these two bridges.
People of North and Middle Andaman have expressed deep disappointment in this regard.
However the good news is Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will address a Public Meeting at Bambooflat and Bridge or Tunnel between Bambooflat and Chatham will be his main topic.
Excavator overturned; two sustain minor injuries
Shaban Fazil
Port Blair, Feb 12: An excavator today overturned at Stewart Gunj while clearing fallen tree from a road stretch. According to reports both the driver and cleaner sustained minor injuries in this accident and were reportedly under influence of alcohol. The accident resulted in road jam.
Shortage of Homeopathic Doctors upset patients at AYUSH Hospital
Amit Halder
Port Blair, Feb 11: It seems that when people of these Islands have started reposing faith in traditional medicines, the Directorate of Health Services is trying to disappoint the patients by showing less care towards AYUSH Hospital.
Earlier AYUSH was shifted to a remote corner of the city with little connectivity and now there is a shortage of Doctors. As per information this hospital is too small to accommodate such a large number of patients. There is no sufficient space for patients to sit and wait for their turn. The area is very congested with less breathing space.
Even though there is mad rush in front of Ayurvedic and Homeopathic Doctors, those posted here seems to be much less than what is needed for in a referral Hospital. As per information, till recently there used to be four Homeopathic Doctors catering to the demands of the patients. Children form major part of Homeopathic patients.
Patients complain that even when these four Doctors were not enough to cater to their increasing demand, one Doctor was withdrawn. Now again another Doctor is on leave, but there is no replacement for him.
Patients are suffering due to Step motherly treatment towards AYUSH Hospital by Directorate of Health Services, which is now leading to chaotic situation in AYUSH Hospital. Lack of proper parking place in and out of AYUSH Hospital is another problem awaiting every patient visiting this hospital.
The Director of Health Service was not available immediately for a comment in this regard.
Billyground: Villagers protest allotment of School ground for marriage functions:::Will administration bow to pressure of two journalists?
Trinath
Billyground, Feb 10: Bigotry in allotment of community halls for social functions and use the Billyground playground for marriage reception has lately become a cause of dispute for not only officials of the North and Middle Andaman Administration but for journalists alike.
While local of Billyground have been protesting against grant of permission for Billyground playground for marriage functions in the interest of students and ensuring proper sanitation in the premise, two local journalists have allegedly struck an under-hand deal to thwart the efforts of the gullible residents.
According to sources, a Billyground based reporter approached the Headmaster of Billyground School for issuing permission to utilise the school playground for his marriage reception scheduled on the 15th of this month. After villagers protested against the grant of permission for threat of insanitation and garbage accumulation, the top officials of the North and Middle Andaman administration initially assured necessary action.
Sooner, a lady of Billyground informed the matter to a Port Blair based Journalist, who too intervened into the matter and strongly urged the Pradhan, Harinagar and the DEO for not allowing the use of the school playground for private functions. But within hours the Port Blair based journalist, for reasons unknown, took a U Turn and latter started advocating in favour of the Billyground based reporter.
“Such illegal activities have become rampant in this region. Some self-proclaimed journalists instead of working for the society, have become devoted to individual interests. Under pressure from such groups, even officials of the local administration recommend use of school playground for private functions,” claim sources.
According to information, Billyground in Middle Andaman has two Community Halls – one each at Billyground Bazar and other at Jaipur (Korang Nallah) under Harinagar Gram Panchayat.
Though constructed for public benefit incurring lakhs of rupees, strangely just the Community Hall at Jaipur is allotted for marriage and other social functions. The community hall at Billyground Bazar, for reasons best known to authorities, is strictly reserved and never allotted for socials function. Failing to book the Bazar Community Hall, villagers often approach the Headmaster of Billyground School for obtaining permission to utilise the school playground for marriage function.
However since the launch of the Swachh Bharat Campaign, the trend has witnessed a sharp decline as villagers have committed themselves for the cause of school students and to ensure proper sanitation in the school premises.
However in the instant case, it remains to be seen whether the North and Middle Andaman Administration bows to the pressure to two journalists hand-in-glove for vested interests.
Patient Karuna Roy proceeds for Treatment, leaves Rangat
Senthil Kumar
Rangat, Feb 06: The heart patient of Rangat, Mrs. Karuna Roy, has left Rangat today for Port Blair, from where she will be proceeding for specialized treatment at Puducherry.
The patient is suffering from Heart Disease since one year and she has to undergo mitral valve replacement at mainland hospital, which costs approximately Rs. 2.00 Lakhs.
Today Dr. Bindu Kumar and Dr. Tangaswamy, both vice president of Andaman Sai Seva Samity, Rangat unit handed over a cheque of Rs. 35,000 to the patient on behalf of Andaman Sai Samity Rangat unit, in the presence of Dr. Mary Ann Phenn, Medical Officer, CHC Rangat.
Earlier, the Sai Seva Samity, A & N Islands had arranged a sum of Rs. 1,35,000 for the patient.
LG visits Diglipur
Inaugurates ‘Vikas Mela’ & RCC Bridge at Sitanagar, also laid foundation stone of Khudirampur Dam
Port Blair, Feb 2: The Lt Governor Lt Gen A K Singh (Retd), has said that hard work, commitment and persistence of the people of Diglipur since their settlement have made this place a heaven in the last 60 years. “For us, the people of N & M Andaman are equally important as other areas and will be given adequate attention and the Administration will ensure that people living in this part of the Islands get their due in a proper manner”, observed the Lt Governor. He was speaking after inaugurating the ‘Vikas Mela’ at Netaji ground, Diglipur on 1st Feb 2015.
Referring to ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ initiative of our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi which was launched in Haryana recently, the Lt Governor complimented the people of Diglipur for their significant achievement and an outstanding record as regard the gender ratio (1000M : 1041F) thus setting an example for the rest of the country to emulate. “People from the rest of the country should visit Diglipur to see how women are being encouraged, empowered and respected, he said. Stating that during the last 20 months, the focus of the Administration was to ensure that basic rights are provided to the people of the Islands, he said that under the able leadership of our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, development initiatives have taken a big leap forward and the Islands should join in taking forward the development initiatives, observed the Lt Governor. He further added that our efforts will be to ensure that our Islands get all benefits provided by the Central Govt.
Dwelling on various achievements and visible progress made by the Administration during the last 20 months, he said that by April 2015 the bandwidth connectivity will increase three fold from 345 mbps to 1 gbps, which will improve the internet, 2-G services and mobile connectivity. This will be completed in the next 3-4 months. As a long term measure, the Govt of India has approved the proposal for an undersea cable from Chennai to Port Blair. This will be completed within the next 2-3 years.
On the Health front, the Lt Governor informed that a medical college with 100 seats will start functioning this year, of which 70 island students would be offered admission. This will also improve the availability of specialists and super specialists in the Islands. He further informed the gathering about the launch of ‘Andaman and Nicobar Islands Scheme for Health Insurance’ which will provide cover for referral patients going to mainland for treatment and whose annual income is not more than three lakhs. The Lt Governor complimented the efforts of the Hon’ble MP, Shri B P Ray for vigorously pursuing this scheme.
Turning to Education, he said a new college has become functional with 360 students on its rolls. Besides posts of teachers which were lying vacant for the last several years were filled-up in which 90 percent of the candidates selected were locals, he said. “We have to provide our children the best quality education through modern means such as internet and through smart education”, he said.
As regard connectivity, he said our efforts will be to shift people from sea to air journey. In the future we want to move more and more people through air connectivity. For achieving this, various steps are being taken up by the Administration. A flight service was introduced between Port Blair and Car Nicobar. A chartered flight was introduced in January this year between Port Blair and Chennai, which facilitates with tickets at cheaper rates. There is a proposal to introduce chartered flights between Port Blair-Kolkata and Port Blair-Vizag as soon as aircrafts and pilots are available with Air India. The work on extension of the runway at Shibpur at Diglipur will be taken up soon. In the same manner, extension of the airstrip at Campbell Bay has started, he said.
Turning to Art & Culture, the Lt Governor said that the cultural programme presented by school children of Diglipur reflected that the children of Diglipur are immensely talented. He announced a grant of Rs 1 lakh each to the three schools of Diglipur which presented the cultural programme. The amount will be used by the schools for generating encouragement among the children in art & culture. He also informed that efforts will be made to open a branch of Kala Kendra at Diglipur.
The Lt Governor also informed that from March onwards, the Deputy Commissioners of the all the three Districts will be provided Rs 1 crore each for payment of immediate compensation to the victims of disaster. He directed the DC (N&M Andaman) to provide compensation to people who suffered loss in the recent heavy rain at Diglipur. The people should get the compensation within 15 days of disaster, he observed.
On Tourism, he called upon people and PRI representatives to submit concrete proposals for tourism projects for Diglipur. The Administration will encourage tourism projects in that area, he said and informed that an eco-friendly resort will be developed in Long island. In the same manner, a tourism circuit will be made up to N& M Andaman. On the demand of the people for increasing the frequency of cargo vessels to Diglipur, he directed the Shipping Department to work-out a plan in this regard. Directions were also given to the Shipping Department to work out a plan to have boat service once in a week between Port Blair-Havelock-Diglipur.
About the strategic importance of the Islands, the Lt. Governor said that all this while, these Islands have been treated as a strategic outpost. Time has come when we should take a leap out from a strategically important outpost to become a ‘spring board’ for the country’s ‘Look East-Act East’ policy. The Lt. Governor also spoke about the ‘Swachch Bharat Abhiyan’, an initiative of the Prime Minister and appealed to the people of Diglipur to join hands and make this programme a great success. The Lt Governor also touched on issues such as organic farming, enhancing milk production and preventing suicide cases.
Earlier, the Lt Governor laid the foundation stone of a dam at Khudirampur. The work for the construction of the dam will begin in March after getting all the clearances and will be completed in three years time. The Lt Governor also inaugurated a RCC bridge at Sitanagar, Diglipur. This bridge will ensure free movement of people and vehicular traffic and has been completed in 15 month’s time by the local PRIs.
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the RCC bridge, the Lt Governor lauded the efforts of the PRI members for understanding the problems of the 150 families residing in the area. He said that construction of the bridge is a perfect example of involvement of PRIs in mitigating the problems and grievances of the people living in rural areas. The LG also asked the DC to provide a playground for children of ‘Model School’.
Speaking at the RCC bridge inauguration function, the Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Shri B. P. Ray thanked the contractors and engineers of APWD for the good work. He said a proposal for the Ranchi community has been sent to the Ministry for including them under ST category. He also informed about the rapid progress being made in the area of education. Days of school children writing with chalks and pencil is coming to an end, he said and underlined the need for imparting education to the students through smart classes. Under the new education setup, smart classes are conducted by way of animations, power point presentations etc. He informed that 42 schools of the islands are connected with VSAT facilities.
On 2nd February 2015, the Lt Governor visited Ross & Smith, a tourist spot. He directed the Forest Department to improve the boat services for the tourists.
The Chief Secretary, Shri Anand Prakesh, Adhyaksh, Zilla Parishand, N&M Andaman, Shri K Srinivasan, PRI members, officers of the Administration and people of the area were present.
GIFT, SOUVENIR OR BRIBE? ::::Customs Officer arrested with Johnnie Walker bottles and foreign currency from Port Blair Airport
Saket Lal & Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Jan 30: Mr. Swapan Kumar Majumdar, Superintendent of Customs, posted in A & N Islands has been arrested from Port Blair Airport by the Immigration and CID unit of Andaman and Nicobar Police today, when large amount of foreign made liquor bottles and some foreign currency have been found from his luggage.
According to reports the CID team had information that the Customs Superintendent is allegedly accepting foreign goods and currencies as gift or complements from foreigners, who are visiting Andaman in foreign Yachts or other foreign ships.
Today when Mr. Swapan Kumar Majumdar was heading for Kolkata, the CID team requested CISF officials to check the luggage of Mr. Majumdar after which five, one litre bottles of Johnnie Walker Black Level (made in Scotland), five cane of Beer Heineken beer, one foreign cigarette packets and a few other foreign items were found from his luggage.
The CID and Immigration team immediately reached the scanning site along with the Dy.S.P (CID) Mr. Subodh Goswami. The Customs Superintendent was requested show his purse for further check as CID team had information that the officer is also in possession of foreign currencies. The team was headed by Inspector Solomon Samuel. Other members of the team consist of SI Jyothi Chatwal, Head Constable Ajay Kumar, Constable Venkateshwar and another staffs of Bomb Disposal Squad.
Eye witnesses say that during check 250 Euros, 50 US dollars and 50 Australian Dollars have been found from the purse of Mr. Majumdar.
The Customs Superintendent, Mr. Swapan Kumar Majumdar was proceeding to Kolkata by Go Air flight but was later arrested.
As accepting foreign goods and currencies as gift is also a crime for Government Servants, the CID team may also register a case against Customs Superintendent under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
“General Public is requested to pass such information about illegal activities on the following telephone numbers 233307, 232586, 100, 9434288536 & 9434289985. The informer will be rewarded suitably and his/her identity will be kept secret,” a police release said here.
A market that threats life of General Public::::Instead ban Republic Day Market at Aberdeen Bazaar gets huge response
Staff Correspondent
Port Blair, Jan 28: The Republic Day Market was banned several years back at Ratnam Market Road considering threat of stampede and total blockage of Port Blair city’s main road. Instead the authorities used to allow the same market at ITF ground but this year due to unknown reason the RD Market was allowed at Ratnam Market road, putting lives of thousands of people at risk.
Local media in several occasions in past had highlighted that the said road is not fit for such huge market as a simple panic or rumour can trigger a stampede killing thousands of people.
The said road stretch does not have sufficient space for exit and a stampede will surely mean disaster.
Considering these all facts the market was moved to ITF venue in past but this year again authorities allowed such flee market, which attracted thousands of people between afternoon to late night on 26 January 2015.
Besides risking life of General Public the market left behind heap of garbage everywhere. Garbage, empty plastic packets, waste papers could be seen upto Mohanpura Vegetable market till morning.
LG to visit Diglipur on 1st February
DJ Venkatesh
Diglipur, Jan 28: The Lt Governor, Lt General A K Singh (Retd) is scheduled to visit Diglipur on 1st February 2015. As per unconfirmed report, after his arrival at Diglipur by Pawan Hans Helicopter he will visit Khudirampur and unveil the plaque of Khudirampur Dam and then declare open a Bridge at Sitanagar. In the evening the Lt. Governor is scheduled to inaugurate Diglipur Vikas Mela. On 2nd February the Lt. Governor is scheduled to visit Ross and Smith Island. This visit, which was earlier scheduled on 14th January 2015 was cancelled due to bad weather.
Drunken Cop’s Car hit CS’s Car; Arrested and placed under suspension
Saket Lal
Port Blair, Jan 21: A cop, who was allegedly driving his car under influence of liquor, today hit the Car of the Chief Secretary of A & N Administration, infront of the Secretariat Gate. According to sources the Chief Secretary was returning back from Mainland, when the incident took place.
According to police the Chief Secretary did not sustain any injuries but the hit was so powerful that the Alto Car the police constable, Mr. Uttam Kumar Karmakar was driving, got serious damaged. The car of Chief Secretary also got damages on the front left side.
As per report the Police Jawan, posted in DG Banglow, was first arrested and then was released on bail. He has also been placed under suspension, sources said.
This is the second such case in city, earlier in 2014 December end another cop under influence of liquor had hit many vehicles and injured a number of people, including the former Chairperson of PBMC, Mr. K Ganeshan, at Phoenix Bay. If Cops set such examples, what can we expect from others?