Port Blair, Feb 23: The Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) along with Makruzz is participating in the prestigious South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) exhibition, currently underway in Greater Noida.
Led by its esteemed President, Shri. M Vinod, a delegation from AATO is actively engaging with industry stakeholders and visitors to highlight the unmatched beauty and tourism potential of the Andaman Islands. SATTE, recognized as Asia’s largest and most renowned tourism exhibition for the past 31 years, serves as a crucial platform for industry players to network, showcase innovations, and explore business opportunities.
AATO’s presence underscores its commitment to promoting Andaman as a premier travel destination, renowned for its pristine beaches, lush greenery, and rich cultural heritage.
Shri. M Vinod, President of AATO, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Participating in SATTE provides us with an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the diverse offerings of the Andaman Islands to a global audience. We are excited to engage with travel enthusiasts, industry professionals, and potential partners to foster collaborations that will further enhance the region’s tourism landscape.” Visitors to AATO’s booth at SATTE can expect to discover a wide array of experiential travel options, adventure activities, and eco-friendly initiatives that epitomize Andaman’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
Additionally, AATO representatives will be on hand to provide valuable insights and personalized recommendations to help travelers plan their dream vacation to the picturesque Andaman Islands. As the SATTE exhibition continues to draw crowds of industry experts and travel enthusiasts, AATO remains steadfast in its mission to position Andaman as a must-visit destination on every traveler’s itinerary.

Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Feb 21: Residents of TV Kulam village and nearby villages have been facing persistent issues due to the closure of the steel Bailey bridge situated at the village’s entrance, under the jurisdiction of Shivapuram Gram Panchayat.

Concerned by the lack of action from the administration, villagers convened a meeting on February 18, 2024, inviting the Pradhan (village head) of Shivapuram Gram Panchayat, Mr. Venkateshwar Rao, to address the pressing matter.
During the meeting, residents openly discussed the various challenges posed by the deteriorating bridge and expressed their grievances to the village head. The bridge, critical for connectivity, has been in a state of disrepair for several years, posing serious safety risks to the villagers and hence the bridge was closed for public. Despite numerous appeals to the authorities, no concrete steps have been taken to address the situation, leaving the residents in distress, villagers noted.
Last year the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Mayabunder had ordered to close the T V Kulum Bridge, Swadesh Nagar for all vehicular traffic & pedestrians from both the end w.e.f 20.09.2023, keeping in view the safety of public.
The Pradhan brought the issue to the attention of the higher authorities several occasions in past, highlighting the longstanding neglect of the TV Kulam bridge by the administration. However, no meaningful action has been initiated to address the villagers’ concerns, prompting them to escalate their protest. It was decided during the meeting that residents, along with those from neighboring Swadesh Nagar and Harinagar Panchayats, would stage a dharna (sit-in protest) in front of the TV Kulam bridge on March 4, 2024.
Should their demands remain unmet, the villagers have planned to intensify their agitation by organizing a road blockade on NH4 on March 5, 2024. Expressing their frustration with the authorities’ apathy towards their plight, the villagers warned of boycotting the upcoming Sabha elections if their grievances continue to be ignored.
Residents argue that if the administration continues to turn a blind eye to their suffering, there is no point in participating in elections that do not address their fundamental issues.
Meanwhile, talking to Andaman Sheekha a villager said that previously, the bridge allowed passage for two-wheelers and pedestrians. However, currently, access to the bridge is restricted for everyone.
“People residing in TV Kulam, Dharmapur, and neighboring areas now have to take a longer route via CFO Nallah Bridge to reach ATR/NH 4 and vice versa. This has particularly affected children and elderly individuals who must endure the extended journey on foot. Additionally, numerous students from Dharmapur and TV Kulam-5, attending schools in Shivapuram, Padmanabhapuram, etc., also face the inconvenience of the longer commute. Government employees and workers are similarly experiencing difficulties due to the closure of the bridge. It has remained partially or completely shut for the past five years,” he elaborated.

Port Blair, Feb 19: Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands has expressed wholehearted gratitude to Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji for appreciating his endeavours and performance in Parliament as a public representative from Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Shri Sharma said that he is immensely delighted and overwhelmed by encouragement and appreciation bestowed by the first citizen of India in recognition of the service rendered as parliamentarian and added that such recognition from the highest office of India instill strength, courage and wisdom in oneself to work selflessly and tirelessly with utmost dedication for betterment and prosperity of the fellow citizens.

 

Port Blair, Feb 18: The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu will visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands from February 19 to 23, 2024.
On February 19, the President will lay a wreath at the Martyr’s Column and visit the Cellular Jail Complex and Museum. She will also witness the light and sound show at the Cellular Jail. Later, the President will visit Dr BR Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Port Blair to attend a civic reception to be hosted in her honour.
On February 20, the President will visit Indira Point and Campbell Bay. She will also visit Subhas Chandra Bose Island and witness the light and sound show.
On February 21, the President will interact with the members of PVTGs of Andaman and Nicobar Islands at Raj Niwas, Port Blair. On the same day, she will witness the operational demonstration by troops at Radhanagar Beach. (Source: PIB)

Port Blair, Feb 16: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration to post an additional Staff Nurse at the Blood Bank of G B Pant Hospital to ensure uninterrupted and efficient service delivery.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration the Member of Parliament mentioned that he has received reports from General Public that the Blood Bank unit at G.B. Pant Hospital is facing certain challenges due to understaffing. As per information received from patients, currently, the Blood Bank unit at G.B. Pant Hospital operates with only one staff nurse, leading to difficulties for the general public who wish to donate blood and avail other related services.

He added that during blood donation campaigns, staff members are required to visit various locations to collect blood from donors, leaving the Blood Bank unit without a staff nurse. This situation not only inconveniences regular patients but also hampers the smooth functioning of the Blood Bank, which plays a crucial role in our Islands.

In light of the importance of the Blood Bank in serving the healthcare needs of the residents of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, he requested the Chief Secretary to post additional nursing staff for the Blood Bank unit at G.B. Pant Hospital to ensure uninterrupted and efficient service delivery.

Nishar Mohammed & Venkat
Port Blair, Feb 15: A fire broke out early this morning at the “Havelock Country Homes Resort” located in Govind Nagar No.1 on Swaraj Dweep, earlier known as Havelock Island. The incident occurred around 5 am, engulfing a significant portion of the resort in flames.
The fire completely gutted six cottages, each containing two rooms and one cottage’s two rooms as well as the restaurant were partially damaged. Out of a total of 42 rooms in the resort, 12 were engulfed by the fire, as per preliminary reports.
Upon receiving information about the fire incident, the Fire Service team of Swaraj Dweep promptly arrived at the scene to control the spreading flames. Both Fire Service Swaraj Dweep and the Swaraj Dweep Police Station staff along with Fire Mitras worked tirelessly to contain the fire.
To combat the blaze, three fire-fighting vehicles were utilized, along with private tankers and water from the resort’s pool. Despite the challenging circumstances, the combined efforts of the fire service personnel managed to bring the fire under control by around 6:10 am, just within a span of an hour.
Unfortunately, the incident resulted in injuries to two female guests who attempted to escape by jumping from the first floor, sustaining injuries in the process. They were immediately rushed to GB Pant Hospital for medical treatment.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire originated from a short circuit in an air conditioning unit, leading to the rapid spread of flames throughout the resort.

Port Blair, Feb14: Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, inaugurated a community hall for the washermen community at Dhobighat, Prem Nagar, Port Blair. This community hall, constructed under the MPLADS scheme, fulfils a long-pending demand of the washermen community.

The newly inaugurated community hall is expected to provide a conducive environment for washermen to carry out their work efficiently, ensuring their well-being and contributing to the overall progress of Dhobighat. The community hall will also provide a place for rest for washermen.

Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the development of Dhobighat. He emphasized the importance of providing essential amenities and infrastructure for the welfare of the local communities. The new community hall will serve as a shelter for washermen to work comfortably, especially during harsh weather conditions like scorching heat or heavy rain.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by many guests including Smti. Amar Devi, Councillor of Ward No. 7 of the Port Blair Municipal Council (PBMC).

As we celebrate the auspicious occasion of Saraswati Puja, I extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to each and every Islander of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Saraswati Puja holds a special significance in our hearts, symbolizing the worship of knowledge, wisdom, and learning.

May Goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of knowledge, bless us all with the wisdom to discern right from wrong, the intellect to pursue our goals with diligence, and the creativity to innovate and excel in all our endeavours.

This day is most important for the children and young generation as Goddess Saraswati is also the Goddess of knowledge. I urge them to pray wholeheartedly for their success.

On this joyous occasion, let us come together as a community to celebrate the spirit of learning and enlightenment. Let us rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of knowledge and the cultivation of our intellectual faculties.

As we seek the blessings of Goddess Saraswati, may our minds be enlightened, our hearts filled with compassion, and our lives enriched with wisdom. Let us strive to spread the light of knowledge far and wide, uplifting ourselves and those around us.

Kuldeep Rai Sharma,
Member of Parliament,
Andaman and Nicobar Islands.