ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Newly Constructed Road in Namunaghar area faces Premature Damage; Public Demands intervention of CS

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John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, July 04: A road connecting Namunaghar Junction to Mulla Pahad in South Andaman, recently constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), is already experiencing severe damages within a few months of completion. The road, which was constructed just three months ago, has developed numerous potholes, raising concerns among the local residents about its durability, particularly during the upcoming monsoon season.
Residents have reported multiple instances of damage along the road and have expressed their dissatisfaction with its quality. They fear that the road’s condition will deteriorate further in this rainy season. In light of these concerns, villagers have urged the Chief Secretary of the A & N Administration to intervene and take necessary measures to ensure the road’s longevity and safety for daily commuting and travel.
Mr. Mohammad Safique, Pradhan of Mithakhari, highlighted that the road construction work was interrupted by heavy rainfall last month, leaving it incomplete. While acknowledging this, he emphasized the need for the administration to construct the road with a proper drainage system. The area has been grappling with water-logging issues for the past few years. Furthermore, Mr. Safique requested the construction of two culverts near Mohammad Alam’s house and the Coast Guard Land, along with the installation of protected lanes alongside the road, to preserve its quality.
Damage of roads in the entire Andaman and Nicobar Islands due to poor drainage systems is not a new thing. Andaman Sheekha in a previous edition published articles and editorials on this issue that the Administration is least bothered about construction of drains along roads because of which water flows over the road during rainy seasons bringing stones and pebbles, which damages the road with movement of vehicles. The Islandes urges the Chief Secretary to strictly order construction of proper and functional drains along with any road, to ensure durability of the road.

Laxmipur Panchayat in Diglipur Tehsil Struggle with Poor Mobile Network Connectivity

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John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, July 03: The villagers of Laxmipur Panchayat have been grappling with poor network connectivity for the past couple of years, causing significant difficulties in accessing mobile services. Mr. Sujan Kumar Das, the Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Laxmipur, expressed his concern over the persistently inadequate network coverage. He mentioned that despite numerous attempts to engage with BSNL officials and the district administration to improve the situation, the repairs carried out have proven to be short-lived, as the problem resurfaces within a week.

The lack of reliable mobile network connectivity has severe repercussions, particularly in medical emergencies. People in these areas struggle to contact hospitals or ambulance services, often resorting to hiring private vehicles to reach medical facilities. Additionally, students face significant challenges in online work, as they are constantly on the lookout for areas with favorable network coverage.

On behalf of the long-suffering residents of Gram Panchayat Laxmipur, there is a pressing request to BSNL for the installation of a new mobile tower and immediate repair of existing towers. This step is crucial to end the communication nightmare faced by the villagers. Furthermore, it is essential for the administration to take note of this issue and promptly address it with appropriate measures.

“The need for reliable mobile network connectivity in these remote areas cannot be underestimated. Access to proper communication services is a fundamental requirement for socio-economic development and overall well-being,” said a resident of the area.

When contacted a senior official of BSNL told Andaman Sheekha that BSNL has plans to install many towers in North and Middle Andaman but he was not sure about any dateline.

Torrential Rainfall Causes Flash Flood, leaves many stranded at Tugapur region

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John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, July 2: Heavy and persistent rainfall in the Tugapur region of Middle Andaman since last night has resulted in a flood like situation in nearly four villages, where people experienced severe waterlogging and flooding. The Tugapur Ward Number 08 area was particularly affected due to heavy rain.
The torrential downpour has led to roads being submerged in some locations, making it impossible for vehicles to cross. Consequently, the police team from PS Mayabunder had to redirect traffic in certain areas. Unfortunately, due to the lack of alternative routes, many individuals found themselves stranded on both sides of the flooded roads.
Around 2:00 AM on July 2, 2023, villagers reported that a few families were trapped inside their houses. This information was swiftly relayed to the Police Station Mayabunder, prompting an immediate response. Under the supervision of SHO Inspector Abdul Arif, a team comprising Sub Inspector Dinesh Meena, Ghanshyam Bhagat PC/940, and R. Tilaka Raj PC(D)/1650 was assembled and promptly dispatched to the scene. The team successfully rescued all distressed individuals.
Officials have confirmed that the villages of Tugapur 8 have been severely affected by waterlogging. A total of eight families, approximately 60 people, were trapped in their homes. The police team facilitated the safe relocation of these families after their houses were inundated by the heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding.
Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or loss of life. The dedicated teams from the Police Station Mayabunder and the District Administration actively monitored the situation throughout the day. As per reports by early morning today the water gradually receded in most of the affected villages.

 

CPI (M) Urges Govt of India to Increase Power Generation in A&N Islands Urgently

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Port Blair, June 30: CPI (M) has urged the Government of India to send a high level technical delegation to Andaman & Nicobar Islands to study the causes of power crisis in the islands. D. Ayyappan, Secretary, CPI (M), Andaman & Nicobar State Organising Committee during his recent visit to Delhi submitted a letter to the Secretary (Power), Government of India on the issues relating to the power sector in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He further demanded to take all necessary steps to increase the power generation in Andaman & Nicobar Islands on an urgent basis considering the fact that power cuts of 5 to 6 hours daily are being resorted to in many parts of the South Andaman and North and Middle Andaman Districts.
He stated in the letter that at present, the power is generated through diesel generation, solar power generation and Hydro electric generation (in Diglipur, North Andaman). Besides the Electricity Department of the A & N Administration, a number of other agencies including private firms are involved in the power generation in the islands.
CPI (M) Secretary told the Secretary (Power), Govt of India that there is complete mis-management, chaos and unplanned implementation at all levels in the power sector in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, resulting in disruption to power supply for several hours in a day. He further said that whichever agency engaged by the A & N Administration and Govt. of India have completely failed to generate electricity to the required level, causing unexplainable difficulties for the islanders especially those residing in the South Andaman District and North & Middle Andaman District.
Ayyappan further informed the Secretary (Power) Govt. of India that the power crisis has been haunting the islanders for the last several years. During the last one, the situation further aggravated, leading to several hours’ of power cuts daily. The Electricity Department was unable to provide uninterrupted power even during the Board Examination of students. CPI (M) Secretary further said that the assurances of mega projects announced by the Prime Minister during his visit to the islands in December, 2018 did not benefit the islanders till now and further said that all sections of people including Business establishments, shopkeepers have been adversely affected by the irregular power supply.
CPI (M) Secretary further stated in the letter that the authorities in the islands do not give any explanation for such intermittent power cuts resorted to by the Electricity Department. He referred to the proposal submitted to the Ministry of Power by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration for the revival of departmental power houses in the islands and urged the Secretary (Power) to grant approval for the same.

 

CPI (M) demands to withdrawal the Municipal Council decision to impose the user Fee for Collection of Garbage/Waste from households

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Port Blair, June 28: CPI (M) has demanded withdrawal of the decision of Port Blair Municipal Council to impose the user fee for collection of garbage/waste from households. In a letter sent to the Secretary, PBMC with copies to the Administration and Chairman, PBMC, D. Ayyappan, Secretary, CPI (M) A & N State Organising Committee drew the attention of the PBMC to the Public Notice dated 23rd June, 2023 published by it informing the decision of the Municipal Council to impose a user fee for collection of garbage/waste from the households at the Port Blair town. As per the said Public Notice, each household or establishment has to pay a user fee to pick up garbage/waste from their doorstep. CPI (M) noted that each household has to pay a sum of Rs. 50 per month for segregated waste while for non-segregated waste it is Rs. 1000 per month. This is in addition to the Conservancy Charge each individual is paying at present for living in the Port Blair Municipal area.
CPI (M) Secretary stated in the letter that at present, most of the households are handing over the un-segregated garbage/waste to the PBMC staff. In many places, PBMC sanitary workers are unable to reach every household to collect the garbage/waste due to workload and people are forced to deposit the garbage/waste at the garbage depositing areas on the road sides of the town. Paying Rs. 1000 per month for the un-segregated waste to the PBMC is an additional burden for the people at a time when they are bearing the brunt of uncontrolled price rise.
Ayyappan informed the Secretary, PBMC that CPI (M) strongly oppose this anti-people decision of the Port Blair Municipal Council and called upon the authorities in the PBMC and A & N Administration to withdraw the said Public Notice immediately as majority of the people in the Port Blair town cannot pay such a hefty amount every month for garbage/waste collection. CPI (M) further said that this is one of the series of measures initiated by the present Municipal Council to squeeze the people. Earlier, Property Tax was increased abnormally by this Council.
CPI (M), therefore, requested the PBMC to withdraw the aforesaid Public Notice imposing the user fee for collection of garbage/waste from households and allow the present system to continue till the matter is discussed with all political parties and a consensus is reached on the issue.
CPI (M) warned that if the decision was not withdrawn, the CPI (M) would resort to agitation at Port Blair town without any further notice.

Member of Parliament Urges DGP to Tackle Drug Menace in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

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Port Blair, June 27: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma today called on the Director General of Police for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, to discuss various issues concerning the law and order situation in these Islands.
During the meeting, the Member of Parliament praised the commendable efforts of all the police jawans in maintaining law and order, while also expressing his concern over the growing drug menace and its impact on the future generation.
Highlighting the severity of the drug problem in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, he emphasized the need to take strong action against drug peddlers and suppliers. He emphasized that the drug trade not only poses a threat to the youths but also has adverse effects on the social fabric of the community. Instances of domestic violence and other family issues have been on the rise due to the influence of drugs.
The Member of Parliament further urged the Director General of Police to investigate and identify the sources responsible for the repeated supply of drugs in the region. He stressed on the importance of uprooting the drug trade from its root, ensuring the safety and well-being of the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Director General of Police attentively listened to Member of Parliament’s concerns and assured him that necessary actions would be taken to address the drug menace and maintain law and order.

Kuldeep Rai Sharma Leads Powerful Rally on International Day Against Drug and Illicit Trafficking

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Port Blair, June 26: In a strong show of solidarity against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Member of Parliament, organized a massive rally on the occasion of the International Day against Drug and Illicit Trafficking. The event saw an impressive turnout of individuals from various sections of society, including women, children, NCC cadets, NGOs, and political organizations.

Braving heavy rains, the rally commenced from Junglighat School Ground and proceeded towards the Flag Point, passing through the iconic Clock Tower. Participants in the rally remained undeterred by the inclement weather, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to eradicating drugs from the islands.

During the rally, NCC cadets raised slogans resonating with the cause, adding to the fervor of the event. Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, addressing the gathering, emphasized his deep dedication to the fight against drugs. He expressed his concern stating that Drug Abuse/Alcohol Addiction is the third highest contributor of suicides which resulted in our islands topping the suicide rate chart in all over India. He insisted that it was high time we recognize the importance of taking a people-centered approach to drug policies, with a focus on human rights, compassion, and evidence-based practices. Since assuming office as a Member of Parliament, he had engaged with the Director General of Police (DGP) to address the issue’s gravity on the islands. As a result of their collaborative efforts, several prominent drug peddlers were apprehended and subsequently imprisoned. He also encouraged the general public to anonymously come forward and report drug peddlers and any illicit drug trafficking activities happening around them.

He also highlighted that as the islands prepare for enhanced global connectivity with the opening of the new International Terminal, it is crucial for us to address the concerns regarding illicit drug trafficking and peddling and to work together towards maintaining a safe and drug-free islands.

Joining Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma on the occasion, Shri Ranglal Halder, President of Pradesh Congress Committee Andaman and Nicobar, conveyed his support for the cause. Dr. Kushal Kumar Baidya from GB Panth Hospital and Inspector Girish Kumar, the SHO of Aberdeen, also delivered speeches highlighting the importance of combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Shri Mohmad Ali, a respected senior citizen. He expressed gratitude to all the participants, organizers, and attendees for their unwavering support in the fight against drugs.

Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma’s rally on the International Day Against Drug and Illicit Trafficking served as a powerful reminder of the collective determination to create drug-free communities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. With the active involvement of citizens, NGOs, and political leaders, the event symbolized a united front against this grave social issue.

Backup batteries for BSNL tower of Swadesh Nagar Installed; Billyground Tower next

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Vikramaditya
Harinagar, June 25: The residents of Swadesh Nagar and Billyground areas have been facing significant inconvenience due to the disruption of mobile signals during power outages. Due to absence of proper backup batteries at the BSNL towers people of these areas were witnessing mobile signal blackouts during power cuts.
Last month, Pradhan Harinagar held a crucial meeting with the Chief General Manager of BSNL, A&N Islands, to discuss a long-pending demand from the local community. The issue at hand was the installation of backup batteries at the BSNL towers in Swadesh Nagar and Billyground.
Addressing the matter with utmost urgency, the Chief General Manager promptly arranged for the necessary accessories to install backup batteries for both BSNL towers. Yesterday, on June 24, 2023, in the presence of the JTO (Junior Telecom Officer), the battery backup system was successfully installed at the Swadesh Nagar BSNL tower.
Furthermore, the Chief General Manager assured the Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Harinagar that another battery backup system would be installed at the Billyground BSNL tower very soon.
On behalf of the general public, Mr. Manojit Halder, the Pradhan, and the members of Gram Panchayat Harinagar express their heartfelt gratitude to the Chief General Manager BSNL and the JTO, Mayabunder, for their noble efforts in addressing this pressing issue.

Mr. Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, assumes the charge of DGP, A & N Islands

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Port Blair, June 23: Mr. Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, has taken over the charge of Director General of Police, Andaman & Nicobar Islands in the forenoon of 23rd June, 2023. A ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented at Police Headquarters to welcome the DGP.
Mr. Devesh Chandra Srivastva, an officer of 1995 batch of Indian Police Service, has over 27 years of wide experience in the field of policing and served in various capacities in Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Delhi and Mizoram. He has also served on central deputation in Intelligence Bureau (IB) and thereafter in ONGC as Executive Director (Security). After serving as DGP, Mizoram for 16 months, he has been posted as DGP, A & N Islands.
Shri Srivastva is a highly decorated officer. He has been conferred upon the Police Medal for ‘Meritorious Service’ and President’s Police Medal for ‘Distinguished Service’, besides, Internal Security Medal, Bar to Police Special Duty Medal as well as State Award of Arunachal Pradesh for ‘Meritorious Service’ and Utkrisht Seva Padak.
After taking the charge, he held a meeting and interacted with senior Police Officers at PHQ.
A ceremonial welcome parade will be conducted on 24th June, 2023, in his honour at Parade Ground, Police Lines, Port Blair.

Member of Parliament requests for arranging a Ship from Vizag to Port Blair

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Port Blair, June 22: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration to arrange a sailing from Vizag to Port Blair.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary the Member of Parliament mentioned that a considerable number of Islanders, having completed their summer vacations, are eagerly waiting to return to Port Blair from Vizag in order to resume their regular activities, including attending offices and schools. However, due to the unavailability of ships, these Islanders are facing severe difficulties in making their way back home.

He said that many of the Islanders are unable to afford the high airfare charges, especially at this time when travel expenses have significantly increased. Additionally, lodging and boarding expenses in Vizag for an extended period have become a financial burden for them. The current situation is further exacerbated by the imminent reopening of schools, which adds urgency to the matter.