Staff Correspondent
Port Blair, Apr 26: Betty, a six year old student of KG-II, Carmel School, donated her 14 inches of hair to Cancer patients of Adayar Cancer Institute, Chennai. Probably she is the youngest from Andamans to do so, setting a new example of kindness.
After cutting her hair, parents of the little girl with the help of Mr. Girish Arora, a renowned business man and social worker of these Islands, couriered the hair to Chennai- where one of their family friends, took it to Adayar Cancer Institute.
People of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are always ready for selfless act and this generous act of little Betty has certainly made all of us proud.
Rain showers bring momentary respite
Port Blair, Apr 14: Scattered rain showers in Port Blair and many parts of these Islands yesterday and today brought momentary respite as the heat and humidity had gripped these Islands for the past few weeks. Decent rain for several hours has also brought down the temperature, triggering smiles in many faces. However the rain caused power cuts in South Andaman regions since last night.
A&N Civil Aviation Seminar 2015 held::::Better air connectivity to remote areas; night landing facility at Port Blair Airport soon: Civil Aviation Minister
Port Blair, April 10: The Govt of India is committed towards providing better connectivity to remote areas, especially places like A&N Islands, said the Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapati Raju while speaking as the chief guest in the ‘Andaman & Nicobar Civil Aviation Seminar 2015’, held at the mini conference hall of the DBRAIT auditorium, Dollygunj here today. The Minister also reiterated the commitment of Ministry of Civil Aviation to provide better connectivity to the Islanders so that these islands also prosper in all spheres like other states in the Country. “My Ministry is always ready to solve the problems of the Islanders as far as the Civil Aviation Sector is concerned”, he said.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Union Minister said that the construction of the New Airport Terminal has already started, and it will have all the facilities of International standards. The Minister said that Port Blair Airport will soon have night landing facility which will improve the frequency of flights to this picturesque Island. “We are fairly in advanced stage as far as the matters for night landing is concerned”, the Minister added.
The Union Minister said that Air India, the National carrier, which has a great connectivity all over the country, has done India proud on many occasions. He showered all praise for it for evacuating 4000 people from strife hit Yemen. Similarly, the Pawan Hans Ltd in public sector has also done well with regard to the connectivity in remote areas of the country, like these islands the Minister said.
Turning to Tourism sector, the Union Minister expressed contentment that about 3 lakh tourists visited these Islands, which itself has a population close to 4 lakhs, which, he said, is a great achievement.
The Minister showered all praise for the UT Administration for striking a balance between development and environment. “You are promoting tourism by preserving your habitat, pristine beauty and rich biodiversity; this, the Minister said, is a matter of pride for the whole country. While the Islands are doing great in leisure tourism, the adventure tourism is in an ascent stage, the Minister said, suggesting for also considering wildlife tourism in these islands. He exhorted all to work together to take our country to greater heights.
Speaking on the occasion as the guest of honour of the seminar, the Lt. Governor, Lt.Gen. (Retd) A.K.Singh reiterated that the Administration has fulfilled the commitments made to the Islanders, ‘commitment made, commitment fulfilled’, and stressed that it was a collective endeavor, which bore fruit in transforming these commitments to reality. In the last one year the Islands have taken progressive leaps in terms of development. The wishful thoughts of people have been transformed into reality, he said. The Lt. Governor also spoke about the viability gap funding model which was tried first in A&N Islands by way of launching the chartered flight connecting Delhi-Port Blair-Car Nicobar. It has indeed boosted the morale of the Tribal population, Administration and Defence Personnel residing in Car Nicobar, the remotest District of the country, said the Lt. Governor.
Turning his attention to various issues and challenges faced in the Aviation Sector such as high air fare in the sectors connecting A&N Islands, the Lt. Governor said, the charter flight service has been introduced with fixed rate for Islanders at Rs. 5000/- for the Port Blair- Chennai sector, while seats are also being reserved for the islanders for emergency purpose. The recently launched flight in Delhi-Vizag- Port Blair sector has finally transformed into reality, fulfilling more than a decade old demand of the Islanders, especially those who frequently travel to Vizag. The introduction of this service, has not only benefitted the people traveling to that area, but also paved way for further business expansion in these Islands, said the Lt. Governor.
The Lt. Governor also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji, under whose dynamic leadership, the entire country is in the process of transformation towards development in every sphere, including these Islands. In my meetings with Hon’ble PM, he evinced keen interest in the development of these islands. The Lt. Governor thanked the Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Ashok Gajapati Raju Pusapati, for his support in materializing the dreams of the Islanders by inaugurating the flight in the Delhi-Vizag-Port Blair sector. He also thanked the Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray wholeheartedly, for all his support. The Lt Governor also expressed gratitude to the A&N Command for their constant help and positive support for the cause of the Islanders. He also praised the tireless efforts of the Directorate of Civil Aviation for upgrading the Aviation Sector.
The Lt Governor mentioned that once the night landing permission is obtained, a chartered flight in the Kolkata-Port Blair sector will also start, as Air India has offered to provide a night flight only, for the purpose. The Lt. Governor also informed about the ATR aircraft service for connecting other Islands, viz Diglipur and Campbell Bay through air. The work under Phase 1 for Diglipur airfield strip is in progress, which will also serve the purpose of alternate landing as well, said the Lt. Governor.
The Lt. Governor underlined the need for having an aircraft parking base in Port Blair so that it could be used during any emergency. The Lt. Governor has also requested the Airport Authority of India to upgrade the existing airport terminal. He also touched upon other issues of concern like high air fares etc.
The Lt. Governor also made a special mention of the good service provided by Pawan Hans Ltd and requested them for providing new helicopters replacing the old ones and also to strengthen the existing fleet in the Islands by providing two new helicopters. The Lt. Governor in the end expressed his gratitude to Air India and Pawan Hans for providing their service in these islands and upgrading them to meet our demands.
Presenting his views on the occasion, the Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray said these Islands are marching forward under the able guidance & leadership of the Lt Governor who has made meaningful presentations on different sectors before different Ministries in New Delhi to take these Islands in the path of social & economic growth. Shri Ray described Air India as the backbone of these Islands as they have come forward for the help of the stretcher patients on numerous occasions. While praising Go Air for their 30 percent concession in base fare for islanders, Shri Ray urged for similar airfare concessions from Spice Jet and Jet Airways. Shri Ray also urged the Union Minister to consider the possibilities to start Madurai- Chennai- Port Blair flight at the earliest.
In his address, Shri Rohit Nandan, Chairman & MD, Air India Ltd. said that connecting whole of India is the prime concern for the national carrier Air India and we will leave no stone un- turned to fulfill this goal. Air India is doing its best to provide better service & connectivity to the Islanders, Shri Nandan said and assured that the interest of the Islanders and tourists will be taken care of as far as the airfare is concerned. He further stated that once the new Aviation Policy is implemented, many vital issues as far as the connectivity is concerned will be sorted.
In his address, Dr. BP Sharma, Chairman & MD, Pawan Hans Limited said Pawan Hans is very much associated with this Island Territory since 1987. He said that a feasibility study will be carried to start fixed wing aircraft for inter –islands connectivity while new helicopters will join the Islands’ Pawan Hans fleet shortly.
As part of the seminar, a fruitful open discussion session was also organized in which the representatives from the ACCI, Tours & Travels and others were able to put forth their demands for the betterment of the Islanders in particular and the flourishing of Tourism and Aviation Sectors in general. The Chief Secretary in Charge, Shri Raajiv Yaduvanshi, through a brief and in depth power point presentation threw light on the available connectivity at present in Island – mainland & inter Island –sectors and the needs of the Islanders in aviation sector for the future. He also put a strong case before the august gathering on the rationalization of airfare on behalf of the Islanders.
The all important seminar was organized by the Directorate of Civil Aviation and the Andaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Adhyaksha, ZPSA, Ms VK Mariyam Bibi, a host of senior officers from the A & N Administration and the Andaman Nicobar Command were present on the occasion.
The seminar, which was coordinated by Shri A. Mehrzad, the General Secretary, Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by its President, Shri G Bhaskar.
Diglipur BCC organizes Dharna
DJ Venkatesh
Diglipur, Apr 07: A Dharna was organised by Block Congress committee, Diglipur today in front of Administrative Building at Diglipur to press various demands like introduction of Arts, English Medium in Govt. Model Senior Secondary School at Sitanagar, immediate release of wages of MGNREGA workers which is pending since six months, Shifting of Civil Supply office to Administrative building from RK Gram and to conduct BPL survey immediately.
INS Guldar Returns Fighting Fit
Port Blair, Apr 06: INS Guldar was welcomed by Naval Component at Port Blair at a reception ceremony held at 1530 hrs on 06 Apr. Ship was received at Naval jetty, Haddo by the welcoming party which included Senior Officers from Naval Component, Commanding Officers, Officers and personnel of the ANFLOT and HQNAVC allied units . The naval band played nostalgic and melodious tunes, to welcome the old shipmates which had been away for long.
INS Guldar was commissioned at Stoznia Naval Shipyard in Gydnia, Poland on 30 Dec 1985. The main role of the ship is to carry out amphibious operations. She is capable of conducting opposed and combat beaching operations under diverse conditions. The ship operates in close cooperation with Indian Army and Air Force to achieve perfection in complex amphibious operations. She has a unique design of underwater hull and electro hydraulically operated Bow and Ramp door which assist in deploying tanks and troops at beaches to establish control of a beach head
INS Guldar is the third landing ship of LST(M) class constituting the Fifth Landing Ship Squadron (5 LS). After successful completion of her full form Major Refit/ Mid Life Upgrade at Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), the ship has returned to Port Blair on 06 Apr 15. The ship is commanded by Cdr Arun Bahuguna, NM.
Firemen rescues snake from G B Pant Hospital
Staff Reporter
Port Blair, Apr 01: At G B Pant Hospital a shocking surprise was waiting t his afternoon for the staffs on April Fool’s Day. A 1.5 metre snake on the first floor of wooden building of G B Pant triggered panic this morning following which Fire Brigade was called. From Fire Brigade Head Constable William, Fireman, Nankumaran, Fireman Mahandar Dhanwar and Driver Athnesius took no time to capture and rescue the snake.
Car Hits Bike; One injured
DJ Venkatesh
Diglipur, Mar 30: A Ford classic car, bearing registration number AN 01 J 7769 hit a Hero Honda bike this evening near Sitanagar power house. The rider was injured and was shifted to CHC Diglipur immediately.
According to eye witnesses the driver of the car was under heavy influence of liquor.
Air India announces flight schedule for Port Blair to Vizag Direct flights from Apr 9
DJ Venkatesh
Port Blair, Mar 29: The Air India has announced flight schedule for Port Blair to Vishakapatnam (Vizag). The flights will fly only on Monday and Thursday from Apr 9, 2015. The Air India flight AI-488 VTZ will leave Port Blair at 12.50AM and reach Vishakapatnam at 15.05PM and from Vishakapatnam it will leave at 09.55 AM and reach Port Blair at 12.10 PM.
The Airbus A320-200 flight which can carry up to 180 passengers deployed in this sector. Duration of this sector is 2hours 15 minutes. Another attraction of this route is that the AI 487/488 also connects Delhi from Vizag.
Truck loaded with Metal Chips overturns at Mayabunder; No major injuries
Murlidharan Pillai
Mayabunder, Mar 26: A Truck AN -01 C 1706 – carrying Metal Chips went out of control and met with an accident at Dobidera today at around 03.45 PM.
Luckily, the driver of the vehicle escaped with minor injuries while the cleaner got minor scratches.
According to the reports, the truck was full of metal chips, which was being transported from Mayabunder Jetty to Lucknow which tilted towards left for some reasons, however no one sustained major injuries.
Immediately, on getting the information, the SHO with staff of Police Station, Mayabunder rushed to the spot and the truck was lifted using excavators. It is reported that the Driver was not having Heavy Vehicle Licence. A case has been registered and further investigation with regard to the accident is being conducted.
Website for Zilla Parishad (SA) launched:::::LG reiterates Admn’s commitment to strengthen PRIs in Isles
Port Blair, 24: The Lt Governor, Lt General A. K. Singh (Retd), today reiterated the resolve and commitment of this UT Administration to further strengthen the Panchayati Raj System in these Islands. He said Panchayati Raj System is the heart of democracy and so it should be strengthened from grass root level not only for effective implementation of various projects but also for the overall development of these Islands. The Lt Governor stated this while launching the new website of the Zilla Parishad (South Andaman) from its conference hall here this morning.
Addressing the PRIs and others present in good numbers, the Lt Governor said that the requirements of the common people have multiplied and their expectations have increased. Therefore, it is our duty to live up to the expectations of the citizens.
Stressing on the slogan “less government and more governance” enunciated by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the Lt Governor said that good governance can only be achieved when it is adopted at all levels in true spirit. He expressed hope that the PRIs would work towards achieving good governance and live up to the expectations of the rural masses.
Referring to the website, the Lt Governor said this is a step towards making the system more transparent and to facilitate easy dissemination of information to the citizens of these Islands. The Lt Governor also urged the PRIs and all the Departments to look into the Citizen’s Charter and make sure that they abide by it.
Referring to the Swatch Bharat Abhiyan campaign launched by the Prime Minister, the Lt Governor appealed to the people from all walks of life to make this campaign a great success. The Lt Governor also informed about the progress made so far for the establishment of Islands’ Medical College, which is expected to start functioning from July this year. A large number of specialists and super specialists have already joined and this will benefit our Health Services.
Referring to the initiatives taken in the Education sector, he informed that approval for starting a Community College at Ferrargunj has been obtained recently with two courses i.e. Vehicle Testing (Automobile Sector) and Software Development (IT Sector). This, the Lt. Governor felt, will facilitate the rural youth for undertaking skill oriented technical courses and pave the way for better education facility for the students of these Islands in the coming days.
Turning to Tourism development sector, the Lt. Governor informed that the Ministry of Tourism had approved the establishment of two eco-friendly resorts, one each for Neil Island & Long Island, for which an amount of Rs. 5 crore has been sanctioned for each resort. Similarly, an amount of Rs.3 crores has been sanctioned for the renovation of Cellular Jail for which the Administration has to prepare a Detail Project Report, he said.
The Lt. Governor also informed about his meeting with the Aviation Minister, wherein he discussed issues pertaining to the Aviation sector. He said the Administration is trying its level best to increase the frequency of the Chennai-Port Blair Charter Flight service. If all goes well, the flight frequency may go up to 4 times a month. As for the Kolkata-Port Blair sector, currently Air India does not have adequate aircrafts to operate during the day time. However, once the night landing clearance is obtained from DGCA for the Port Blair Airport, Air India may decide to start its operation. The Delhi-Vizag-Port Blair flight is expected to be operational soon. The Lt. Governor also shared his long term vision pertaining to aviation sector. In this context, he referred to the airstrips at Campbell Bay and Diglipur and said that the expansion work of airfield under phase 1 will commence soon, paving the way for transformation in aviation sector in these Islands.
Regarding the frequent power cut problem, the Lt. Governor said, a 5 mega watt generator set has been made operational to meet the requirement of current shortage. He also directed the Secretary (Power) to make arrangements for creating reserves DG sets which can be utilized during such crisis. Sharing his experience on his brief visit to Rangat and Mayabunder, the Lt. Governor said, the PRIs at both the places had brought to his notice various issues about the people, including acute shortage of drinking water. The Lt. Governor said he has directed the Chief Engineer (APWD) to prepare a proposal for setting up of desalination plant on pilot project basis. Another issue highlighted by the PRIs was regarding the non-availability of Sub Distribution Centre under PDS system for which he issued directives to the Secretary, Civil Supplies to start the same within one month. He also directed the Civil Supplies Department to streamline the supply of LPG cylinders in Mayabunder and other area.
The Lt. Governor complimented the PBMC for its swift and timely action on sealing of illegal construction of buildings. He appealed to the people of these Islands to refrain from such activity. “The law of the land is equal for all, hence we should all abide by it in the earnest manner”, said the Lt. Governor. Touching upon corruption, the Lt. Governor urged everyone to refrain from indulging in such practices.
The function was graced among others by the Up Adhyaksh ZP, Shri Anand Amrit Raj, the Chairperson PBMC, Shri M Arumugam, the Chairperson SSWB, Smt. Ratna Kannan, Ex- Chairperson PBMC, Shri K Ganeshan, Ex- Chairperson SSWB, Smt. Shanta Laxman Singh, and members all the three tier Panchayati Raj Institution.
Welcoming the chief guest and others present on the occasion, the Adhyaksha Zila Parishad South Andaman, Ms VK Mariam Bibi said that this website http://zpsa.andaman.gov.in prepared by IT Department and SOVTECH will provide on public domain the information such as plan schemes being implemented by PRIs, works undertaken by Zilla Parishad, South Andaman, services of Vivekananda Kendriya Zilla Parishad Vidhyalaya in the field of education, details of funds (receipt & expenditure) of Zilla Parishad, South Andaman etc. The notified copies of grant-in-aid rules, Panchayat regulation, district planning committee, standing committee etc. will be also available as downloads.
The CEO Zilla Parishad, Ms Rashmi Krishanan said this website will have provision for quick dissemination of urgent information to PRI members through SMS alerts. Also, provision has been kept for submission of feedbacks/suggestions of general public on the contents and other features of the website, which will help the organization to improve the quality of the content published in the website. She also proposed the vote of thanks on the occasion.