Little Andaman, Mar. 19:In a remarkable demonstration of unity and environmental stewardship, the Little Andaman Forest Division organized an extensive biodiversity awareness program today at Nallah Mundi Beach, Rabindra Nagar. The event brought together an enthusiastic cross-section of the community, including representatives and Pradhans from five panchayats viz. Netaji Nagar, VK Pur, RK Pur, Hut Bay, and Rabindra Nagar as well as Zilla Parishad members, Panchayat Samiti members, and the Pramukh. Their collective presence underscored the growing recognition of the critical role local governance bodies play in safeguarding biodiversity.
The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Shri Sunil Kumar, addressing the gathering, emphasized the indispensable role of community participation in the preservation of biodiversity. He underlined the need for Panchayati Raj Institutions to take proactive measures and assume leadership in advancing this cause. “Community engagement, coupled with robust support from PRIs, can catalyze sustainable conservation initiatives that protect our rich ecological heritage,” he remarked.
The program featured several key activities aimed at fostering environmental awareness and action featuring various sessions. The participants were introduced to the significance of biodiversity in maintaining ecological balance and human well-being. Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings were also released into the sea, symbolizing hope for marine conservation efforts.
Strategies for harmonious coexistence with wildlife were explored, focusing on habitat restoration, conflict mitigation, and responsible waste management to reduce human-wildlife confrontations were dwelt on.
Over 50 PRI members and forest staff participated in an intensive beach cleanup operation, removing plastic waste and debris from Nallah Mundi Beach. The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to champion conservation efforts at the grassroots level.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar 17: CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR), Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) – National Coordinating Institute, IIT Delhi, Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), and Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (PI, UBA) Jointly Organized the three day event during March 11-13, 2025 at Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya, Sri Vijaya Puram .The meeting follows an earlier event held in January 2024 and aims to further explore the potential application of CSIR technologies to foster sustainable development in the region. The event was graced by a distinguished panel of experts.
The meet was inaugurated in the presence of Prof.Ranjana Aggarwal, Director CSIR-NIScPR; Dr.Sridevi Annapurna Singh, Director CSIR-CFTRI; Dr.Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director CSIR-NBRI. This occasion was graced by the Chief Guest Ms Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, Secretary (Agriculture/ Animal Husbandry Coordinator CS Office) ED (ANIIDICO) and Guest of HonorDr.Eknath B. Chakurkar, Director ICAR-CIARI. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Singh, Project Director UBA, Mr. SreeparasadKuttan, organizing secretary VIBHA and Principal in- charge JNRM Dr.K.C Joshi also present in this meet. Scientists from CSIR-CFTRI, CSIR-IHBT, CSIR-CIMAP, CSIR-IICT, CSIR-CSMCRI, CSIR-NIEST, CSIR-NBRI, CSIR-TMD and NIOT, representative from NABARD, and as many as 150 representations from various SHGs participated in this meet.
Prof.Ranjana Aggarwal highlighted the concept behind the organisation of this programme and explained how interventions of CSIR technology might harness the potential of Andaman & Nicobar region and expressed her belief that effort behind meet would certainly be translated into technology implementation enriching the socio-economic profile of the region.
Dr. KC Joshi, Principal in charge JNRM, welcomed the delegates and participants and highlighted the importance of technology intervention in rural development, which is very important especially in the Andaman & Nicobar region. He remarked that this would unlock the potential of this region.
Mrs. Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, remarked on this event – a landmark event bringing scientifically validated technologies in the land of Andaman & Nicobar region. She requested that all the stakeholders should actively engage in all technology dissemination sessions with the scientist to translate the natural-resource potential of this region into value -added products which may be promoted to the international market.
Dr.Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, delivered the Guest of Honor address, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between scientific research institutions and local authorities for the region’s sustainable development.
Dr.Sridevi Annapurna Singh, Director CSIR-CFTRI, expressed that she believes that CSIR-CFTRI technologies shall be of great importance for uplifting the quality of value added food products in this region. She mentioned briefly about the important technologies developed by CSIR-CFTRI such as Amul milk powder, spice oils and oleoresins, instant mixes etc. She emphasized the need of adopting the indigenous technologies for rural development.
Dr.Kandimuthu, Assistant Professor JNRM and Coordinator of this Programme extended his hearty welcome to all the dignitaries and introduced Padmashri Mrs. K.Chellammal Nariayal Amma and Mrs. A.Meenambal, Director Vidya Yuva Kendra Foundation who are working in the Andaman & Nicobar regions at grass root level.
Dr.Ajit Kumar Shasney, Director CSIr-NBRI Lucknow, in very simple words, communicated the importance of technology and underlined the importance of this event to the audience. He explained the efforts CSIR institutes are making multiple and sincere efforts towards the Lab-to-Land translation of rural technologies.
Dr. P K Singh, project director UBA, highlighted the activities of UBA running over pan India. He mentioned about the various events UBA is conducting in collaboration with CSIR-NIScPR. He requested students aspiring towards rural developments to explore UBA projects which come twice in a year. He further mentioned about various other activities UBA has undertaken to increase involvement of the faculties and students in rural development.
Mr. Sreepasad MK, highlighting the role of VIBHA for uplifting the rural livelihood. He mentioned about the 38 chapters VIBHA has introduced pan India in various Indian states.
Dr Yogesh Suman, Chief Scientist CSIR-NIScPR, New Delhi, presented the activities undertaken for rural development through S&T interventions in the project ‘Creating livelihood opportunity through CSIR Technologies using UBA and VIBHA Network’. He also proposed the vote of thanks to all the experts, scientists, and participants.
Mrs. Kamachi Chellammal, Andaman’s ‘Nariyal Amma’ Padamshree Awardee also participated in the event and the scientist also visited their agricultural forms for mapping of suitable technologies for their region. In this stakeholder meet around 145 participants including Farmers, Self Help Group and FPO Members participated .At the concluding session all the participants were given the participation certificate . The Programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks proposed by the Coordinator Dr.Kandimuthu, Assistant Professor Department of Economics JNRM.

Car Nicobar, Feb. 16: A&N Command will lock horns with Sri Vijaya Puram in the final of XXVI Vice President of India Cup Soccer Championship 2024-25 being played at BJR Stadium, Tamaloo, Car Nicobar. The final match will be played on Feb.17 at 2 PM.
In the first semifinal played today, A&N Command defeated Nancowrie by 1-0 in a spectacular match. The 1st Semi Final match was graced by Shri Solomon Samuel, DANIPS, Dy. Superintendent of Police, Nicobar District as the chief guest.
In the second semi-final, Sri Vijaya Puram defeated Chowra by 3-0. Shri Muneer Ahmed, DANICS, Assistant Commissioner (HQ) Car Nicobar graced the occasion, as chief guest for this match.
The match for the 2nd Runners Up position will be played between Chowra and Nancowrie on 17th February at 6 AM.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 12:The Department of Sports has launched a free Coaching for Archery and Cricket to be conducted at Netaji Stadium, Sri Vijaya Puram. The program focuses on school children with an initiative to promote sports development and provide opportunities for young athletes to hone their skills. The coaching will be conducted by experienced and certified coaches at various timings viz. Cricket – 6 am to 8 am; 3 pm to 5.30 pm (Ph. 9339766962) and Archery- 6 am to 9 am; 3 pm to 5.30 pm (Ph. 8900923776)
For further information, one may contact: 9531929184, Office, SYA, Netaji Stadium, Sri Vijaya Puram.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 11: The Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee President Mr Rangalal Halder has raised serious concerns over the unavailability of an X-ray technician at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Manglutan, South Andaman. In a formal appeal to the Directorate of Health Services, A & N Administration, he has urged immediate action to address this pressing issue.
He said that despite the presence of an X-ray machine at PHC Manglutan, the absence of a trained technician has left the facility non-functional, forcing patients to travel long distances to other healthcare centers for basic radiological diagnostic services which has caused severe inconvenience, particularly to economically weaker sections, resulting in delays in diagnosis and treatment along with increased financial and logistical burdens.
Mr. Halder has called for the urgent appointment of a qualified X-ray technician at PHC Manglutan to restore critical healthcare services for the people of the area.
The Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee remains committed to advocating for better healthcare infrastructure and urges the Administration to prioritize this matter with the urgency it demands.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 20: The Directorate of Social Welfare organized an informative and impactful awareness program focusing on ‘Ill Effects of Alcohol and Drug Abuse’ today. Held under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the programme was organized at Island Auto Association, Dollygunj. Mrs. Anchamma, Project Assistant at NAPDDR, highlighted the profound impact of substance abuse on individuals, families and society. She emphasized the Government’s unwavering commitment to building a drug-free India through the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
Dr. M.K. Mahato (IRCA), a renowned expert in substance abuse and mental health, addressed the critical challenges faced by individuals battling drug addiction. He stressed on the devastating effects addiction has on physical, mental, and emotional well-being, while actively engaging participants in discussions about the dangers of substance abuse and the transformative power of collective action.
Dr. Nitin Shakya, Director, Directorate of Social Welfare, said, this program is dedicated to raising awareness, educating the public, and providing crucial support to those affected. It calls for collective action to safeguard future generations from this growing danger, emphasizing that only by working together, we can protect the well-being of our society.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 04: The Andaman Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee President Mr. Rangalal Halder has expressed grave concerns over the collapse and hasty, unsafe reconstruction efforts of two critical bridges—R.K. Nallah Bridge and Potatang Bridge—located between Jirgatang and Middle Strait Jetty on NH-4 Road.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Mr. Halder said that the recent collapse of the R.K. Nallah Bridge, an essential transport link, has caused immense suffering for both tourists and local residents who rely on this infrastructure for travel and trade. The failure of these bridges not only underscores significant structural deficiencies but also raises serious concerns about corruption held in the construction and maintenance processes.
Mr. Halder stated that “This situation is unacceptable. The lives of residents and tourists have been put at risk due to the use of subpar materials and the failure to follow necessary safety protocols. He said Immediate steps must be taken to terminate the involvement of those responsible for this disaster,”
Additionally, Mr. Halder expressed concern over the unsafe and hasty reconstruction efforts currently underway. “The temporary constructed bridge is a disaster waiting to happen. It does not meet basic safety standards, and it poses a severe risk to the lives of those who will use it, including residents and tourists.”
To alleviate the hardships caused by the collapse, Mr. Halder has called on the Administration to immediately restore regular shipping and helicopter services between Port Blair, Rangat, Mayabunder, and Diglipur to ensure people, especially patients and those in urgent need of transport, have access to safe and reliable travel options.

Port Blair, Sept. 12: A team comprising of Doctor (Ayurveda) and Para Medical Staff of Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), a Unit of CCRAS under the Ministry of AYUSH, Port Blair will be conducting a Tribal Health Care Survey and Ayurveda Awareness Programme and Free Ayurveda Medical Camp under Tribal Health Care Research Programme at Kamorta Island from Sept. 18 to 29.