John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Oct 03: Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, Commander-in-Chief of Andaman Nicobar Command, today confirmed the readiness of Shibpur Airport of Diglipur for operation of civilian aircraft, which will be operated by Andaman and Nicobar Administration for general public. “As far as the ANC is concerned we are ready” he said.
Addressing media persons during a media interaction today he said that Defence Dornier Aircrafts are already operating regularly.
The airport’s major works, including the passenger terminal building and runway, have already been completed, with minor finishing touches underway. The ongoing runway extension and tree-cutting are part of future development plans, he said.
He said that work in Campbell Bay Airport is almost completed for operation of Civilian Aircraft and in two three months major progress will be seen.
He added that Port Blair Airport is already operational for night landing, with defense military aircraft conducting night operations. The infrastructure is in place for civil aircraft, and the commencement of night landing operations is awaited from civil aircraft operators.
Under the Regional Connect Scheme (RCS-UDAN), the Government of India sanctioned the commissioning of NAS Shibpur as a full-fledged air station for domestic traffic.
The introduction of flight services between Port Blair and Shibpur Airport in Diglipur is expected to boost North Andaman tourism and passenger connectivity, allowing travel between the two locations within an hour and facilitating medical emergencies.
Archives for October 3, 2023
Member of Parliament demands increase fund allocation for Department of Youth Affairs and Enhancing Youth Infrastructure
Port Blair, Oct 03: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kudleep Rai Sharma has requested the Hon’ble Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to increase fund allocation for the Department of Youth Affairs and to enhance Youth Infrastructure in these Islands.
In a letter addressed to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, the Member of Parliament said that investing in the youth infrastructure of these Islands is vital to ensure that our young population not only remains physically and mentally fit but also excels in national and international level sporting events.
He mentioned that youths of these Islands have already achieved remarkable success despite the limited infrastructure currently available to them. However, in order to sustain and further nurture their talents, it is imperative that we take concrete steps to bolster our youth infrastructure.
In his letter he highlighted some key areas that require immediate attention:
Playground Development: There is a need to earmark additional playgrounds while preserving the existing ones. These Islands have already lost some prominent playgrounds like the VIP Road Ground (previously known as ITF Ground), Chandmari Ground, Chakkargaon Volleyball as well as cricket ground, Ajanta Mess Ground (near RBV School), Secretariat Ground (Now parking area) and hockey court inside the velodrome etc.
Gym Facilities: Presently, South Andaman has only one government gym, which is insufficient to cater to the needs of our young population. He proposed the construction of at least two more government gyms in each district. Additionally, the gyms provided by PBMC in every ward a decade ago are in a state of disrepair or have been closed. He requested to reopen these facilities to promote healthy living among our youths.
Swimming Pools: The accessibility of the swimming pool in Port Blair to the public is severely limited, with frequent closures. To promote swimming as an excellent exercise option, we must establish two public swimming pools in every district.
Floodlights for Nataji Stadium Ground and other Prominent Grounds at different Islands: To facilitate evening sports activities without concerns about lighting, it is essential to install floodlights at the Netaji Stadium Ground and other prominent grounds at different Islands. This will enable our youth to engage in sporting pursuits during evening hours, fostering a culture of fitness and recreation. As Netaji Stadium is centrally located, installing flood lights will attract hundreds of youths for sports activities. These grounds can also be used for organising district level and state level functions at evening hours, hence this will promote sports and cultural activities in all Islands.
Generator Backup for Netaji Stadium: The Netaji Stadium complex having ground, Gym, Multipurpose Hall, Swimming Pool, does not have a generator backup and hence during power cut, sports activities during evening hours remain suspended. If a generator is installed for Netaji Stadium the Gym, Multipurpose Hall, Swimming Pool would be able to function without breaks.
Multipurpose Hall: Presently only the Netaji Stadium complex is a multipurpose hall for indoor games like Badminton, Table Tennis and Volleyball. Similar Multipurpose Hall needs to be constructed for Nicobar District and N & M Andaman region.
Increased Funding: To facilitate youth development and sports activities, there is a pressing need to increase the allocation of funds. This will enable us to organize regular sporting events and other constructive activities that will keep our youth engaged and motivated.
The Member of Parliament requested the Hon’ble Lt. Governor’s support and intervention in addressing these crucial issues. He said that by investing in our youth infrastructure, we can empower the next generation to reach new heights of excellence and contribute positively to our society and the nation as a whole.
Vishal Jolly demands alternative arrangements for operationalizing Ferry Boats to travel between Long Island and Yeratta
Port Blair, Oct 03: Mr. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Committee Member, BJP & Former State President BJP-ANI, wrote a letter to Chief Secretary A&N Administration for making immediate alternative arrangements for operationalizing Ferry Boats to travel between Long Island and Yeratta
In his letter he wrote that on the basis of a Warning Notice for immediate stoppage of operations, dated 21st September, 2023 issued by Port Management Board, all the shipping and other activities has been stopped at Yerratta Jetty with immediate effect.
Further he mentioned that recently conducted safety assessment & evaluations, the sudden stoppage of all shipping services has caused and is continuously causing immense hardship to the general public, students and business community of Long Island, as they were totally depended upon ferry boats to travel between Long Island to Yerratta.
Accordingly, he requested the Chief Secretary to direct the concerned authorities to make some immediate alternative arrangements for travel and transportation of residents of Long Island.
Forest Team Seizes Illegal Teak Timber in Mayabunder
John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, October 3: In a significant operation, the Forest team of Mayabunder range conducted a search operation on October 1, 2023, following a tip-off. The operation, carried out at a residence in Mayabunder Ganesh Tekri, resulted in the discovery of illegal hand-sawn teak timber (category 1) measuring more than 4 to 5 cubic meters.
Forest officials requested valid documentation for the timber’s possession, but the accused failed to provide any. Consequently, a case was registered against the individual, and the illicit timber was seized under the relevant sections of the Indian Forest Act 1927.
The seized materials were subsequently handed over to the Range Officer in Mayabunder, along with all case-related documents, for further legal proceedings. The operation was conducted under the overall direction and supervision of the Divisional Forest Officer, Middle Andaman Forest Division.
Andaman Tourism stakeholders participate at the 38th IATO Convention
Port Blair, Oct 03: The Andaman tourism industry made a big impression at the 38th Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) Convention. The event took place at ITC Hotel Rama International in Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad) from September 29th to October 1st, 2023.
Key figures from Andaman’s tourism sector attended the event, including Mr. M. Vinod, President of the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), Mr. Mohd. Jadwet, Chairman of the Andaman chapter of IATO, Mr. Saikat Biswas, Joint Secretary of AATO, and Mr. T.J. Mathew, Assistant
Manager, Department of IP&T, representing the Department of Tourism, A&N Administration. Their presence added valuable insights to the convention.
Mr. Vinod expressed his heartfelt thanks to the A&N Administration for their enthusiastic support in promoting Andaman tourism.
Over three exciting days, the convention focused on boosting tourism in the country. An impressive turnout of 900-1000 delegates from across the nation, including representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and states, industry leaders, and experts from the tourism and hospitality sectors, was anticipated. This gathering of expertise was set to spark significant discussions and collaborations, shaping the future of Indian tourism.
Mr. Vinod stated, “The 38th IATO Convention held great promise for the Andaman tourism sector. It provided a special platform for stakeholders to connect, share ideas, and build partnerships that will undoubtedly impact the industry.”
The Andaman tourism industry expressed sincere thanks to IATO for organizing this crucial event. The convention showcased the collective pursuit of excellence within the tourism sector, showcasing the enduring spirit of the Andaman Islands as a premier travel destination.
TSG Charitable Foundation wins the prestigious Mahatma Awards for excellence in Social Good & Social Impact
Port Blair, Oct 03: The TSG Charitable Foundation has been adjudged as a recipient of the “Mahatma Award for Social Good & Impact 2023” by Aditya Birla Group the award was presented to Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman, TSG Charitable Foundation in a ceremony held at India International Centre in New Delhi on September 30th , 2023 by Award founder Mr. Amit Sachdeva & other distinguished guests
TSG Charitable Foundation received this prestigious award in recognition of its high impact interventions in healthcare & nutrition, education for underprivileged children & various others extensive humanitarian efforts in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bhasker said, “We are really grateful for the recognition given to our efforts. This award is a source of encouragement for us to double down our efforts. We will continue our initiatives for the betterment of our society, people & our Islands”
ABVP Requests for immediate fulfillment of required posts of assistant professor in Andaman Law College
Port Blair, Oct 03: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) is the world’s largest student body working for the students cause and devoted completely to the nation. In these Islands the ABVP has been working since 2000 for the youth and is voicing up for the issues pertaining to higher education.
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad wrote to the Chief Secretary, Secretariat, A&N Administration that, towards the issues of insufficient number of faculties in Andaman Law College. Students of Andaman Law College are presently going through a highly critical phase of their academics as the number of lectures allotted to each subject in each semester is not delivered properly. Because of non-availability of faculties the college administration is unable to conduct regular classes for the students. Due to less number of lecture sessions students could not get the lecture as prescribed by regulatory bodies. This creates a heavy burden on students during even semester examinations.
At present the college is not able to fulfill the required number of lectures as enforced by PART IV, Rule 10 of Bar council of India rules, 19 75. Because of this unfortunate condition the academic upliftment of the students of said college is at stake.
ABVP requests for immediately fill up the required posts of Assistant professors in Andaman law college at the earliest.
ABVP Requests to conduct counselling for admission of students of Andaman Law College for the session of 2023-2024
Port Blair, Oct 03: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) is the world’s largest student body working for the students’ cause and devoted completely to the nation. In these Islands the ABVP has been working since 2000 for the youth and is voicing up for the issues pertaining to higher education.
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad wrote to the Secretary Higher Education A &N Administration that, It is a matter of great concern that the lone College of Law in these Islands, counselling for admission in 1st year has not been initiated for the session 2023-2024. Though the merit list of the candidates was published several days back.
They said, this unusual delay in admission of 1 year students in Andaman Law College will create undue academic pressure over the students. The aspirants are in an intense dilemma due to a strange delay in the admission process in Andaman Law College. This easygoing attitude by an educational institution is very unfortunate and detrimental for students.
ABVP requests to kindly conduct the counselling session for admission of 2023-24 batch at the earliest so that the student’s career may not be jeopardized.
Flyzone Aviation Academy Organizes a field trip to Air Cargo Complex, Port Blair
Port Blair, Oct 03: On 25/09/2023 and 02/10/2023, Flyzone Aviation Academy, a premium institute of Air Hostess and Ground Staff had organised a field trip for its students to go scope out the Air Cargo Complex, Port Blair.
This was an extremely beneficial opportunity for the students. They were guided by an instructor who explained about the different buildings and the various points of the cargo terminal. They were briefed about the Airlines involved in the cargo operations. The instructor described about the inward and outward movement of cargo. They were introduced to different equipments used in handling cargo.
The visit was resourceful as they got an extensive knowledge contributing to expand their interests outside the classroom environment.
Symposium on Organ Donation as Part of ‘Angdaan Mahotsav’ and ‘Seva Pakhwara’
Port Blair, Oct 03: In an earnest effort to champion the noble cause of organ donation a symposium was held on 02 Oct 23 as part of the ‘Angdaan Mahotsav’ and ‘Seva Pakhwara’ initiative, of the Government of India. This enlightening event took center stage at the Dweepika auditorium, at HQ ANC. Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, AVSM, VM Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The symposium’s core mission was to educate and inspire the community about the importance of organ donation, underscored by the profoundly altruistic nature of this life-saving endeavour. Distinguished luminaries in the medical field, including eminent Nephrologists and Transplant Surgeons, imparted their specialized knowledge, to shed light on the intricate processes and the transformative impact of organ donation.
The community responded with enthusiasm, igniting a renewed commitment among individuals to engage in this selfless act of compassion.