Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Oct 26: Swaraj Dweep Island is currently engulfed in a severe power crisis, leading to widespread distress among residents, tourists, and local businesses. The island has been experiencing prolonged power outages, with some areas facing blackouts lasting 12 to 16 hours daily.
The situation has severely impacted daily life, leaving the local populace and visitors in a state of distress. Talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, Mr. Ajith Kumar Roy, the Pradhan of Govind Nagar Panchayat of Swaraj Dweep, revealed the gravity of the situation. “Every two hours, the island is plunged into darkness, and these power cuts last for extended periods,” he stated. According to Mr. Roy, technical issues with the DG sets of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration are responsible for this crisis. Currently, the island has six DG sets, two operated by a private party and four by the administration.
Efforts by the Andaman Sheekha team to reach both the JEs of Swaraj Dweep over phone were unsuccessful, as their contact numbers were unreachable.
Smaller hotels without significant power backup are facing immense difficulties. Hotel owners are forced to purchase fuel for their DG sets, incurring substantial added expenses. One hotel owner shared their plight with Andaman Sheekha, stating, “In just one day, we’ve used fuel worth Rs 60,000 for our hotel’s DG Set due to the power cuts. Under such circumstances, conducting business in Swaraj Dweep is challenging.”
This power crisis is not only causing hardships for the local residents but also leaving tourists dissatisfied. This, in turn, is adversely affecting the Andaman tourism industry, as visitors leave the island with negative experiences.
The Administration must immediately look into this issue and restore normalcy for its residents and to preserve the island’s reputation as a tourist haven.
Archives for October 26, 2023
Member of Parliament Demands for Urgent Restoration of Full Helicopter Services for remote Islands
Port Blair, Oct 28: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has demanded to restore full helicopter services across the islands.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary the Member of Parliament mentioned that helicopter services are the lifeline of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, providing essential and faster connectivity among different Islands. These services are not just a convenience but an absolute necessity, especially for medical emergencies and other critical transportation needs.
He added that for the past many months, we have been grappling with a severe shortage of helicopters, which has escalated into a serious problem. As per contract with Pawan Hans we have had a fleet of four functional helicopters based at Port Blair. However, due to various reasons, including major repairs and routine inspections, this number has dwindled.
The Member of Parliament pointed out that long back one helicopter was sent to Mumbai, Maharashtra, for major repairs, while another was temporarily withdrawn for routine inspection. Adding to our woes, a third helicopter developed technical issues, leaving us with only one operational helicopter for a period.
He mentioned that though the second helicopter has been restored to service today, the operational fleet of just two helicopters is grossly inadequate for our needs. This has particularly affected patient transport from remote islands in medical emergencies. As Nicobar District has no road connectivity these two helicopters are presently focusing on the connectivity needs of Nicobar District.
“Meanwhile, residents of North and Middle Andaman, including those in the Diglipur region, are facing immense challenges. Despite having road access, the appalling condition of the NH4 makes helicopter service an essential requirement for emergencies,” he said.
He added that a new, advanced helicopter has arrived in our islands and that three additional new helicopters are due to replace the older ones. However, delays in formalities and agreements have prevented these from being operational.
In light of the above, the Member of Parliament requested your immediate intervention of the Chief Secretary in this matter.
He requested the Chief Secretary to engage with Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited to ensure that four helicopters are stationed at Port Blair as per the contractual agreement, and that services are resumed as per the previous schedule for all regions. This would provide immense relief to our residents.
He also requested to expedite the necessary paperwork and agreements for four new helicopters. “The introduction of these new, larger, and more advanced helicopters would significantly enhance service quality and reliability for the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands,” he added.
Marine Pollution Response Seminar and Mock Drill Conducted By Coast Guard District Headquarters -14
Port Blair, Oct 28: The Indian Coast Guard, District Headquarters-14 conducted a Pollution Response Seminar and Mock Drill from 25 to 26 Oct 23, at Port Blair. The Training and Workshop was in sync with the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP) for which Indian Coast Guard is Competent National Authority for coordinating marine oil pollution response. Dy Inspector General Pradeep B Mandal, TM, District Commander No. 14 (South & Little Andaman) chaired the seminar and highlighted the importance of preparedness by all stakeholders including A&N Administration, Disaster Management Board, Port Management Board, Forest Dept., IOCL, PMF, etc.
Ms. Veditha Reddy, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Andaman and Nicobar Administration (South Andaman) attended the inaugural session and was briefed on the pollution response mechanism and shown the PR equipment of Indian Coast Guard, which is the sole pollution response equipment inventory holder in the entire Andaman & Nicobar Islands. She admitted the desirability of augmenting the Pollution Response capability of A & N Administration for safeguarding these ecologically sensitive islands. She also appreciated Indian Coast Guard for their yeoman efforts in this niche area and highlighted the requirement of collaboration between Coast Guard and District Disaster Committee, A & N Administration, for quicker response in safeguarding the marine environment.
During the seminar speakers including DIG PB Mandal (ICG), Commandant Zakir Hussain (ICG), Mr Sandeep Behra (IFS), Shri Pradipto Pal (M/s IOCL) shared their expertise and insights w.r.t. oil pollution response mechanism at sea. All delegates agreed to enhance PR capability and capacity to safeguard the environmentally sensitive marine ecology of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
BVWS organises felicitation ceremony in honour of new recruits & chess player of Baruva Village
Port Blair, Oct 26: The Baruva Villagers Welfare Sangham (BVWS), a prominent Telugu welfare society in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, recently organized a grand felicitation ceremony at Forest Club, Haddo Ward No.1. The event honored outstanding individuals from Baruva village who secured significant job opportunities in the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and celebrated an international chess champion.
Miss Vedhita Reddy IAS, Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman District, graced the event as the Chief Guest. She felicitated Mr. Paila Ravikumar and Mrs. Paila Reshmi Kumari, selected for Junior Engineer roles; Ms. Timmala Usha, Dunna Murali, Madanala Karthik, and Gedela Ramesh for their selection as Lower Division Clerks (LDCs); and Dummu Neeraj, appointed as Village Level Worker. Additionally, she honored Mr. Vanimina Yashwant for securing the “Arena FIDE Master” international chess title, showcasing the prowess of Telugu people at the island level.
The Chief Guest praised BVWS for their quick and impactful welfare programs, including financial aid for medical assistance and encouragement of sports and youth. The event also acknowledged the contributions of prominent Baruva villagers, such as Dr. R. Venkata Ramana Murthy, Regional Director, IGNOU; Dunna Eswara Rao, Accounts Officer, Port Blair Municipal Council; and Super Senior Citizen Paila Duryodhana. A posthumous honor was bestowed on Late Dunna Vallabha Rao for his invaluable role in establishing the association. Councillors Shri Sahul Hameed and Shri R. Someswara Rao of Haddo Ward No.1 & 2 were also felicitated.
The ceremony commenced with a welcome address by BVWS President Dunna Madhavarao and was effectively orchestrated by Organising Secretary Tejeswara Rao. Vanimina Lakshmi Narayana, Treasurer of BVWS, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all BVWS members, Baruva villagers, sponsors, and well-wishers for their support in making the ceremony a success.
Women Leading the Charge in Nature Positive Tourism says Tourism Expert
Venkat
Port Blair, Oct 26: Shri M Krishnamachari, Director of IISD and Sagar Tours, addressed 72 students of Ethiraj Women’s College, Egmore, Chennai recently, highlighting the pivotal role of Indian women in transforming the tourism industry. His conclusion comes after a 30-day research and study tour across Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
During his tour, Krishnamachari interacted with tour operators, travel agents, students, and hoteliers, focusing on nature positive tourism. He observed that women are excelling in promoting inbound, outbound, and domestic tourism, marking a positive trend for the industry’s development.
In a compelling power point presentation to the students, Krishnamachari drew parallels between a mother and nature. He emphasized that just as a mother nurtures a child with five essential elements, nature too sustains life with its five elements: the sun, earth, air, water, and sky. However, he lamented that modern lifestyles are increasingly disrupting this harmony.
Krishnamachari argued that ignorance and disregard for nature’s elements are the root causes of current environmental challenges. Through visuals and images, he advocated for a rethinking of our relationship with nature.
The lecture left a lasting impact, with students committing to protect nature for the wellbeing of the human race and all living beings. Feedback from attendees revealed that this was the first time many had seen such a presentation, underscoring the uniqueness and importance of the message conveyed.
Awareness programme on POCSO Act 2012 organised at Govt. Sec. School, Calicut
Port Blair, Oct 26: An awareness programme to sensitize the students (Boys & Girls) of class 6th to 10th regarding the various provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offence (POCSO) Act 2012 was conducted on 26 October 2023 at Govt. Sec. School, Calicut by ICDS, Urban Project. Awareness on Different topics like child abuse, girl child safety, preventive measures, role of parents and care givers in bringing up to the children, service provided by the Govt. Department, rehabilitation, legal matters etc. were discussed with the students. During the Programme, Mrs. Zarina Bibi, (Child Dev. Project Officer, Urban Project), Mr. Gyan Singh (Head master), Dr. Karishma (Ayurveda), Mrs. Jyothi (Sub Inspector), Mukhya Sevika, DCPU Staff, School teachers, PRI members & large gathering of school students were present. A Short documentary film regarding the topic of good touch and bad touch and its prevention was shown to the students of Govt. Sec. School, Calicut.
Power interruption on 28 Oct
Port Blair, Oct 26: It is brought to the notice of the general consumers and government departments that power supply will remain suspended at the following area on 28.10.2023 (Saturday) from 0730 Hrs. to 1600 Hrs. in connection with urgent replacement of 02 Nos. dilapidated electric pole of VOR Tie Line near St. Marry School, Mohanpura.
Date
Area affected Timing
From To
28.10.2023
(Saturday) Light House area, Phongy Chaung, Mohanpura, Vidhyut Bhawan area, Directorate of Transport and Electricity HQ Divisional Office Complex area 0730 Hrs. 1600 Hrs.
In addition to above, power supply will also be suspended at the following on 28.10.2023 (Saturday) from 0730 Hrs. to 1130 Hrs. for line clearance and pruning of dangerous trees.
Date
Area affected Timing
From To
28.10.2023
(Saturday) PBMC Auditorium, APWD CE Office, Secretariat, Court Complex, PAO, Raj Niwas & Gandhi Park, Part of Gurudwara Lane, Bengali Club, Biggi Lane, Anthropological Museum, Middle Point, Link Road, VIP Road, Police Line, part of Junglighat 0730 Hrs. 1130 Hrs.
The above mentioned schedule is tentative, if the work is completed before the schedule, feeders will be charged accordingly.
Series of awareness camp on the various provisions of POCSO by Directorate of Social Welfare
Port Blair, Oct. 26: The Directorate of Social Welfare organized a series of awareness camp on the various provisions of POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act under ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) Projects at Port Blair (Urban), Ferrargunj, Rangat, Diglipur and Car Nicobar. More than 36 camps were organized in the month of September, 2023 to educate children, parents, teachers, and the community at large about the importance of safeguarding children from sexual offences. The POCSO Act is an Indian law that addresses sexual offences against children. Such awareness programs are critical to inform people about the Act’s provisions, the rights of children, and the steps that can be taken to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse.
During the awareness programme, the beneficiaries were educated on certain key points by the experts such as the legal procedures for reporting and prosecuting offenders, personal safety, recognizing inappropriate behaviour, and how to report any form of abuse to a trusted adult, information on how to protect children and the signs to look for if a child is being abused, support services for victims of sexual abuse and their families, which could help victims and their families cope with the trauma and navigate the legal processes involved, information on Help Lines and support networks for reporting abuse, seeking assistance, and providing information to concerned individuals.
Dweep Vikas Aur Prashasan Doordarshan Kendra, Port Blair to telecast an Interview with Mr. A.S.P.S.Raviprakash, IAS
Port Blair, Oct 26: In the Next Episode of ‘Dweep Vikas Aur Prashasan’ Doordarshan Kendra, Port Blair will telecast an Interview with Mr. A.S.P.S.Raviprakash, IAS (Secretary Disaster Management) on 27.10.2023 at 6 pm on various developmental activities Disaster Management Department.
Advisory for candidates of Nursing Officer Post
Port Blair, Oct.26: Computer Based Test (CBT) was held from 11.07.2023 to 15.07.2023 for recruitment to the post of Nursing Officer under A & N Health Department. Thereafter, Answer Key for the mentioned posts was published in the official website of Administration from 07.10.2023 to 09.10.2023, inviting claims and objections, if any.
The claims and objections received from the candidates with reference
to the Answer Keys published in the e-recruitment portal from 07.10.2023
to 09.10.2023 have been examined and clarification to each claim and objection received from the Controller of Examination, DBRAIT through email dated 20.10.2023 has been uploaded in the A & N State Portal www.andaman.gov.in and in the e-recruitment portal http: / /erecruitment.andaman.gov.in for the information of the candidates.