Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Oct 29: The North and Middle Andaman regions, once getting ready for tourism boost, are facing a dire decline in tourist activity, largely attributed to the deteriorating condition of National Highway 4 (NH4). The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) has been under scrutiny for its sluggish progress in upgrading the vital roadway, with consequences that ripple through the local economy.
Once brimming with potential, the North and Middle Andaman regions were poised to become world-renowned tourist destinations. Enthused by the booming tourism in Port Blair, Shaheed Deep, and Swaraj Dweep, local youths and the general public invested heavily in private hotels and lodges. Anticipating a similar surge in tourism, they now find their dreams and livelihoods jeopardized.
Areas like the Diglipur region, abundant in attractions such as Ross and Smith Islands, elephant rides, saddle peak hiking, possibilities of river rafting, limestone caves, pristine beaches, and turtle nesting, are witnessing almost no visitors these days. The same is true for the Rangat region, known for its beaches and turtle nesting sites. The poor condition of NH4 has rendered travel to these areas a harrowing experience, deterring tourists and leaving the regions desolate.
The drop in tourism has had a domino effect, resulting in unemployment and dashed hopes for many youths who envisioned a future sustained by the industry. The deteriorating NH4 has transformed journeys to these northern regions into nightmares, causing even the most adventurous tourists to reconsider their plans.
Tourism experts suggest that reviving tourism in these regions is still possible through strategic measures. They advocate for the provision of regular specially scheduled vessels to ensure reliable and comfortable transport. Ships like Nalanda and Sindhu could be scheduled for overnight journeys to Diglipur, allowing tourists to enjoy the natural splendours of the region for a day or two before returning to Port Blair by new ships. Similarly, special ferries to Rangat could invigorate travel to this area. Such initiatives require a genuine zeal for promoting tourism and an active interest in the region’s development.
The potential benefits of reviving tourism in North and Middle Andaman are immense. Not only could it generate thousands of jobs, but it would also diversify the tourist destinations within the Andaman Islands, giving visitors more reasons to explore and return. While South Andaman enjoys the lion’s share of tourism benefits, there is a growing call for North and Middle Andaman to receive their fair share, thereby breathing new life into the region and bolstering the overall allure of the Andaman Islands as a whole. Hope some days the decision makers will think of this pressing issue too as it is connected with the livelihoods of thousands and thousands of people.
Archives for October 29, 2023
Successful Operation by Rangat Police: 355 gms ganja seized
Port Blair, Oct 29: In a swift and efficient operation carried out on October 29, 2023, the Rangat Police apprehended a notorious drug trafficker and seized a significant quantity of illicit ganja.
The Rangat Police received a credible information from an informant regarding an individual, identified as Milan Krishna Roy, resident of Bakultala, who was reportedly about to distribute illicit ganja to customers.
Upon receiving this critical information, it was immediately relayed to the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Rangat, Shri. Vishesh Dhatterwal. Subsequently, a raiding team was swiftly assembled, consisting of Inspector R.K Mazumder, Station House Officer of PS Rangat, and constables Anil Yadav, Sameer, Sunita Das, and CH Ram Prasad. At around 1000 hours, raiding team along with two independent witnesses, Shri. Ashim Kumar Bepari and Shri. Mahesh. Around afternoon , the suspect, Milan Krishna Roy, fitting the description provided by the informant, was spotted near Bakultala Junction. The raiding team confronted him and seized a polythene packet containing 355 grams of illicit Ganja from his possession. Subsequently, Milan Krishna Roy, aged 52 years, a resident of Bakultala, was arrested under Section 20(b)(ii)(B) of the NDPS Act,1985 for his involvement in this illegal activity.
The whole operation was conducted under the supervision of Shri Vishesh Dhatterwal (DANIPS), SDPO (Rangat) and overall direction and supervision of Mrs. Geetanjali Khandelwal, IPS, Superintendent of Police, North & Middle Andaman District.
The general public is requested to pass and share any credible information pertaining to any crime or illegal activities to their nearest Police Station or over phone No.100, 112 & 03192-273344. The identity of the informers will be kept secret and will also be suitably rewarded.
LIC Agents Association Demands Immediate Attention to Key Issues
Port Blair, Oct 29: The annual meeting of the LIC Agents Association held on October 28, 2023, at Hotel Blue Marlin, Dollygunj, concluded with a set of crucial demands addressed to the LIC management. The agents urged for immediate resolution of customer grievances by appointing dedicated officers at branches. They highlighted the absence of CCTV in their branches, stressing the need for swift installation to ensure safety. The association called for an increase in the approved gratuity amount for LIC agents from INR 500,000 to INR 2,000,000 and appealed for the introduction of pension benefits. Lastly, they advocated for an increase in policyholders’ bonus rates, prioritizing their interests.
Gratitude Expressed
Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and his all family members have expressed deep gratitude toward all Islanders for attending Late Bhagat Singh’s funeral today in such a large number.
The immense gathering, a sea of compassionate faces, was a poignant reminder of the Islands’ unity and the profound respect held for Mr. Bhagat Singh.
“It meant so much for our family and we appreciate your support during this difficult time in our lives. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers,” said Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma in his message to all Islanders.
“It is during times like these that we realize the power of community, the strength we draw from each other. Your empathy and solidarity have been a guiding light amidst our grief,” he added.
A&N Island Secures Top Position among UTs in CCTNS Pragati Dashboard for September 2023
Port Blair, Oct 29: In a remarkable feat, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has achieved a significant milestone by securing the top position (94.78%) for the second time this year among Union Territories in the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) PRAGATI Dashboard, a system administered by the National Crime Records Bureau in New Delhi for the month of September, 2023. The CCTNS is a flagship project of the Ministry of Home Affairs, regularly monitored by the Honorable Prime Minister of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs through the PRAGATI Dashboard on a monthly basis.
The CCTNS PRAGATI Dashboard plays a pivotal role in tracking and managing crime data on a national scale, offering insights into the performance, commitment, progressive growth, and efficiency of States and Union Territories in implementing and managing crime prevention and detection measures. The consistent and dedicated efforts of the Andaman and Nicobar Police have culminated in this outstanding achievement.
As the Andaman and Nicobar Islands celebrate this remarkable achievement, the A&N Police reaffirm their commitment to further enhancing efforts to maintain law and order, improve crime prevention, and ensure the safety and security of the residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Letters to the Editor
Comment on News Article: Stray Dog Menace Continues to Haunt Port Blair; Residents demand intervention of Chief Secretary
Sir,
I went through your post. Absolutely right. Last week went to Andaman for a trip, forgot my enjoyment when saw stray dogs condition in Neil, Havelock and even in Port Blair. What I witnessed brought tears in my eyes. Their skin , hair were falling off from their injured and wounded bodies.Puppies were roaming around like lizards. Could count bones on dogs bodies.Small Me and my husband kept feeding them instead of enjoying on the beaches. Govt should take some action to improve their condition, open some shelter homes and drive sterilization drive. Some old months bitches were pregnant. Though I’m back I keep thinking about them and pray to God to do something. People so insensitive there don’t even bother about them.
By: Anita Nijhawan
*****
Comment on News Article: Skyrocketing Airfares Trouble Islanders Ahead of Festive Season, Public demands Action from Administration
Sir,
True. It is quite a loot by the airlines. Airfares within India from Delhi to Port Blair are much higher than even the international travel to many neighbouring countries. The government should fix upper limits on the airfares.
By: S R Garg
*****
Comment on News Article: Persistent Power Outages Plague South Andaman District, Leaving Residents in the Dark
Sir,
Thank you for this information. So what can general public do about these atrocities? If it was a genuine breakdown then how come an official notice was passed around specifying the outage hours? We run homestay and have been getting low ratings for these reasons. How can Port Blair be called a smart City with no basics? The corrupt govt has to take responsibility and sort this out fast, instead of pleading people to use less. Sadly, no guidance is provided on how to complaint against government’s lack of fast resolution. This problem has prolonged for way too long.
Reader: Jenny
JSS SA hosted Food Festival at the Guptapara Village Community Hall
Port Blair, Oct 29: “On 27/10/23, JSS SA hosted a Food Festival at the Guptapara Village Community Hall, with a judging panel comprising Mr. Vijay Kumar Vice-Chairman, JSS SA, Mr. Durlav Das, the Pradhan of Guptapara, and Mrs. Shampa Banerjee.”
The participants of the food processing batches, who are the beneficiaries, enthusiastically took part in the event today.
Fake Delivery Parcel Scam to Get OTPS from Targeted Victims
Port Blair, Oct 29: As people become more aware about the methods used by cybercriminals, they are getting creative, developing new methods for fraud. Cybercriminals are perpetrating a new scam targeting many people to get OTPs (One Time Passwords) for making fraudulent bank transactions and getting access to the victims’ email addresses/ smartphones by manipulating them with Fake Delivery Parcel Scam. These scams are often carried out by people who work closely with delivery agents or delivery agencies. When they find out that a particular person receives a lot of packages from various e-commerce companies, then they plan to target him.
In this regard, Andaman and Nicobar Police issue the following advisory to safeguard yourself:
1. Confirm your order history and the potential delivery dates before accepting / cancelling any package.
2. Avoid clicking on any link received in an SMS when dealing with such package deliveries.
3. Scrutinize all the URLs (links) before opening and filling in any information/OTP.
4. Avoid sharing your personal details such as address, email id, phone number, etc. if not required.
5. Avoid clicking on a link or calling back the number from an unexpected delivery notice via a SMS or email.
For assistance, information or enquiries please contact: Cyber Cell, Port Blair, over Cyber Helpline No. 9531856083 or visit cybercrime.gov.in.
Health Care Facilities in A&N Island ensure strict compliance of Biomedical Waste Management Rule, 2016. Under schedule–II of BMWM
Port Blair, Oct 29: The Health Care Facilities in Andaman & Nicobar Islands have been urged to ensure strict compliance of Biomedical Waste Management Rule, 2016. Under schedule–II of Biomedical Waste Management (BMWM) Rules, 2016 as amended thereof, all the Government and Private Healthcare facilities need to ensure the implementation of Rules as well as the strict compliance with respect to the following points:
Installation of Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System (OCEMS) by Health Care facilities having captive treatment facilities-incinerators and transmission of real time data to CPCB server.
Existing deep burial pits should be authorized as per BMWM Rules, 2016 and designed in line with standards prescribed under Sr. No. 5 Schedule-II of BMWM Rules, 2016.
The standards for liquid waste prescribed under Biomedical Waste Management Rules 2016 and its amendments to be compiled by Health Care Facilities:
The limits mentioned under Schedule II of Bio-medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 are applicable to the occupiers of Health Care Facilities (bedded) which are either connected with sewerage network without terminal sewage treatment plant or not connected to public sewers:
HCFs required to comply with limits under Schedule II at S.No.08 (CPCB guidelines for Management of Healthcare Waste as per BMWM Rules, 2016 may be referred).
For discharge into public sewers with terminal facilities, the general standards as notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986) shall be applicable: HCFs required to comply with general discharge standards for public sewers.
HCFs having less than ten beds shall comply with the output discharge standards for liquid waste as mentioned under Schedule II at S.No.8.
Non-bedded occupiers shall dispose of infectious liquid wastes only after treatment by disinfection as per Schedule-II (6) of the principal rules: CPCB guidelines may be referred.
All the Health Care Facilities in Andaman and Nicobar Islands have therefore been requested to ensure strict compliance of the stipulated conditions under BMWM Rules, 2016. The guidelines are available in the link: https://cpcb.nic.in/uploads/Projects/Bio-Medical-Waste/Guidelines_healthcare_June_2018.pdf.
Blood Donation Camp by Andaman Helping Hand in Association with Maharashtra Mandal and AN AIDS Control Society Supported by Nehru Yuva Kendra, Port Blair
Port Blair, 29 Oct: Andaman Helping Hand, (AHHANI) a renowned charitable organization in A&N Islands, in collaboration with Maharashtra Mandal, AN AIDS Control Society, and with the support of Nehru Yuva Kendra, Port Blair, successfully organized a blood donation camp aimed at addressing the urgent blood requirements of the region.
The event was initially scheduled at Maharashtra Mandal, however, due to unforeseen load shedding, the youth volunteers participating in the camp were swiftly redirected to GB Panth Hospital. The swift response ensured the safety and viability of the donated blood.
A total of 22 dedicated and compassionate young individuals willingly came forward and donated their blood. This noble act was a testament to the spirit of community service, as these donors understood the pressing need to support the medical requirements of the residents of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The donated blood was promptly deposited in the Blood Bank at GB Panth Hospital, ensuring that it is readily available to meet the urgent needs of patients in the region. The selfless contributions of these young donors are commendable, as their generosity can potentially save lives.
In addition to the blood donation drive, the event also recognized and felicitated various youth leaders for their outstanding contributions in diverse sectors such as health, education, sports, and other significant areas. Their exceptional service has made a remarkable impact on the well-being and development of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The names of the recognized youth leaders are:
1. Mr. P. Hemanth Rao (Hemanth Creations)
2. Mr. M. S. Murugan
3. Mr. Sandeep (AHHANI)
4. Mrs. Nidhiya Rao (Cake’s Corner)
5. Mr. B. Kodanda Rao (ANCA)
Mr. Gorakhnath Patil, President of Maharashtra Mandal, Port Blair, graced the event as the Special Guest and conferred appreciation certificates to all the youth leaders. He also delivered an inspiring speech on the importance of “Nikam Seva.”
The event commenced with a warm welcome by Gopal Ch Biswas of Nehru Yuva Kendra, who emphasized the significance of the program. Mr. Sambhu Murthy extended his gratitude to all participants and guests, proposing the vote of thanks.
Andaman Helping Hand and its esteemed partners express their sincere gratitude to all the donors, volunteers, and youth leaders for their unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of the people of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.