Rabindranath Biswas
Diglipur, Nov. 05: It is not only the NH4, which is in dilapidated condition, the rural roads in many villages under Diglipur Tehsil are in unspeakable bad shape, and among these rural roads, the 30 km (approx.) Shayamnagar road (from Diglipur Bazaar) is in a severely neglected state.
As per report, the lone road to Shayamnagar which passes through the villages like Madhupur, Laxmipur, Milangram, Swarajgram, Radhanagar and then Shyamnagar is in a despicable condition. In fact, barring a few portions, the entire stretch of road in Milangram village area has significantly deteriorated, posing threat to the lives of the commuters. Motorists often find themselves in critical situations to navigate their way through some portions of this road which have become pool waters. “The road is no longer motorable; in fact, a sizable part of the road has lost its surfaces while other parts have turned hazardous owing to the mammoth sized potholes and damages”, lamented the vehicle owners regularly using the road. “Our clothes are splattered with muddy water from the moving vehicles through these potholes forcing us to cancel our trips to Bazaar for our works”, rues the residents.
The residents of the locality further said that they have been making plea after plea to the local leaders and the higher authorities of the Administration for the last couple of years for the urgent recarpeting of the road. However, the road was not repaired even before the onset of the rainy season this year as well, the residents alleged. Some residents expressed severe disappointment with the persistently poor condition of the road, which has remained unaddressed for a couple of years now. The Pradhan of the area said that despite the urgent need for road recarpeting, no required actions have been taken. Furthermore, no repair work was carried out by the responsible department prior to the rainy season, ignoring the safety of commuters, the Pradhan said.
“The road in the area has not been macadmised nor any maintenance of the road has been done”, a senior citizen of the locality rued. “The Administration seems to have forgotten us”, he further alleged. “The concerned Department should construct or repair the utter dilapidated road on a priority basis as lives are very precious”, the residents urged.
Amid this, when contacted on phone to know the status of the work of the road in question, the Executive Engineer, APWD, Diglipur told Andaman Sheekha Daily that the Dept.’s projects works are being reportedly thwarted by a plethora of constraints. APWD is yet to get a quarry allotted in its name and the Dept. is struggling due to the crunch of aggregates required to carry out road works, the EE said. The stone quarries allotted to private parties were submerged by rain water and they couldn’t extract the stones, which resulted in the delay in executing the road works, the APWD local authority alleged. Attributing the blame on climate, the EE also said that there has been excessive rain in the last couple of months and which provided them no opportunity to carry out road works, as the road works need fair weather, the APWD Official said. However, he is hopeful that the department will soon be allotted with a stone quarry as the Deputy Commissioner, N & M Andaman assured the EE when he had apprised the DC of the aggregate issue. In the meantime, road works will be reportedly started with the available aggregates as soon as the weather turns fair and friendly to road works, the EE further said.
Archives for November 5, 2023
Swift Rescue at Raman Bagicha Beach of Rangat Thwarts Tragedy
Nishar Mohammed
Port Blair, Nov 05: In a startling turn of events today at Raman Bagicha Beach, Rangat, two individuals were rescued from a near-drowning incident after leaping into the sea from a floating jetty. Reports indicate that the duo, under the influence of alcohol, ignored warnings from lifeguards and plunged into the waters at around 3.00 PM, leading to the accident.
Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene where, upon realizing the gravity of the situation, bystanders sounded the alarm. This quick response prompted a few adept swimmers to dive into the sea in a courageous attempt to save both of them.
The local police informed Andaman Sheekha, praising the prompt actions of the civilians. Before the emergency services could arrive, the rescued individuals were transported to CHC Rangat by the public where they received medical attention. Authorities later confirmed that the two were out of danger.
Swaraj Dweep Police Seizes 565 Grams of Ganja and Arrests One Individual
Port Blair, Nov 05: In a significant crackdown on illegal narcotics, the Swaraj Dweep Police have apprehended an individual and seized 565 grams of Ganja. The arrest and seizure followed credible information and a well-executed operation led by Inspector N. Zainuddin of the Swaraj Dweep Police Station.
On November 4, 2023, the Swaraj Dweep Police received reliable information that an individual was in possession of illicit ganja and was actively seeking customers to distribute the contraband from his shop located at Govind Nagar No.03. In response to this tip-off, Inspector N. Zainuddin spearheaded a specialized team, comprising dedicated officers, including PCs Suraj Kumar, A. P. Mohd. Asif, A. Amit Kumar, Abdul Basheer, and Tentus Tirkey.
CPI (M) Conducts Protest Programme in North & Middle Andaman District over NH4 and Power Issues
Port Blair, Nov 05: CPI (M) has organized mass dharna, procession and public meetings at different parts of the North & Middle Andaman District today (4th November 2023) demanding
(i) CBI investigation into renovation work of NH4,
(ii) to make the NH4 in motorable condition,
(iii) to end frequent power cut,
(iv) ensure proper drinking water supply, etc.
At Diglipur, CPI (M) workers sat on a mass dharna in front of the Mini Civil Station at Diglipur bazaar from 9.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thereafter, a massive rally was taken out in the Diglipur bazaar in which a large number of people participated. Addressing the public meeting, Dr Gouranga Majhi, CPI (M) State Secretariat Member came down heavily on the BJP-led government at the centre for the worst condition of NH4 in the North and Middle Andaman District. He also criticized the government for pursuing various anti-farmer and anti- working class policies in the country. AVA Samad, Secretary, CPI (M) Diglipur Area Committee, CPI (M) State Organising Committee Members Dilip Karmakar and Sunil Bepari also addressed the meeting and explained the difficulties being faced by the people of North Andaman due to the appalling condition of the NH4, lack of proper drinking water and frequent power cut, etc.
At Billiground in Middle Andaman, CPI (M) organized a Mass Dharna at Billiground bazaar from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. which was followed by a public meeting at the same venue. Addressing the public meeting, Nikunjo Biswas, State Secretariat Member of CPI (M) criticized the BJP government at the centre for the present condition of the NH4 and called upon the people of Middle Andaman to fight against various anti-people measures of the central government and A & N Administration. Rahul Dev Mridha, State Organising Committee Member, SR Mridha, Secretary, Middle Andaman Area Committee and Prkash Sardar, Member Area Committee of CPI (M) also addressed the public meeting.
At Rangat, a massive rally was taken out at Rangat Bazar in which a large number of people participated. Besides, Sarthak Auto Union and Andaman Motor Vehicle Drivers Union, Rangat also participated in the rally to protest against the deplorable condition of the NH4. In the evening, a public meeting was held at Rangat Bazar. Addressing the public meeting, Projit Kumar Sarkar, State Secretariat Member of CPI (M) said that resentment among the people is increasing over the NH4 and other burning issues concerning the Middle Andaman area. PK Khalid, State Organising Committee Member of CPI (M) also addressed the meeting.
121st memorial feast of Saint Geevarghese Mar Gregorios or Parumala Thirumeni celebrated by St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral, Port Blair
Port Blair, Nov 05: 121st memorial feast of Saint Geevarghese Mar Gregorios or Parumala Thirumeni celebrated by St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral, Port Blair Candle light procession participated by the Members of the St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral & others marks the celebration
A candle light procession participated by the Members of the St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral and others marked the 121st memorial feast of Saint Geevarghese Mar Gregorios or Parumala Thirumeni today. His Grace Dr. Yuhanon Mar Thevodoros, Metropolitan of Kottarakkara Punalur Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church was the chief celebrant of the memorial feast celebrations.
Saint Geevarghese Mar Gregorios or Parumala Thirumeni (15 June 1848 -02 November 1902) of Parumala was a bishop of the Syriac Orthodox Church. He is the first canonized Oriental Orthodox saint from India. He is popularly known as Parumala Thirumeni (Bishop of Parumala) or Kochu Thirumeni. On 2nd November 1947 after the 45th Anniversary of his demise, Mar Gregorios of Parumala was officially canonized as a saint by the holy Episcopal Synod on the Malankara Church. His tomb and birthplace are also centers of pilgrimage.
The candle light procession with brightly illuminated chariot depicting the portrait of the Geevarghese Mar Gregorios or Parumala Thirumeni passed through the vantage points of the town starting from St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral-Lighthouse Junction-Delanipur Junction-Goalghar-Bengali Club and culminating at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Mohanpura. The 121st memorial feast of Saint Geevarghese Mar Gregorios or Parumala Thirumeni will conclude with special prayers on 5th November 2023 at St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral, Mohanpura.
Meanwhile, the flag hoisting ceremony for the 121st memorial feast of the Saint Geevarghese Mar Gregorios or Parumala Thirumeni was held at the Cross Tower of the Saint Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral, Mohanpura on 29th October 2023.
Similar function was also held at the Saint Gregorios Orthodox Church, Mannarghat on 01st and 02nd November 2023 wherein the procession commenced on 01st November 2023 at 05:30 PM from Cross Tower, Wimberlygunj and culminated at the Saint Gregorios Orthodox Church, Mannarghat with special prayers on 02nd November 2023.
Cyclists of A & N Islands shine in ongoing 37th National Games-2023 at Goa
Port Blair, Nov 05: The Cyclists of A & N Islands continue to shine in the ongoing 37th National Games-2023 hosted by Goa exhibiting excellent skill and performance. Today, the Men are as well as Women’s Cyclists added two more medals in Islands Medals tally by securing Silver and Bronze in team events. The trio of Gaurav Mondal-Paul Collingwood-David Beckham won Silver medal in the Men’s Team Sprint while the Women’s team composed of Deborah-Nikita-Celestina grabbed the Bronze Medal in the Women’s team sprint.
On Nov.3, David Beckham clinched Silver Medal in Men’s elite Sprint for the Islands. Earlier on 2nd November, 2023, David Beckham clinched Gold in the 1000 Mtr. Individual Time trial clocking 01:02:197 at a speed of 57.88 Km/h. On the same day in 500 Mtr Individual Time Trial, Celestina secured Silver Medal clocking 36.698 at a speed of 49.05 Km/h.
With their excellent performance, athletes from A & N Islands have gained appreciation from the sports lovers. Many more medals are expected for the Islands in the forthcoming events.
Fraudsters using pictures of senior officials as profile Display Picture (DP) to perpetrate financial cyber fraud
Port Blair, Nov 05: A new trend in financial cyber fraud has been observed where WhatsApp messages are being sent from random WhatsApp accounts using images of senior government officials as profile Display Picture to create gift cards on Amazon, Flipkart, or other E-commerce platforms. Gift cards or gift vouchers are prepaid stored-value money cards, usually issued by a retailer, to be used as an alternative to cash for purchases within a particular store or related businesses.
In this regard, Andaman and Nicobar Police issue the following advisory to safeguard yourself:
1. If a WhatsApp message from an unknown mobile number is received, check with the previously known number (or with common acquaintances) if the new mobile number is authentic.
2. Call & confirm with the concerned senior official, if any such money related request is made.
3. Fraudsters typically show urgency in their requests. Scrutinize, if a request seems too urgent.
4. Avoid replying to unknown messages on messaging apps such WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, etc.
5. Avoid sharing photos or videos online (privacy filters may be used if shared), as these may be used for creating fake accounts on WhatsApp, Telegram, or other messaging platforms.
For assistance, information or enquiries, please contact: Cyber Cell, Port Blair, over Cyber Helpline No. 9531856083 or visit cybercrime.gov.in.
Parliamentary Standing Committee holds discussion on ‘Contractual Appointments/Deployments and Implementation of Labour Laws
Port Blair, Nov 05: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour, Textiles and Skill Development, headed by its Chairman, Mr. Bharatruhari Mehtab along with the other members of the Committee today held discussion with the Management of Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE Ltd) and the Ministry of Defence (Department of Defence Production) on the subject ‘Contractual Appointments/Deployments and Implementation of Labour Laws concerning in the welfare of Contract/Casual Workers’ in GRSE Ltd at Hotel Taj Exotica, Swaraj Dweep.
The Committee held discussion with the Management of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and Ministry of Finance (Department of Financial Services) on the subject ‘Contractual Appointments/Deployments and Implementation of Labour Laws concerning in the welfare of Contract/Casual Workers’ in LIC with special reference to the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and with the Management of Indian Overseas Bank and Ministry of Finance (Department of Financial Services) on the Subject ‘Contractual Appointments/Deployments and Implementation of Labour Laws concerning in the welfare of Contract/Casual Workers’ in India Overseas Bank with special reference to the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The Committee also held discussion with the Management of State Bank of India and Ministry of Finance (Department of Financial Services) on the subject ‘Contractual Appointments/Deployments and Implementation of Labour Laws concerning in the welfare of Contract/Casual Workers’ in State Bank of India with special reference to the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands at Hotel Taj Exotica, Swaraj Dweep.
Advisory for the post of Labour Inspector
Port Blair, Nov 05: All the eligible candidate who have applied for the post of Labour Inspector (Group-B ‘Non-Gazetted’, Pay Level – 6, Rs. 35400-112400) have been informed that the CBT Mock Test URL (https://erecruitment.andaman.gov.in/crap/) is live and the candidates have been requested to take the mock test to get familiar with the CBT process.
Ministry of AYUSH celebrates 8th National Ayurveda Day
Port Blair, Nov 05: The Ministry of AYUSH celebrates Ayurveda Day every year on Dhanvantari Jayanti/Dhanteras. The Ministry is celebrating it in collaboration with all the Ministries and Departments of Government of India during the month of November, so that every person of the nation is made aware of the traditional system of medicine. The theme for the celebration is ‘Ayurveda for One Health’ with Tag Line: ‘Ayurveda for everyone on every day’. Along with the rest of the country, various programmes including Medical Camps, Poshan Camps, and Awareness Talks are being conducted by the Health Department in various parts of the Islands. The main function of 8th National Ayurveda Day was organized at Tsunami Shelter, Mithakhari village by the AYUSH Wing of Directorate of Health Services and A & N State AYUSH Society today.
Ms Smitha. R, IAS, Secretary (Health) graced the event as the chief guest and Dr. Anil Agarwal, Mission Director (NHM & NAM) was the guest of honor. An Exhibition on Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants, Dry Herbs, Panchakarma procedures and Healthy food recipes was inaugurated by the chief guest. ANMs, ASHAs, SHGs and Anganwadi workers of nearby villages participated in the recipe competition and the selected recipes were awarded with cash prizes along with certificates by the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, the Secretary (Health) highlighted the significance of the Ancient Ayurvedic Health System which is very much embedded in the society and households of our country. She stressed on the preventive as well as curative aspects of Ayurvedic Therapies in public health. She also highlighted the efforts of the Govt. of India through the Ministry of AYUSH for the mainstreaming of AYUSH Systems and appealed to the gathering to inculcate the principles of Ayurveda in their daily routine for a healthy living.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Anil Agarwal, stressed on the need for conducting regular health programmes in villages for the benefit of rural populace. Mr. Mohd. Shafique, Pradhan, Mithakhari village while speaking acknowledged the various initiatives and programmes being taken up by the AYUSH Wing of Health Department for the betterment of the Health of people and also emphasized the importance of Ayurvedic lifestyle.
Earlier, Dr. Kalyan P. Kadbhane, DD (AYUSH) welcomed the gathering and a power point presentation on ‘Healthy Living through Ayurveda’ was presented by Dr. Keerthi, MO (Ay), PHC Chouldari. Thereafter, Dhanwantari Vandana Traditional Dance was performed by Ms. Ashwini and Ms. Kavya.
On the occasion, ‘Prakriti Parikshan’ (assessment of body constitution) and person’s specific advice on diet and lifestyle was given to the general public by the Ayurveda Doctors besides, distribution of medicinal saplings to the general public which were provided by the Division Forest Officer, FE&PD, Haddo, free of cost. Mr. Sarfuddin, Member, Zilla Parishad, Mr. T. Rafique, Member, Panchayat Samiti, Mithakhari village, Dr. M Joy, PHC Chouldari and Dr. Ambedkar, PHC Tushnabad were also present along with many other officials of the area. The event concluded with vote of thanks by Dr. Rekha, Specialist (Panchakarma).