Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Nov 13: The city of Port Blair was rattled on Diwali night yesterday by two major fire incidents, igniting widespread concern over residential safety amidst reckless firecracker usage, particularly rockets, in thickly populated areas. The first blaze engulfed three houses at Phoenix Bay, while the second one devastated three shops at Dairy Farm. Surrounding buildings also suffered considerable damages in both the cases, it is learnt.
The Fire Service unit of Andaman and Nicobar police, already stretched thin due to manpower shortages, faced an overwhelming challenge. As they battled the flames at Phoenix Bay, news of the Dairy Farm fire necessitated a swift redeployment of resources, including diverting some fire tenders. Despite these hurdles, the firefighters’ relentless and focused efforts successfully contained the fires within 4 to 5 hours, preventing further spread and potentially more significant destruction.
Locals residents testimony as well as initial reports indicate that indiscriminate firecracker use, was a probable cause of these fires. This theory echoes repeated warnings about the dangers posed by such fireworks in densely populated areas. The unpredictable nature of rockets significantly heightens the risk of accidental fires.
These incidents also underscore the urgent need for upgrades within the fire service department, including bolstering the ranks with more fire service personnel.
Fortunately, there were no casualties or injuries reported from either incident. However, the financial damages are substantial, and the fire department is presently assessing the extent of the losses and determining the exact causes of the fires. These incidents have not only highlighted the risks associated with improper firecracker use but also the critical need for enhanced fire service capabilities and safety regulations during festivals like Diwali.
Archives for November 13, 2023
Car Plunges into sea near Bambooflat Jetty: Lone Driver Rescued by public
Vikramaditya
Bambooflat, Nov 13: Today a private car plunged into the sea near Bambooflat Jetty. As per sources, the car, driven by an individual who was the sole occupant, encountered trouble during a reverse maneuver, leading to the loss of control and subsequent plunge.
Local fishermen, who witnessed the incident, along with nearby civilians, sprang into action, courageously approaching the sinking vehicle. Demonstrating remarkable bravery and quick thinking, they shattered the rear glass of the car, rescuing the trapped driver in a timely manner. The driver was reported to be safe, albeit shaken by the experience.
Later, a crane was deployed to retrieve the submerged vehicle from the sea.
Previously, a cargo van had also met a similar fate in the nearby area. A significant contributing factor to these accidents is the lack of a proper barrier between the road and the sea from Bambooflat to Panighat area. The absence of a boundary increases the risk for drivers, posing a persistent threat to public safety, especially during night.
In light of these repeated incidents, the local populace is vocally urging the administration to take preventive measures. There is a growing demand for the construction of a proper fence along the seaside route. Such a barrier would serve to enhance safety, potentially averting future tragedies of this nature.
MESSAGE
I extend my warm greetings and affectionate wishes to the Children of A&N Islands on the occasion of Children’s Day on 14th November, 2023.
Celebrating Children’s Day is about giving every child his or her right to grow into a healthy, educated and responsible citizen of the country. It is the utmost duty of every parent, teacher and the society to facilitate all-round development of children so that they can realise their fullest potential.
The achievements of children of these Islands in the field of education, sports and various competitions have been remarkable in the recent years and have made us proud. I take this opportunity to congratulate all the children for their achievements and convey best wishes for future endeavors. A&N Administration is firmly committed to ensure complete nutrition, safety and excellent education of all children so that they can become healthy and responsible citizens of our nation.
On this occasion, I appeal all parents, teachers and the society to work in tandem and nurture children to show them the right path of life through good education and moral values.
Happy Children’s Day!
(Admiral D K Joshi)
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)
Lt. Governor, A & N Islands
&
Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency
Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram ANI congratulates Dr Ankit Toppo, 2016 batch for achieving Gold Medal in MBBS course from ANIIMS, Port Blair
Port Blair, Nov 13: Dr Ankit Toppo, S/o Gabriel Toppo, R/o Prothrapur, Port Blair hails from Chota Nagpuri Ranchi Community has achieved Gold Medal in under graduate medical course (MBBS) 2016 batch of Andaman & Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS), Port Blair with overall 74.70% of marks.
In under graduate medical course in ANIIMS, Port Blair Dr Ankit Toppo, 2016 Batch has topped among 100 students from different parts of India. With this achievement, he has fulfilled his dream and ready for the selfless service to the society.
He has done his schooling from Kamraj English Medium School, Brookshabad, Port Blair passed out in the year 2016 by securing 92 % marks. With good academic background and dedication with tireless hardship in studies has made him a role model for the young generation of downtrodden community. Dr. Ankit Toppo proved that with your knowledge, hardwork and dedication you may reach to the top of the society even you belong from a downtrodden community. His achievement for being a Gold Medalist has made proud to the entire Ranchi Community.
Dr. Ankit Toppo has conveyed that after completion of his MBBS degree he wants to undergo for Master degree in medical course as gynecologist. He has conferred the gold medal at the 1st Graduation Ceremony for MBBS Batches of 2015, 2016 & 2017 of ANIIMS held at DBRAIT Auditorium, Port Blair on 07th November, 2023.
Hon’ble Lt. Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands alongwith Chief Secretary, Andaman & Nicobar Administration hands over the Medals and Certificate of Excellence to the best outgoing students. In the Graduation Ceremony Admiral D. K. Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Rtd.), Hon’ble Lt. Governor and Vice- Chairman, Islands Development Agency has said that “It’s time to selflessly dedicate yourself for the welfare of the people and society”.
Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram an all India tribal welfare organization, working for the overall development of the Vanvasi community in the field of education, economic development, health, awareness and spiritual upliftment has expressed its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Ankit Toppo and his family for achieving Gold Medal in MBBS. Further Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Andaman & Nicobar feels proud and expects him that more future doctors will come out from his inspirations.
Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram wishes him all success to his future endevours and Bhagwan Shri Ramchandra Ji keeps showers of blessing to all his way.
Prime Minister to roll out outreach and awareness campaign ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ on Nov.15: LG to flag off Yatra from Campbell Bay
Port Blair, Nov. 13: Union Government to roll out a nationwide outreach and awareness campaign ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ on 15th November, 2023. Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi will launch the Yatra on the occasion of Birsa Munda Jayanti-Jan Jaati Gaurav Diwas by flagging of Information, Education, and Communication Vans at Khunti district of Jharkhand.
While Hon’ble Prime Minister will be launching the yatra from Khunti District, the Lt. Governor, A&N Islands and Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency, Admiral D. K. Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.) will be flagging off Information, Education, and Communication Vans from the Southernmost part of India at Campbell Bay at the same time.
The contribution of Andaman & Nicobar Islands will be quite significant in the relentless march of our nation towards ‘Viksit Bharat’.
Great Nicobar Island has been selected as start point for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra for Andaman & Nicobar Islands for the reasons that Great Nicobar is the Southernmost point of our country. The Islands are being developed as one of the major economic driver and considering the strategic importance of Great Nicobar Island from defence point of view, it assumes significant importance for the country.
Great Nicobar Island is the southern-most point of the country which is about 40 km from the major international sea route passing through Malacca Strait. Considering the strategic importance of Great Nicobar Island, Govt. of India has conceived the project of Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island. The interlinked project of Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island apart from setting up of International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT) also includes setting up of Greenfield International Airport, Power Plant and Township.
The proposed ICTT, will handle 14.2 Million twenty-foot equivalent units cargo capacity. It will allow Great Nicobar Island to participate in the regional and global maritime economy by becoming a major player in cargo transhipment. Development of transhipment terminal would attract existing traffic of ports along the Eastern coast of India, Bangladesh and Myanmar, as they form the primary catchment for transhipment terminal.
The holistic development of Great Nicobar Island project is being developed at a cost of Rs.72622 crore comprising of four components viz. International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) (Rs.39,959 cr), Airport (Rs.8583 cr), Power Plant (Rs.3500 cr) and Township(Rs.24580 cr).
Hon’ble Prime Minister will launch the yatra from Khunti district of Jharkhand for the tribal districts initially, and the remaining districts across the country will be covered from 22nd November, 2023 to 25th January, 2024. This is the first time that all the Gram Panchayats will be covered during the outreach and awareness campaign. Over three thousand 700 Urban Local Bodies having around 14 thousand locations in urban areas will be covered.
During the Yatra, key features of 20 schemes including Jal Jeevan Mission, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Awas Yojana, PM PRANAM Yojana and Urea Subsidy Scheme will be showcased.
Vans will travel to rural and urban areas, disseminating information through audio-visuals, brochures, pamphlets and other mediums in regional languages. One of the major components of this yatra is that, it will not only disseminate information but also collect feedback about the schemes. During the Yatra, people will be able to share their experiences ‘Kahaani Meri Zubaani’ and participate in on spot Quiz Competition. Prime Minister’s Mann Ki Baat will be live telecast through these vans. In addition, virtual question and answer session will be held with the Prime Minister. On-the-spot services such as Health Camps, Aadhaar enrolment, MY BHARAT volunteer enrolment would also be facilitated during the Yatra. Krishi activities like drone demonstrations and interaction with progressive farmers on Soil Health Cards and natural farming will also be the key objectives of the Yatra. Over two thousand five hundred vans will cover the rural areas and 200 vans will disseminate the information in urban areas.
ICG Undertakes Medical Evacuation from Merchant Vessel
Port Blair, Nov 13: On the night of 11 Nov 23, Indian Coast Guard undertook medical evacuation of 01 injured crew from MV Rostrum Cynic, off Carnicobar. MV Rostrum Cynic was enroute to Shanghai, China from Krishnapatnam, when a Filipino crew Mr. Avelino Jr. Sangcap fell 20 feet into cargo hold No.6 sustaining multiple fractures in left arm and hips. The vessel contacted Indian Coast Guard and requested for evacuation of the patient. On receipt of the alert, ICG immediately diverted ICG Ship Rajkiran to provide assistance to the distressed vessel. ICGS Rajkiran post rendezvous with the vessel at sea, sent ship’s medical team alongwith Naval Marine Commando team to facilitate extraction of patient from the deep cargo hold. The medical team provided basic first aid to the critically injured crew and transferred the patient from the merchant vessel to ICGS Rajkiran. ICGS Rajkiran provided further medical care and brought the patient safely to Port Blair on AM 12 Nov 23. The patient was thereafter handed over to local agent for further medical management at GB Pant Govt. Hospital. The swift and coordinated operation undertaken by Indian Coast Guard ensured one precious life is saved in Indian waters, reiterating the service motto of ‘Vayam Rakshamah – We Protect’.
PS Aberdeen Police team solves blind Theft Case and Recovers Rs. 14 Lakhs
Port Blair, Nov 13: The South Andaman District Police has succeeded in solving a blind theft case within a short span of time showing professionalism resulting in the arrest and apprehension of accused persons namely (i) Jitan Kalu Solanki, R/o Sr.No. 106 Gosavi Vasti near Pune Solapur Highway, Headapsar, Pune City, Maharashtra and (ii) Palash Sarkar, R/o Humfrygunj involved in the crime.
On 07/11/2023, a theft case vide FIR No.299/2023 U/s 380 IPC was registered at PS Aberdeen against un-known person for theft of Rs.14 lakhs in cash on 06/11/2023 at 1700 hrs from the complainant’s shop i.e GS Store situated at Nayagaon, the cash was kept in a shopping bag besides his Chair near the cash Counter.
The Aberdeen Police, swiftly responding to the complaint, formed a dedicated team led by SI Jeevan and IO ASI Muthu, including HC Vinod, HC Jiju, PC S.N Rao, PC Jagdish Babu, PC Surender Singh, PC S. Jairaj, PC Vijay Singh, PC Prabhat Kumar Bala, and LPC Naw Eleen. Through meticulous analysis of approximately 10 kilometers of CCTV footage, the team identified and apprehended the culprits, leading to the recovery of Rs 14 Lakhs in stolen cash, a mobile phone, and various other items. The breakthrough of the case was the result of meticulous investigative work, leveraging CCTV analysis, intelligence gathering, and exemplary teamwork. The collaborative efforts between law enforcement team and the community played a crucial role in bringing swift justice to the victims of this theft case. The South Andaman District Police expresses gratitude to the community for their cooperation and encourages continued vigilance.
The entire operation took place under the guidance of Inspector Girish Kumar, SHO PS Aberdeen and in close supervision of Shri. Ajay Rai, DANIPS, Sub Divisional Police Officer, South Andaman and the overall supervision of Sh. Kalaivanan R., IPS, Superintendent of Police, South Andaman District.
The general public is requested to share information pertaining to any crime or other illegal activities to Police at 112, 03192-232100, 03192-233077 & 03192-232400. The identity of the informant will be kept secret.
CPI(M) Mourns Death of Basudeb Acharia Former MP
Port Blair, Nov 13: CPI (M) Andaman & Nicobar State Organising Committee deeply mourn the demise of Comrade Basudeb Acharia, former Member of Parliament and former Member Central Committee of CPI (M) at Hyderabad today (13.11.2023) afternoon. He was 82 years. Though he was ailing for quite sometime, but was participating in the party programme wherever possible.
Com. Basudeb Acharia was a veteran Parliamentarian and trade union leader. As Member of Parliament, he had raised a number of issues of Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Parliament. Upgradation of the scales of pay of LGC and HGC, upgraded pay for left-out categories of teachers as per 6th CPC recommendations, retrenchment of workers of many departments, etc. are some of the issues taken up by him with the central government and raised in the Parliament.
Besides, Comrade Basudeb Acharia had thrice introduced Private Member’s Bill in Parliament on establishment of Legislative Assembly for Andaman & Nicobar Islands. He visited these islands on a number of occasions and had travelled to some of the outstations.
CPI(M) Andaman and Nicobar State Organising Committee pays rich homage to the memory of veteran Parliamentarian and trade union leader Com.Basudeb Acharia and conveys its deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.
Phishing Email Campaigns on NIC Email
Port Blair, Nov 13: It has been observed that NIC (National Informatics Centre) email users from various sensitive government organizations are being targeted with phishing emails. With this phishing campaign, the cyber criminals are requesting recipients to install malicious security patches on their computer systems.
These Phishing NIC emails titled ‘NIC Update’ or ‘NIC Release Update’ pretend to be a directive from the NIC security team.
In this regard, Andaman and Nicobar Police issues the following advisory to safeguard yourself:
1. Scrutinize all received emails which contain attachments, and avoid installing any update/program/patch without confirming from other sources.
2. Ensure that the Operating system and the antivirus is up to date. Regularly scan the system being used for official purposes.
3. Scrutinize all the URLs (links) before clicking.
4. Avoid enabling the “Remember Password” option in browsers.
5. Avoid sharing your personal details such as address, email id, phone number,etc. if not required.
For assistance, information or enquiries please contact: Cyber Cell, Port Blair, over Cyber Helpline No.1930 or 9531856083 or visit cybercrime.gov.in.
Heavy rain alert
Port Blair, Nov 13: Heavy rain (07-11 cm) & thunderstorm with lightning is likely to occur at one or two places over A&N Islands on Nov. 12 & 13. Thunderstorms with lightning are likely to occur at one or two places over Andaman & Nicobar Islands on Nov. 14.
Due to the likely formation of a low pressure area over Southeast Bay of Bengal around 14th November and likely intensification of the system into a depression, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea on Nov.13 & 14, 2023.
For further enquiries/ information, one may contact the helpline of State Emergency Operation Centre at Helpline No. 1070 & District Emergency Operation Centre at Helpline No. 1077. For any emergency/assistance at sea, call the Coast Guard SAR Agency at Toll Free number 1554.