Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Jan 04: In a major environmental concern, three panchayats in Campbell Bay have been found dumping waste in the Laxmi Nagar Dumping Yard. Situated 5 km away from Campbell Bay and Joginder Nagar, the dumping yard in Laxmi Nagar is now at the center of attention.
According to reports, rampant dumping of all kinds of garbage is not only posing a threat to nature but now there is a threat to the wildlife too as monkeys are seen almost everyday eating things from the garbage, which can leave them sick, very sick.
When contacted by Andaman Sheekha Daily the Pradhan of Laxmi Nagar expressed the difficulties the panchayat is encountering due to problems related to funds. He emphasized that if the panchayat receives the necessary funds, many of the ongoing issues could be promptly addressed. The Pradhan disclosed ongoing discussions with two other panchayats to collaborate on resolving the garbage dumping problem at the Laxmi Nagar Dumping Yard.
Highlighting the urgency of the matter, the Pradhan stated a commitment to clearing the dumping yard in Laxmi Nagar within one week, if the required funds are allocated. Local residents are hopeful that swift action will be taken to mitigate the environmental impact of improper waste disposal in the area.
It seems that the concerned Panchayat is also helpless to deal with such a huge amount of garbage due to fund shortage and hence the Administration must intervene in this matter to save nature as well as wildlife. If garbage management is given due importance at Port Blair, then policy regarding garbage must be the safe for other Islands of this Union Territory too.
Archives for January 4, 2024
PBMC officials face opposition as they attempts to Remove Street Vendors Near JNRM Boys’ Hostel Parking area
Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Jan 04: Street vendors operating shops in front of JNRM Boys’ Hostel gate today had a tough time as PBMC officials reached the area to evict them. The municipal employees, armed with trucks and crane, arrived at the site this afternoon to relocate the street vendors. However, a few vendors vehemently protested, citing concerns about their livelihoods while others reached PBMC office to stop this eviction.
The municipal officials argued that the presence of street vendors is hindering the Smart City project’s progress and causing traffic disruptions. They claim that the vendors are impeding ongoing development work sanctioned under the Smart City plan for construction of a walkway from JNRM gate to flag point.
On the other hand, the street vendors argued that they have not received prior notice from the Municipal Council about the impending action, and they are currently earning their livelihoods with these shops.
Amidst the arguments, the Municipal Council employees retreated from the scene after a strong opposition from the street vendors. The vendors insist that the Municipal Council should provide a fair notice period and consider their livelihoods before taking any such actions. The situation remains tense, with ongoing discussions and negotiations expected in the coming days.
Member of Parliament demands immediate Salary Disbursement for Mill Division Chatham Employees
Port Blair, Jan 04: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, has submitted a formal request to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, highlighting the delayed disbursement of monthly salary/wages for the employees of Mill Division Chatham for December 2023.
In a letter addressed to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, the Member of Parliament expressed concern over the delayed payment, emphasizing that the usual practice of disbursing salaries by the 1st of each month had been deviated from. The Forest Labour Union, Mill Division Chatham, brought this matter to the attention of the Member of Parliament, stressing that the delay poses challenges for the employees, especially during the festive season of January, which includes celebrations like Pongal and Makar Sankranti.
The Member of Parliament underscored the significance of timely salary disbursement, stating that it plays a crucial role in enabling employees and their families to make necessary arrangements for the festive celebrations.
One Arrested for Impregnating Minor
Rabindranath Biswas
Diglipur, Jan. 04: A POCSO case surfaced yesterday in Diglipur when a minor girl aged about 15 years old went to the CHC, Diglipur with her health complaint where, after her clinical examination, she was diagnosed as pregnant. The police officials arrived at the CHC on the MLC call where the girl disclosed to the Police that a 25 years old person of nearby village is responsible for her pregnancy.
On the basis of her statement, an FIR was registered at PS, Diglipur under the relevant sections of the POCSO Act in this regard, and the accused was arrested and sent to judicial custody yesterday itself.
AATO Delegation Meets Chief Secretary A&N Administration
Port Blair, Jan 04: The Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), under the leadership of President M. Vinod, Mr. Navedh, Mr. Krishna Saha and Mr. Amar met Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration at his office today.
The discussion encompassed strategies to enhance international air connectivity, Administrations active participation in upcoming travel fairs, such as OTM and SATTE, and initiatives to elevate basic facilities for tourists at Shaheed and Swaraj Dweep. The collaborative efforts aim to position the Andaman Islands as a premier international travel destination by fostering partnerships, improving infrastructure, and creating a unified approach among tourism stakeholders. President Aato Mr. M. Vinod has expressed his gratitude towards the Administration’s commitment to these initiatives, ensuring a positive trajectory for the islands’ tourism sector.
Mr. Vinod has also expressed his sincere gratitude towards the Chief Secretary for meeting the Aato delegation amidst his busy Schedule.
PS Ograbraj Destroys 10,305 L of Illicit Liqour in the year 2023
Port Blair, Jan 04: In an unwavering and resolute effort to combat the menace of premature illicit liquor (Lehan), the Excise Team of PS Ograbraj has achieved a significant milestone by successfully eliminating a total of 10,305 litres of Lehan during the year 2023.
The illicit liquor, identified as unfit for consumption due to its premature nature, posed a severe threat to community safety. The dedicated Excise Team of PS Ograbraj, through its coordinated efforts and unyielding commitment, has successfully mitigated this risk, safeguarding the general public of PS Ograbraj Jurisdiction from potential health hazards associated with the consumption of such substances.
Throughout the year, the PS Ograbraj Excise team executed a series of targeted operations, dismantling illegal production facilities, and intercepting distribution networks. These determined steps not only protect public health but also establish a significant role in upholding the law and ensuring community safety.
As part of the initiative to curb and eradicate the illegal sale of illicit liquor, jungle raids and searches conducted in the year 2023 within the PS Ograbraj jurisdiction resulted in the recovery of 10,305 litres of premature illicit liquor (Lehan) in forest areas. The illicit liquor was promptly destroyed at the spot, showcasing the commitment to immediate action.
These jungle raids/searches were carried out under the leadership of SI Devanand Pathak, SHO, PS Ograbraj, with the overall supervision of Mr. Arshdeep Singh Panwar, DANIPS, Sub Divisional Police Officer, Bambooflat, and the overall command of Mr. R Kalaivanan, IPS Superintendent Police, South Andaman District.
The success achieved in 2023 reflects the dedication and effectiveness of the Excise Team at PS Ograbraj in curbing the trade of illegal and premature liquor, contributing significantly to community safety and upholding the rule of law.
The general public are requested to pass on any credible information pertaining to drug peddling/sale of illicit liquor or any other illegal activities on the following telephone no. 112, 03192-232100 & 03192-233077. The identity of the informer will be kept secret.
N&M Andaman District Police Continues Hard on Bootleggers
Port Blair, Jan 04: Continuing it’s crackdown on the illicit liquor, Handia, illegal sale of IMFL & illicit drugs, the District Police of North & Middle Andaman with the help of local informers conducted regular raids and searches in jungles. During the month of December-2023, the teams of various Police Stations, headed by SHOs and officers conducted raids & massive jungle search operations. In these search operations, around 1890 litres of lehan, 04 litres of illicit liquor & 75 Kgs Handia was destroyed. Also, 31 Nos. cases under Excise Regulation have been registered in which 175 Nos. IMFL bottles of different quantities have been seized and 31 persons were arrested. All the History Sheeters are regularly being checked by the beat staff, making it hard for them to be involved in any illegal activity and a fresh history sheet of bootleggers has opened for surveillance.
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.
Second edition of Andaman Badminton Premier League 2024 begins
Port Blair, Jan 04: The Second edition of Andaman Badminton Premier League being organised by BAANI was inaugurated by Mr. Nikhil Kumar, IAS, Commissioner cum Secretary at Multipurpose Hall of Netaji Stadium today at 4.00 pm. In his address, he appreciated the efforts of Badminton Association of A&N Islands for offering a platform for the youth of the islands to focus on health and physical fitness as it is also the vision of the Prime Minister of India through the flagship programme ‘Fit India’. Mr. Aditya Kumar Jha, Director Sports was the Guest of Honour.
ABPL is the biggest Badminton Team Championship contest of the islands with about 10 participating teams. More than 80 players had registered for the event out of which 50 players got entry through open bidding by the team owners. Cash prizes of Rs. 1.5 lac shall be awarded as prizes. The tournament would continue from 4th to 7th January 2024.
Earlier, Zonal level tournaments were conducted by BAANI from Campbell Bay to Diglipur to encourage the players of rural remote islands also towards the game.
ANIIMS Inaugurates ‘Cataract & Eye Camp’ at G B Pant Hospital, Providing Specialized Services for 45 Days
Port Blair, Jan.4: ANIIMS, Port Blair marked a significant milestone in healthcare with the inauguration of the ‘Cataract & Eye Camp’ at the Isolation Ward of G B Pant Hospital yesterday. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Anil Agarwal, Secretary (Labour & Employment/Mission Director NHM) in the presence of Dr. Pragya Sharma, Director (ANIIMS), Dr. Suja Antony, Director (Health Services), Dr. M K Saha, Medical Superintendent, Dr. Arpita Saha, Additional Medical Superintendent, Dr. Satyajit Haldar, Joint Secretary, NPCBVI, and other Program Directors of Directorate of Health Services.
The camp, which is set to run for the next 45 days, aims to provide specialized eye care services, particularly focusing on cataract and other therapeutic surgeries and procedures. The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of a dedicated team from Vardhaman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital (VMMC and SJH), New Delhi, consisting of Dr. Anurag Narula, Sr. Consultant, Dr. Gajashree and Dr. Harishta, Senior Residents, deputed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GoI, exclusively to tackle the burden of preventable eye diseases in these Islands.
Dr. Sneha, Senior Resident and In-charge, Department of Ophthalmology, ANIIMS, provided an insightful introduction about the camp, emphasizing its importance and the specialized services it aims to deliver. The event commenced with the lighting of the lamp by all the dignitaries, symbolizing the illumination of hope and better vision for the patients.
Dr. Anil Agarwal, in his inaugural address, expressed his gratitude towards the visiting doctors in conducting the camp. He urged the patients to wholeheartedly avail themselves of the specialist services that will be provided during the course of the camp. Dr. Agarwal interacted with the patients, assuring them of the highest quality of care and encouraging them to embrace the opportunity for improved eye health.
A total of 500 cataract patients are expected to benefit from this camp, reflecting the commitment of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration towards enhancing healthcare accessibility and ensuring the well-being of its residents.
Death Mourned
Port Blair, Jan 04: Andaman & Nicobar Vidhyut Shramik Sangh, Port Blair express their deepest condolences on the sudden demises of Mr. B. GANESH, SBEO, AE (PG) Division of the Electricity Department, Port Blair, R/o Bird Line, Prothrapur village died on 04.01.2024 at early morning at G.B.Pant Hospital, Port Blair.
The state President Mr. N. Peddi Raju, State General Secretary Mr. M. Hemanth Rao and State Committee Members of Andaman & Nicobar Vidyut Shramik Sangh deeply mourn the untimely and sudden demise of the above staff.
They pray to Almighty to give strength to their bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace.