Nishar Mohammed &Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Jan 11: Sports lovers of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are fervently calling for the immediate repair and upgrade of the Rajiv Gandhi Velodrome located at Netaji Sports Complex. The sole velodrome in the A&N Islands is currently in deplorable condition, posing a serious threat to the safety of sports persons and posing threat to their sporting careers.
The deteriorating condition of the cycling track, collapsed water drainage system, damaged fencing, and seating areas, coupled with rampant vegetation growth on the ground and fences, reflects the alarming state of neglect in maintenance. The rooms beneath the velodrome, once utilized for storage, camps, gym facilities, and toilets, are now in a dilapidated state, necessitating a comprehensive makeover.
Sports enthusiasts assert that the Rajiv Gandhi Velodrome, constructed in 1995, harbours inherent technical defects that have persisted since its inception. However, in its early days, the Rajiv Gandhi Velodrome served as a hub for cycling training, with the ground inside doubling as a Hockey Ground where state-level matches were a regular feature. However, the current state of neglect has led to a drastic decline in sporting activities throughout the year. The once vibrant arena, echoing with the cheers of cycling enthusiasts and hockey fans, now stands largely dormant. The absence of events and training sessions not only dampens the spirits of the sports community but also signifies the urgent need for the proposed renovation to breathe life back into these neglected sporting facilities.
Senior officials at Netaji Stadium acknowledged the critical condition of the velodrome, attributing it to the impact of the Tsunami. They revealed that due to the extensive damage, renovation is not feasible, and a new construction process has been initiated. The proposal for the new construction has been submitted for approval to the Ministry, and the stakeholders await the necessary clearance.
He added that many appeals have been submitted to the government urging the approval of the “Velodrome Project” funding.
Meanwhile, the sports lovers demand the necessity of immediate action to commence the new construction of the velodrome and hockey playground. The proposed project is seen as essential not only for local sports development but also for attracting and facilitating international-level training.
Archives for January 11, 2024
Chief Secretary closely monitors the power situation of A&N Islands by taking a Review Meeting of Senior officers of Electricity Department every Monday of the week
Port Blair, Jan 11: The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, closely monitors the power situation of A&N Islands by taking a Review Meeting of senior officers of the Electricity Department every Monday of the week. Significant improvement in the power situation in the Islands has been made.
(1) 10 MW generation capacity at Bambooflat has been added to the grid during October 2023 to cater to peak demand as a result of which there is no load shedding at present.
(2) Subsequently, for redundancy in the generation system, another 5 MW capacity is expected in the next fortnight. This will meet any upcoming peak demand and avoid any power crisis in future.
(3) Apart from this, Relay Coordination work (time and current settings of relays) among all power houses and stations at Port Blair was taken up through an outsourced agency restricting faults to travel in power stations to avoid shutdown / collapse of grid in the event of feeders and tie line faults.
(4) Transmission & Distribution Network has been strengthened by installing new Distribution Transformers, Poles, HT/LT lines and old/dilapidated lines. As a result, feeders and line faults have reduced to a considerable extent. Numerous steps have been taken by means of tree / branch cutting, replacement of poles, wires and transformers with erection of new lines to minimize the forced power interruptions/outages.
(5) In the last two years more than 5000 new connections have been released. Although the Average Cost of Power Supply is Rs.42/unit, the consumers get supply at Rs. 2.5/ for less than 100 Units and an average @ Rs. 10/ unit therefore a subsidy of more than 75%.
(6) Concerted efforts were taken to increase the power supply hours from 12 Hrs. to 24 Hrs. in two tribal settlements at Dugong Creek, Little Andaman and Strait Island, South Andaman by augmenting the installed capacity.
(7) For seamless redressal of power related grievances of consumers and general public, a Centralized Control Room (CCR) has been established 24×7. A Toll Free No. 1800-345-1111 is functional at CCR 24×7 in the EMC building of the department for receiving the complaints. The complaints received at CCR are diverted through Consumer Complaint Handling Mechanism (CCHM) to the Concerned site offices for early redressal within the stipulated time period and daily reports are being monitored effectively.
(8) Recently, one 1500 KVA DG set shifted from Sita Nagar Power House to Swaraj Dweep to mitigate the power paucity of 2 MW due to sudden breakdown of two DG sets (2×0.808KW). The DG set started feeding power of around 1MW from 20.12.2023. Further, the engines of 2 DG sets under break down have reached Port Blair and shall be installed at Swaraj Dweep power house by mid of January, 2024 to add 1.2 MW capacity to meet the present peak demand.
For redundancy and in view of rise in peak demand, addition of 2 MW through hiring was proposed which is under finalization and expected to deliver power of 2 MW by June, 2024 after the approval of agreement by JERC.
(9) Further following Long term power solutions for A&N Islands with the support of the Ministry of Power are underway.
Inter connection from Mainland to Port Blair
In a Meeting held on 13.10.2023 in MoP the proposed HVDC interconnection of A&N Island by Central Transmission Utility of India Ltd. (CTUIL) with mainland through + 320 KV, 250 MW undersea cable was considered as the most economical solution which will bring down the present cost of power generation in A&N Islands considerably
Greening of Islands
Under green initiatives, the department has installed 29.23MWp Solar Power Plants (Ground mounted + Rooftop) in Port Blair, South Andaman and Car Nicobar. Greening of islands is a vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, and under RE plan, solar power projects of different capacities with Battery storage solution are under execution which includes 100 MW for South Andaman, 3.8MW for Swaraj Dweep, 1.3 MW for Shaheed Dweep, 5.7 MW for Little Andaman along with an aggregate capacity of 13.83 MW for Nicobar Group of islands. In addition, NIWE is undertaking WRA studies at various identified locations to explore wind potential for taking up wind power projects.
Rooftop Solar Project
Under Prime Minister’s vision of complete saturation of solarization, A&N Administration has set the target to solarize all Govt. Buildings through empanelled vendors in CAPEX mode by December 2024. In order to promote installation of Rooftop Solar Plant in all residential buildings, A&N Administration is set to undertake the execution through RESCO mode wherein all the households shall be installed with modular sized RTS plant by 2026. The commercial & other establishments shall be encouraged to solarize their buildings either in CAPEX/RESCO or through their own arrangement. The A & N Administration is committed to achieve 100 % saturation of the Rooftop Solar Plant within the targeted timeline.
Member of Parliament sanctions 32 Lakh Rupees for purchase of special bus for Divyang Islanders of CRC Brookshabad
Port Blair, Jan 11: Considering the inconvenience being faced by Divyang brothers and sisters of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and their family members, in reaching the Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development, Rehabilitation & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, GoI, Brookshabad, the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has sanctioned purchase and supply of one special bus under MPLADS fund to the CRC Brookshabad.
From parents of Divyang children, the Member of Parliament came to know about the regular struggle of Divyang Islanders and their parents in reaching the Composite Regional Centre Brookshabad.
He has noticed that it is difficult for Divyang people to travel in buses to reach Brookshabad area for Rehabilitation sessions and in most of the cases parents have to book an auto and other vehicles to reach Brookshabad, which is not only time consuming but also unaffordable for many parents.
The approximate cost of the Bus is nearly Rs. 32, 00,000 (Thirty Two Lakhs Rupees) and it will be of great use for persons with disabilities for all transportation needs as it will have special provisions for Divyang brothers and sisters.
GREETINGS
I extend my greetings to all youths of Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the occasion of National Youth Day.
As we are aware, National Youth Day (NYD) is observed every year on the 12th of January to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. It serves as a day of profound inspiration for every young Indian.
Swami Vivekananda continues to be widely regarded as a genuine Global Youth Icon. His emphasis on shaping a New India remains a wellspring of motivation for our youth. This explains why millions of individuals still adhere to Swami Vivekananda’s teachings across various aspects of life.
His teachings aimed at instilling in young minds the ability to recognize their inner strengths and cultivate a positive perspective on life. Once again, on National Youth Day, I encourage all young individuals in
Andaman and Nicobar Islands to dedicate themselves to the progress of our Islands and the fortification of our nation. I also implore them to prioritize their own well-being and extend assistance to the less fortunate whenever possible.
On this day, I also appeal to the youth to steer clear of drugs and other social evils, and instead, invest their time in educating underprivileged individuals following the principle of “each one teach one.” This approach will not only elevate the overall literacy rate in these islands but will also illuminate our society with knowledge and wisdom.
Kuldeep Rai Sharma
Member of Parliament
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
WITH YOU (NGO) Celebrates New Year at Abbhyuday Complex with Joy and Generosity
Port Blair, Jan 11: Ferrargunj – In a heartwarming celebration of the New Year, the renowned non-governmental organization WITH YOU, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department brought joy and cheer to the residents of Abbhyuday Complex in Ferrargunj. The festive event, marked by the spirit of giving and communal harmony, was a memorable occasion for all involved.
The celebration commenced with the delightful tradition of cake-cutting by the inmates, infusing the atmosphere with a sense of community and happiness. The highlight of the day was the generous distribution of gifts and essential items. The children at the complex were particularly thrilled to receive sports materials and slippers, along with sample papers for all subjects of class 10, aiding in their educational journey.
Ms. V. K. Mariyam Bibi, President of WITH YOU, expressed profound gratitude towards the members of the NGO for their selfless donations and support in making the event a success. The orphans of the complex were not only recipients of joy but also of hope and care through the gifts they received.
The elderly residents were not left behind in this celebration of kindness. Clothes, blankets, and bedsheets were distributed, ensuring their comfort and well-being. This thoughtful gesture was a testament to the NGO’s commitment to all age groups in the community.
The event was further dignified by the presence of Smti Pallavi Gupta, a distinguished member of the Inner Wheel Club, who attended as a special guest. Her participation added a layer of significance to the occasion, highlighting the collaborative efforts of various community leaders and organizations in social welfare.
The inmates including special children,young and old, actively engaged in the festivities. Their joy was palpable as they immersed themselves in singing, playing volleyball, and other recreational activities, creating a vibrant and inclusive environment.
As the event drew to a close, the distribution of refreshments to all attendees marked the end of a successful and joyous celebration. The New Year’s event at Abbhyuday Complex was not just a day of fun and gifts; it was a powerful reminder of the spirit of community, the joy of giving, and the strength of togetherness.
TSG Charitable Foundation donates Coffee Maker Machine at CRC, Brookshabad, brings happiness in the lives of special childrens
Port Blair, Jan 11: In a noble gesture, the TSG Charitable Foundation has donated a Coffee Maker Machine at Composite Regional Centre, Brookshabad.
The Chairman of TSG Charitable Foundation Mr. TSG Bhasker handed over the Coffee Maker Machine to Mrs. Sumithamol, Director of CRC, Brookshabad in the presence of all special childrens & their parents.The staffs of CRC, Brookshabad deeply appreciated Mr. TSG Bhasker for his selfless service towards the society.
On the occasion, Mr. Y. Joga Rao, Councillor, Ward No. 14, Mr. Saji Varghese, Social Worker, Mr. Sebastian Tirkey, Social Worker & Mr. Ameer Bux, Programme Coordinator, TSG Charitable Foundation were present.
DGP Inaugurates Upgraded Fire Control Room at Fire and Emergency Services
Port Blair, Jan 11: Director General of Police, ANI Mr. Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, inaugurated the newly upgraded Fire Control Room at the District Fire and Emergency Services Headquarter, on 10.01.2024.
The momentous occasion was witnessed by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Monika Bhardwaj, IPS, Varsha Sharma, IPS, Sandeep Lamba, DANIPS, and other senior officials.
The completely renovated state-of-art Fire Control Room now features cutting-edge Technology – Digital-based Android phones, EPBAX, CCTV Surveillance systems, Voice loggers, and LED screens.
This sophisticated infrastructure will also facilitate Centralized Monitoring of all Fire Stations, ensuring a swift and coordinated response to emergency situations.
Inspector Fire Brigade – Jagdish Varma, J Edwin Fernandez and Sub Inspector S Sanil gave brief presentations on the installed latest equipments, emphasizing upon its importance in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Fire fighters.
Director General of Police, Mr. Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, appreciated the efforts of A & N Fire and Emergency Services in achieving this Technological Milestone, which will play a significant role in the advancement of Emergency Response Capabilities.
On this occasion, DGP, ANI also conducted a ‘Sampark-Sabha’ (interaction session) with the personnel of Fire Services and assured them that their concerns and suggestions would be postively addressed, reaffirming his commitment for the Welfare and efficiency of the Fire and Emergency Services Personnel.
TSG Bhasker attends annual day function of Shakeeba Public Middle School
Port Blair, Jan 11: The Shakeeba Public Middle School, Bambooflat celebrated its Annual Day on the evening of 10th January, 2024 at C.P Conventional Centre, Wimberligunj. The event commenced at 4 pm and concluded at 8 pm.
The Chairman of TSG Charitable Foundation Mr. TSG Bhasker was the Chief Guest, while Executive Engineer of Road Construction Division, Wimberligunj Mr. V. Subbaraj was the Guest of Honour and President of With You NGO Mrs. V.K Mariyam Bibi was the Special Guest on the occasion.
Other dignitaries who were present included Pradhan of Hope Town Panchayat Mrs. Rasheeda Bibi, Social Worker Mr. Eswar Rao, Principals of various schools, students, parents, guardians and a large number of renowned personalities from all walks of life were present.
At the outset, the Principal of Shakeeba School Mrs. Abeeda Bibi and Headmistress of Shakeeba School Mrs. Kalaivani cordially welcomed Mr. TSG Bhasker and other esteemed guests to the function.
Students of Shakeeba Public Middle School presented captivating performances on the theme of national integration and highlighting social issues. Different cultural programs, skits and speeches were also presented by the students.
Later, a brief account of previous academic and sports achievements of the institute was also exhibited during the School Annual Report presentation.
While speaking on the occasion, Mr. TSG Bhasker congratulated the school management for the academic excellence and achievements in different fields. He expressed gratitude to the teaching staff in making Shakeeba School the pride of the region and grooming future generations.
Mr. TSG Bhasker emphasized on promoting balanced education that teaches science, technology and also imparts value-based knowledge. He advised the students to focus on life skills, find their inner voice, learn through own experiences and collaborations.
Meanwhile, a prize distribution ceremony was conducted where the best students of the year, best house of the year and students with outstanding academic performance were felicitated.
Inaugural ceremony of the Model Rural Health Research Unit (MRHRU) the premises of (CHC) Bamboo Flat Village, SA
Port Blair, Jan 11: The outcome of biomedical and health research is not often accessible to marginalized and rural population. To address the same Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), initiated a programme to establish a network of facilities called Model Rural Health Research Units (MRHRU). Several of such MRHRUS are established across the country. These MRHRUS work in alignment with national health programmes and play an important role in the implementation of such programmes.
ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre work in close collaboration with the Directorate of Health Services and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS). In view of the prevalence of communicable and Non-communicable diseases in the southern group of islands and access to rural communities towards implementation of public health programmes, the ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre established the Model Rural Health Research Unit (MRHRU) on the premises of the Community Health Centre (CHC) Bambooflat Village, South Andaman
This Unit was inaugurated virtually by Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary to the Government of India. Department of Health Research and Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research on 08th January 2024. Dr. P. Vijayachari Director, ICMR-RMRC coordinated the program. Dr. Suja Anthony, Director of Health Services, Dr. Pragya Sharma, Director of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS), Dr. C. Sivaperuman, OIC, Zoological Survey of India, Port Blair and Dr. Omkar Singh, Former Director of Health Services, scientists, technologists, accounts and administration officials and other officials of ICMR-RMRC participated during the ceremony. Mr Subba Raj, EE, Mrs. Hazra Banu JE, Mr. Yasir JE, APWD and Mr Laitif, attended the program. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Rehnuma Parvez, Scientist D, ICMR-RMRC.
Death Mourned
Port Blair, Jan 11: Andaman & Nicobar Vidhyut Shramik Sangh, Port Blair expressed their deepest condolences on the sudden demises of Mrs. N.SANTHAMMAL mother of Shrti K.B. Anil Kumar Executive Engineer (Rural) Rangat Bay of the Electricity Department, Port Blair, R/o Kottayam village, Kerala State died on 11.01.2024 early morning at Kottayam, Kerala.
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 Mrs. N. SANTHAMMAL.
They may pray to the Almighty to give strength to their bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss.