Vikramaditya
Hut Bay, June 14: Residents of Little Andaman have raised urgent demands for the installation of a power generator set or inverter at the STARS ticketing counter in Hut Bay due to frequent power cuts, which disrupt their ability to purchase ship tickets. Many residents, who often travel from distant areas by bus, find themselves returning empty-handed when the counter is unable to operate due to a lack of power.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha, Mr. Vasudevan Nair, Zilla Parishad Member, Hut Bay, emphasized the critical role of the ticketing counter at Hut Bay. “The ticketing counter is one of the most crucial offices in Little Andaman, and a large number of residents depend on it for booking ship tickets,” he stated.
Mr. Nair highlighted that many villagers are unfamiliar with the process of buying tickets online and cannot afford the additional fees charged by computer centers for this service. “For these individuals, the ticketing counter is their only hope,” he explained. He urged the Department of Shipping to consider installing a small generator or inverter at the counter to ensure uninterrupted service. “At least a UPS with a good backup must be installed so that in case of a power cut, tickets can still be issued for an hour or two,” he suggested.
In addition to the power issues, Mr. Nair also pointed out the lack of essential facilities at the ticketing counter, such as security guards and cleaning staff. “People use the toilet blocks, and there must be someone to clean them. The ticketing counter also needs daily cleaning,” he added, stressing the need for proper maintenance of the facility.
Archives for June 18, 2024
2nd Andaman Road Show by AATO Concludes; Evokes encouraging response
Port Blair, June 18: The 2nd Andaman Tourism Road Show-2024, organized at Port Blair, Swaraj Dweep & Shaheed Dweep from 13th June to 17th June 2024, evoked encouraging response. The Chief Secretary, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, Mr. Keshav Chandra inaugurated the inaugural event at a prominent hotels in the city Mansha Regency, Phoneix Bay on June 13, 2024.
Organized by Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), in association with Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, about 50 prominent tour operators of Ministry of Tourism, IATO, TAAI, ATOAI, ADTOI and delegates from various parts of the country participated. Social media influencers, travel bloggers/ travel journalists also participated in the Andaman Tourism Road Show, supported by all tourism stakeholders of A&N Islands.
Addressing the delegates, the Chief Secretary extended a warm welcome to all the delegates who have arrived here to participate in the Andaman Tourism Road Show. He said, Andaman is quite a discovery and the recent development has given the Islands a major thrust in the tourism sector.
Highlighting about the scope of tourism in the Islands, the Chief Secretary remarked that A&N Islands has much more in store in terms of diversity and activities in all its pristine glory. The Chief Secretary stated that A&N Islands is one of the prettiest places in the world having a Blue Flag Certification to one of its beaches. Five more beaches will soon be opened for tourists and the process for obtaining Blue Flag Certification for these beaches are in advanced stage and is being monitored on a weekly basis, he said.
The Chief Secretary stated that Tourism and Fisheries are the two important sectors and efforts are being made to propel these sectors further. The Chief Secretary informed that Cinque Island has been opened for tourists and urged them to visit the Island and enjoy the scenic beauty but keep the natural beauty intact at the same time.
The Chief Secretary also highlighted the initiatives of the Administration in giving further fillip to the tourism sector. He mentioned the scope of tourism which is being earnestly pursued by the Administration, so that people get to enjoy the uniqueness of the A&N Islands’ tourism viz. Natural Tourism, Night Kayaking, Luxury Tent, Caravan Tourism, Astro Tourism and Game Fishing.
The Administration is also working towards making Heritage Circuit Tourism a reality soon, he added. The Chief Secretary remarked that the Administration with the support of the GoI is committed towards promoting the Islands’ tourism by showcasing its uniqueness to the world.
The President, AATO, Mr. M. Vinod in his welcome address expressed hope that this Road Show will enable delegates and tour operators from mainland to experience the Islands’ beauty which offers a unique experience altogether and help promote ‘Brand Andaman’.
He said, the A&N Islands are a hub of adventure sports, unique flora and fauna, and virgin beaches are its unique selling points and urged the delegates to help promote Andaman Tourism as year round tourism destination. He expressed gratitude to the Administration and all tourism stakeholders for their support in organizing this road show which will further promote the Islands tourism across the country and globe.
The Chief Secretary also released the 20 years achievement book of AATO and launched the website of AATO on the occasion. He also went round the exhibits and interacted with the stakeholders. A video showcasing A&N Islands’ natural beauty and scope of tourism was also screened for the delegates.
During the four days event, tour operators and delegates visited Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep and other prominent places of historical and tourism importance to know and understand the potential of tourism in Andaman.
Zilla Parishad Member Niranjan Howlader Re-joins Congress Party
Port Blair, June 18: In a massive boost to the Congress Party in North & Middle Andaman, Mr. Niranjan Howlader, Zilla Parishad Member from Sitanagar constituency has re-joined the Congress party on 17th June under the leadership of Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman, Campaign Committee, ANTCC.
Mr. Niranjan Howlader had earlier quit the party due to differences within the party that has been sorted out now.
He was welcomed back into the party fold by Mr. TSG Bhasker in the presence of Mr. Sushil Mondal, Ex-Adhyaksh, Zilla Parishad, N&M Andaman, Mr. Saji Varghese, Senior Congress Leader and several other party leaders of Diglipur.
Mr. TSG Bhasker expressed optimism that the rejoining of Mr. Niranjan Howlader would contribute to strengthen the party in Diglipur region and boost the morale of party cadres.
Inauguration of e-Corner at Administrative Block, Diglipur by Chief Secretary, A&NI
Port Blair, Jun 18: The Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (A&NI) virtually inaugurated the much-anticipated e-Corner today at Administrative Block, Diglipur, marking a significant step towards enhancing digital accessibility and service delivery in the region.
The e-Corner is designed to provide residents with a one-stop platform to access a wide range of online services offered by the District Administration. This initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to leveraging technology to streamline processes and make public services more accessible and user-friendly.
In his inaugural address, the Chief Secretary highlighted the importance of digital transformation in public administration and emphasized the convenience and efficiency that the e-Corner will bring to the residents of A&NI. “This initiative is a testament to our dedication to improving service delivery through technology. The e-Corner will empower citizens by providing easy access to essential services, eliminating the need for physical visits, and saving valuable time and resources,” he said.
Residents are encouraged to visit the e-Corner and utilize these services, which are available at no cost. The District Administration assures that the platform is user-friendly and has been designed keeping in mind the diverse needs of the community.
This initiative is a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to promote digital governance and enhance the ease of living for the people of A&NI. The administration remains committed to further improving and expanding the digital services available through the e-Corner.
Dr. K. Saravanan, Senior Scientist received Dr. C.V. Kulkarni Best Young Scientist Award (2023)
Port Blair, Jun 18: Dr. C.V. Kulkarni Best Young Scientist Award (2023) was conferred to Dr. K. Saravanan, Senior Scientist, ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair for his significant contribution in the field of Fisheries and Allied Sciences at National Level during the ICAR-CIFE Endowment Award Ceremony held at ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai on 14.06.2024. The prestigious national award was conferred to Dr. K. Saravanan by the Chief Guest, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Honourable Chairman, ASRB, New Delhi during the 64thFoundation Day celebration of ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai in the presence of respected dignitaries namely, Dr. C.N. Ravishankar, Director/ Vice Chancellor, ICAR-CIFE and Dr. N.P. Sahu, Joint Director, ICAR-CIFE.
PM-Kisan Programme Live Screening and Kisan Sammelan at ICAR-KVK Port Blair
Port Blair, Jun 18: ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Port Blair in association with ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair and Department of Agriculture organized and live screened the programme on PM-Kisan, a flagship scheme of the GoI. During the programme Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi released the 17th installment of “PM Kisan” to more than 9.26 crores eligible farmer beneficiaries amounting Rs. 20,000 Crore on 18th June 2024 from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. A total of Rs. 3.24 Lakh Crore has been released so far under the “PM Kisan”. Thereafter, Prime Minister addressed the gathering through online and offline mode and distributed Krishi Sakhi Certificate to successful candidates.
On the occasion of Kisan Sammelan organized at T.R. Dutta Conference Hall, ICAR-CIARI, Bathubasti, Port Blair, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, Lokh Sabha was the chief guest. In his address he highlighted different issues pertaining to local farmers. Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair welcomed the gathering and briefed about the activities of the Institute and its KVKs for the benefit of the local farmers. Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist and Head, ICAR-KVK, Port Blair extended vote of thanks. Dr. S.K. Zamir Ahmed, Principal Scientist and Head, Fisheries Division coordinated the programme. A total of 204 farmers and farm women attended the programme and benefited.
Seven Day Yoga Camp at the premises of Veer Savarkar International Airport
Port Blair, Jun 18: As part of the celebration of International Yoga Day, a seven day Yoga camp has been started in premises of Veer Savarkar International Airport with effect from 15.06.2024.
All the stakeholders at Airport i.e Employees of Airports Authority of India, CISF, Airlines and various agencies working at Airport as well as general public may participate in this Yoga Camp.
The timing of the Yoga camp is from 6:00 to 7:15 am in the parking area of Airport near flag point and Airport Director Mr. Devender Yadav is Yoga trainer for the camp.
Doordarshan Kendra, Port Blair will telecast ‘Doctors Speak’ Live phone-in programme on the Topic – Aakhon Ki Suraksha aur Dekhbhal
Port Blair, Jun 18: Doordarshan Kendra, Port Blair will telecast ‘Doctors Speak’ Live phone-in programme on the Topic – “Aakhon Ki Suraksha aur Dekhbhal” on 19.06.2024 (Wednesday) from 5:30 pm to 6.00 pm. Dr. Rohindra Lall MD (AIIMS) New Delhi (Former Consulting Ophthalmologist G.B. Pant Hospital) Port Blair will be the expert in the Studio answering to the queries of the viewers.
Viewers can participate in this LIVE Phone-in programme by dialling on Phone No 244745 or 217213.