Rabindranath Biswas
Diglipur, July 10: The menace of stray cattle in Diglipur is in limelight again.
According to information, the stray cattle menace has become a direct threat to the cultivation in Diglipur Sub-division.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, Diglipur Farmers’ Union, President, Mr. Kamal Halder said that stray cattle have become a real headache for every peasant/farmer who is now waging a war against these abandoned cattle.
Herds of feral cows and bulls come out of nowhere at night and invade their vegetable fields/farms in a big way, claimed Mr. Halder who is also a farmer himself and a victim of the stray cattle. Large groups of these animals completely ravage the fields they enter in, leaving no scope of defence for the farmer, Farmers’ Union, President lamented. The abandoned cattle destroy standing vegetable plants like ladies finger, chillies, brinjal, etc and also prey on vegetables and wipe out the entire plot of vegetable plants in one stroke and then return to their hideouts, he rued. The current season is for sowing paddy in paddy fields, and the farmers are going to be plagued by the very stray cattle in their paddy field as well, Mr. Halder forewarned. “It is such a headache that our entire yield is in grave peril. We have to keep round-the-clock vigil and keep ourselves armed with long sticks to chase away the stray bovines’ a bewildered peasant bemoaned.
On the other hand, raising fencing is not feasible for the farmers due to high costs and other constraints, as asserted by Mr. Halder. And after toiling in the fields throughout the day, it is not also possible for the farmers to remain awake in the night to guard their crops and vegetables, he further said.
Meanwhile, Diglipur Farmers’ Union, President, Mr. Kamal Halder said that he wrote letters to the Pradhans of a couple Gram Panchayats for an early redressal of cattle menace, and in the event when they will not get a solution to this grievous problem from the PRIs, the farmer’s community will act they deem fit to this effect, he warned.
Archives for July 11, 2024
Assistance Rendered to Indonesian Tug MV ASL Courageous by ANC Ships
Port Blair, July 11: On 13 Jun 24, MV ASL Courageous, accompanied by barge ASLCO 300008, departed Port Sabang, Indonesia, carrying 68 KL of fuel destined for Tuticorin. Encountering severe weather, the vessel’s speed was drastically reduced to 1-2 knots. Facing a ‘No-Go’ situation, the master decided to return to Port Sabang on 24 Jun to refuel, intending to resume the voyage once conditions improved. However, the vessel exhausted its remaining fuel on 29 Jun 24 and began drifting within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The drifting vessel was promptly detected by the Joint Operations Center (JOC) of Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) and was classified as a Vessel of Interest (VoI) on 30 Jun. HQ ANC maintained constant surveillance over the vessel. Despite efforts to arrange for necessary bunkerage, the vessel remained without fuel.
On 02 July, the vessel was observed drifting towards Indian Territorial Waters at a rate of 1.1 knots. INS Kulish, in the vicinity, was directed to intercept the vessel. INS Kulish successfully intercepted the vessel within territorial waters on 02 July. The vessel’s request to anchor was initially denied pending clearance from ANC. On 03 July, the vessel, now 7 nm from the West Coast of Great Nicobar Island, requested emergency permission to anchor against the danger of being washed ashore. Noting the deteriorating conditions, HQ ANC granted the tug permission to anchor. INS Kulish boarded the vessel to verify the situation. Following this, INS Kulish resumed routine patrolling, while Coast Guard District Headquarters at Campbell Bay deployed additional monitoring platforms.
On the intervening night of July 4 th and 5 th , the vessel’s anchor began dragging due to strong sea currents, leading to an emergency on 05 July. INS Kulish and ICGS Rajveer responded immediately. INS Kulish towed the ship and barge, but the towline broke after a few miles of towing. The barge was anchored in deep water, and the tugboat was tied to it.
ICGS Rajveer kept a close watch of the situation.
Rescue boat MV Al Aqsa I requisitioned by the ship owner arrived on 06 July to provide assistance. After refueling by MV Al Aqsa I, MV ASL Courageous departed Indian waters safely for Port Sabang at 1900h on 06 Jul 24.
The timely and effective assistance provided by the Andaman and Nicobar Command and the Indian Armed Forces highlights India’s unwavering commitment in ensuring maritime safety and aiding foreign vessels in distress within the region. This operation reaffirms India’s role as a steadfast security partner in the maritime domain of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
District Magistrate Issues Prohibition Order to Prevent Unlawful Gathering
Port Blair, July 11: The District Magistrate of South Andaman, Arjun Sharma, IAS, has issued an order to prevent unlawful gatherings at Dairy Farm Junction, Junglighat Jetty, and VSI Airport areas following the death of Smti V. Vimala on July 6, 2024. The order, issued on July 11, 2024, aims to mitigate the risk of public disturbances and potential breaches of peace by anti-social elements protesting the death.
The order, enacted under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)-2023, prohibits assemblies of five or more persons in the specified areas until further notice. The prohibition is necessary to maintain public tranquility and safety. Violations will result in action under Section 208 of BNSS-2023.
The order excludes Executive Magistrates, police personnel, and other public servants on duty. Enforcement will be managed by the Sub Divisional Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, and Executive Magistrate of South Andaman.
CPI(M) condemns Lathi Charge on Protesting People
Port Blair, July 11: CPI (M) Andaman & Nicobar State Organising Committee strongly condemned the lathi charge resorted to on the peaceful protestors of Telugu Fishermen community at Goalghar and nearby areas in the night of 10 th July, 2024. In a letter sent to the Lt. Governor, A & N Islands, D. Ayyappan, Secretary, CPI (M) A & N State Organising Committee termed the lathi charge as completely unprovoked and unwarranted, directly resorted to without following light measures like water cannon and tear gas shells, etc. He told the Lt Governor that this shows the authoritarian attitude and intolerence on the part of the A & N Administration, directly under the central government, towards the peaceful agitation by the people in a democratic manner.
CPI (M) said that after the tragic death of a young woman of Dairy Farm, Port Blair, V. Vimala, aged 21 years, members belonging to the Telugu fishermen community have been on peaceful agitation for the last few days, demanding, among other things, action against the erring doctors and staff of GB Pant Hospital who attended the victim and adequate compensation to the family of the victim.
CPI (M) observed that the Post Mortem Examination (PME) of the deceased woman was carried out on the basis of an assurance given by the authorities that the result of the PME will be made available to them within 2 days. The PME was not made available to the family members of the victim in sharp contrast to the assurance given by the authorities. CPI (M) Secretary said that from the very beginning, the family of the victim was alleging Medical Negligence (MN) on the part of the doctor(s) and staff who attended the patient and administered an injection to her. CPI (M) is of the view that prima facie, the circumstances which led to the sudden death of the patient show that there is some medical negligence on examining the patient and prescribing the medicine (injection) and/or administering the injection. CPI (M) Secretary stated in his letter that perturbed over this unclear situation and lack of proper response from the authorities concerned, the family members and members of Telugu fishermen community have been forced to agitate, seeking justice for the victim.
CPI (M) urged the Lt Governor to resolve the issue through discussion involving the members of the victim family and representatives of the Telugu Fishermen community who are spearheading the present agitation. Ayyappan suggested that an expert committee comprising of doctors from GB Pant Hospital, Port Blair, INHS Dhanvantari, Port Blair and from a medical college on the mainland may be constituted to examine the Post Mortem Examination Report of the victim, the circumstances which led to the sudden death of the patient immediately after administering the injection and come to the correct conclusion of the cause of death. CPI (M) also demanded that such a report may be obtained within a reasonable period of time and publish the same in the public domain besides imposing exemplary punishment on the erring doctor(s) and staff. CPI (M) further demanded that a compensation of Rs. 20 lakhs may be given to the victim family considering the fact that the victim has left behind a 1 ½ year old child.
Monsoon Tourism Festival by Tourism Department to kick start with Road Show today
Port Blair, July 11: A glittering Road Show will be organized in the City on July 12 which will mark the beginning of the two-day ‘Monsoon Tourism Festival-2024’, the first fest of this season’ being organized by the Tourism Department in association with all line Departments of A&N Administration and tourism stakeholders at Corbyn’s Cove with the tagline #rhythmoftherains. The ‘Road Show’, which is organized as a prelude to the main event i.e Monsoon Tourism Festival-2024, will be participated by people from different walks of life including the Tourism Stakeholders.
The Road Show (Car/Bike rally) will be flagged off from historic Netaji Stadium at around 3 pm and it will pass through vantage points in town viz. Clock Tower, Bengali Club, Goal Ghar, Delanipur, Light House, Gandhi Statue, Clock Tower, Cellular Jail, Marina Park, Girls School, Flag Point and end at Marina Park Arena. The ‘Road Show’ will showcase the vibrant colors of A&N Islands with music & banners conveying the message that A&N Islands are the most sought after tourist destination and promotion of ‘Andaman’ as 365 days tourist destination for all. The ‘Road Show’ will end with a colorful cultural programme to be presented in the evening by Local artistes and Band Troupe at Marina Park Arena for the entertainment of visitors, the tourists and Islanders.
The celebrations will continue with the Monsoon Tourism Festival starting on 13th & 14th July, 2024 at Corbyn’s Cove from 3 pm to 9 pm which will feature a variety of engaging activities and events involving the tourists as well as the Islanders. Raag, a band from mainland will be performing at Corbyn’s Cove on July 13 at 5.30 pm. Shree Partha, Zee Bangla Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Winner-2010 will be performing on July 14 at 5 pm followed by performance by You Turn, a band at 6.30 pm at the same venue.
There will be a Water Sports Demonstration- a novel display of water sports designed to captivate visitors and highlight the adventure opportunities available on the islands. Water sports activities include Kayaking and Jet Ski and other beach sports like- Treasure hunt, Frisbee Golf, etc. Tug–of-War Competition- a thrilling event will be organized aiming at fostering community spirit and providing entertainment for participants and spectators alike.
The highlight of the festival will be the ‘Rain Dance Arena’- an interactive space where visitors will be enjoying the monsoon rain in a lively environment &music. ‘Beach Volleyball Arena’ will be another attraction- hosting exciting volley ball matches on the beach ensuring entertainment and engagement for all visitors. The Beach Volleyball matches will start in the morning hours of July 13. Handsome prizes have also been announced for the winners and runner up teams of the Tug of War and Beach Volleyball competitions.
Enthralling cultural events with live musical & dance performances will be organized throughout the fest. Numerous live food stalls will be set up including sea food barbeque for the food enthusiasts, providing a culinary delight that adds to the festive atmosphere. The idea behind such programmes is to change the mindset of tourists that beach can only be enjoyed for water sports activities/swimming etc. There are other options available at the beach which can be explored by public throughout the year.
Apart from the main venue, cultural programmes will also be held at ‘Marina Park Arena’ in the evening on all the three days i.e on July 12, 13 and 14 for the entertainment of tourists and the Islanders as well.
The State Transport Department has made special arrangement for visitors by diverting the buses proceeding to Garacharma to ply through Corbyn’s Cove.
A & N State Chess Championship 2024
Port Blair, July 11: The Andaman Nicobar Chess Association (ANCA) will conduct the A & N State Chess Championship 2024 on July 13 and 14, 2024 at the ITI Campus, Dolly Gunj. The championship will serve as a selection event for the upcoming 61st National Chess Championship 2024 to be held in Haryana in August 2024. The best four players of the championship will be selected to represent the A & N Islands in the Nationals.
The Andaman Nicobar Chess Association (ANCA) received an overwhelming response from chess players across A&N Islands where more than 300 chess players in the age group of 5 to 64 years have registered for the 2024 Chess Championship and this is by far the biggest chess tournament in the history of A&N Islands.
Shri. Keshav Chandra, IAS, Chief Secretary, A & N Administration has consented to be the chief guest for the Opening ceremony who will inaugurate the biggest chess event ever held in Andamans on 13th July 2024 at ITI Campus (Marine Fitter Workshop Hall), Dolly Gunj at 10.45 am.
PBMC Initiates Door-to-Door Pamphlet Distribution for Improved Waste Segregation
Port Blair, July 11: A meeting was convened under the chairmanship of Shri Amit Kale, IAS, Secretary PBMC, in the Conference Hall of the Council with the sanitation and solid waste management officials. It was decided that to ensure effective implementation of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) rule, the Port Blair Municipal Council will issue information pamphlets to households for waste segregation at the source. These pamphlets will provide information regarding categorization of waste into wet, dry and household hazardous waste, aiming to facilitate proper waste segregation and enhance the efficiency of waste management.
In the initial phase, the focus will be on Wards where segregation practices are lacking or where households do not adhere to SWM rules. Sanitary Inspectors from the Council will ensure the pamphlets are placed on the front door or in the kitchen area, with the consent of the households, to ensure that it is clearly visible to all family members. This visibility will help streamline the segregation process and instill a sense of responsibility among residents.
In addition to the above measures, the PBMC is creating awareness programs through its Safai Mitras, Supervisors, and Swacchtha Awareness Team to streamline the segregation process. It is emphasized that from 25th of July 2024 onwards waste collection will only be done if the waste is properly segregated at the source. Households failing to comply with segregation rules will face penalties. This initiative emphasizes PBMC’s commitment to maintaining a clean and sustainable environment, encouraging residents to actively participate in waste management practices. By segregating waste, residents contribute to recycling efforts, reducing landfill use and promoting a healthier ecosystem.
For further details or queries, residents can contact their respective Ward’s Sanitary Inspector. Let’s work together to keep our city clean and green, raising a community that values and practices sustainable living.
Electricity Department to discontinue collection of energy bill payments at the Site Offices and Common Service Centres (CSC)
Port Blair, July 11: In a significant move towards realizing the vision of the Digital India Mission and to shift towards a 100% cashless bill payment system, the Electricity Department, A&N Administration shall discontinue collection of energy bill payments at the Site Offices and Common Service Centres (CSC) for the consumers of entire South Andaman District in the first phase w.e.f. 01.08.2024.
The Consumers are hereby encouraged to make online bill payments at Urjapay portal https://urjapay.andaman.go.in/. For any assistance in the matter regarding payment through Urjapay, consumers can visit the concerned site office or call the Central Control Room at Toll Free No.18003451111.
VAT Compliance Directive Issued to Bar and POL Owners
Port Blair, July 11: It has been observed that some Bar Owners and POL (Petroleum, Oil & Lubricant) Owners are not remitting their Value Added Tax (VAT) on a monthly basis within the due dates as notified vide F.No.1-1/DC (SA)/VAT (PF)/2017-18/5974 dated 31st December, 2020 issued by the Commissioner (VAT), A & N Islands. This non-compliance constitutes a gross violation of VAT Rules and results in a significant loss to the Government exchequer.
Therefore, all Bar Owners and POL Owners have been once again directed to strictly comply with the due dates as per the aforementioned notification provided as under:
Sl. No. | Particular | Time Prescribed | Due Date |
1. | Payment of Tax | Monthly | 21st day of each succeeding month |
2. | Submission of Return | Quarterly | 28th day of each succeeding Quarter |
Further, it is clarified that, henceforth all the Value Added Tax Returns shall be submitted at the Office of the Value Added Tax Officer (HQ) situated at RCS Office, VIP Road, Port Blair.
This directive is issued in the interest of maintaining proper tax compliance and ensuring the financial health of the Government exchequer.
Provisional Merit List for admission to various UG courses in JNRM displayed in Common College Admission Portal (CCAP)
Port Blair, July 11: The category-wise provisional merit list of candidates who have applied for admission to various courses in JNRM, Port Blair for the academic year 2024-25 will be posted on 12th July 2024 (Friday) in the common college admission portal website (https://collegeadmission.andaman.gov.in/).
The candidate may examine provisional merit list and can submit their claim/objection, if any, through offline as well as online mode.
For offline mode, request letter may be addressed to Principal with requisite supportive documents and may be submitted to the Admission Wing of JNRM.
For online mode, request letter may be sent to college email. ID viz. (admissionjnrm5431@gmail.com) with necessary supportive documents alongwith the application.
The claims/objections may be submitted from 13th July 2024 (Saturday) to 16th July 2024 (Tuesday) latest by 4.00pm.
No case shall be entertained beyond the scheduled time period for lodging claim/objection.
Final Merit List (Tentative) shall be posted on 19th July 2024 (Friday).
Counselling shall tentatively be commenced from 22nd July 2024 (Monday).