Rabindranath Biswas
Diglipur, Aug 30: The news with captions: “The Police of A & N Islands/the Defense apprehended Myanmarese poachers with their engine dinghies after their infiltration into A & N Islands and the cases under India’s relevant Acts were registered against them” has made headlines in different newspapers over the last few years. Recently one such type of act happened in which the Myanmarese poachers sneaked into Elizabeth Bay recently as stated by the Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti, Diglipur, Shri Dipankar Mistry.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha, Mr. Dipankar Mistry told that he was informed by the residents of Elizabeth Bay that 8-10 Myanmarese poachers had reportedly trespassed into Elizabeth Bay recently and the engine dinghies in which the poachers had intruded were reportedly seized by the Police personnel.
Under the given situation, the residents further informed the Pramukh that there was apprehension that those Myanmarese poachers would purloin the fishing dinghies of the fishermen of Elizabeth Bay and flee from Indian soil. The Pramukh further said the he received another information from the residents of Elizabeth Bay on 22nd August 2024 that the Myanmarese poachers, as feared, had reportedly absconded with the fishing dinghies of one Shri Shabuj Das, S/o Sankar Das and Shri Subroto Das, S/o Nantu Das of the area.
The fishing dinghies of these two fishermen were the only source of income with which they used to venture into seas for catching for their livelihood, the Pramukh said. And since their livelihood is at stake without their fishing dinghies, the Pramukh has urged the Deputy Commissioner, N & M Andaman, Mayabunder for extending necessary compensation to these two fishermen so that they may start catching fish for the sustenance of their families, as stated by the Pramukh.
Archives for August 30, 2024
Suspension of ANTS Website Sparks Inconvenience for STS Bus Pass Holders and Public in Diglipur
Rabindranath Biswas
Diglipur, Aug 30: The beneficiaries of STS Bus Pass and general public of Diglipur have decried the alleged suspension of the designated site in ANTS (a webpage run by Andaman Nicobar State Transport Services) and which is reportedly causing severe inconveniences to them.
According to information, the STS Unit Diglipur is providing the service of issuance of Bus Pass to the beneficiaries manually at its Office. However, the beneficiaries alleged that issuance of Bus Pass manually is time-consuming and they have to visit the Office and wait for it.
The beneficiaries further said there is a designated site in ANTS through which they may apply for Bus pass online and obtain the bus pass, but unfortunately the site is reportedly found locked, they alleged. Hence, they have to helplessly visit the Office for availing the benefits. On the other hand, tickets for the STS bus night service from Diglipur to Port Blair are also being issued reportedly manually owing to the blocking of the designated online site in ANTS, the general public alleged. As a result, the public have to visit the Office and take the tickets manually which often becomes inconvenient for them for scores of reasons, they rued. Had the site for e-tickets for the STS bus night service from Diglipur to Port Blair been operational, they wouldn’t have to face the wrath of the situation, they decried.
The public and the beneficiaries of STS Bus Pass have urged the administration to make both sites operational in the larger interests of the public, they said.
ANC’s Coast Guard Component Provides Critical Assistance to MV EFES and Crew Post Onboard Fire
Port Blair, Aug 30: Swift action by the Coast Guard component of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) averted a potential maritime disaster and ensured the safety of MV EFES and its 11 crew members. On 19 Aug 24, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), Port Blair, received a relayed distress call from MV Anael, reporting a fire in the machinery compartment of MV EFES. As the vessel was 500 km from land, MRCC immediately diverted the nearest vessel, MV Jag Rani, to provide assistance until ICG units reached the scene. A Coast Guard Dornier aircraft was also launched from Port Blair to monitor the situation and assess the extent of the damage. The aircraft confirmed the distressed vessel’s position and provided vital information to the ICG. The fire was completely extinguished on the evening of 19 Aug 24, however, MV EFES suffered a loss of propulsion and electric power, as the machinery compartment was totally damaged in the fire, causing the vessel to drift.
ANC’s ship, ICGS Vijit, was dispatched from Port Blair to the location of the vessel. Upon arrival, the ICG crew assessed the situation and provided technical assistance to the vessel to start its communication equipment. The ICG personnel conducted a thorough inspection of the vessel, delivered essential food provisions, and provided medical treatment to 02 crew members who had sustained 2nd degree burns during the fire.
The operator company was requested, through DG Shipping, to provide a tug for ensuring the safe passage of the vessel to its next port, Klang, Malaysia. The operator dispatched the tugboat, which departed from Sri Lanka on 20 Aug 24 and reached MV EFES on the night of 25 Aug 24. In the meantime, the Indian Coast Guard continuously monitored the vessel through aircraft and vessels transiting the area. The ICG ship also remained in the vicinity to respond to any emerging situations. The vessel is currently proceeding towards Malaysia under continuous monitoring by MRCC and is anticipated to cross the International Maritime Boundary Line on 31 Aug 24.
The quick response and coordinated efforts by the Coast Guard demonstrate their unwavering commitment to the safety of life at sea. The Indian Coast Guard remains vigilant in its efforts to protect India’s maritime interests and respond to emergencies in a timely and effective manner.
Auto-Rickshaw Adventures in Andaman: Where Fares Defy Logic, and some Drivers Defy Gravity
Welcome to Andaman, where every auto-rickshaw ride is a journey into the unknown—an experience that could only be described as the automotive equivalent of a rollercoaster, minus the safety checks and with a soundtrack that’ll make your ears beg for mercy.
In Andaman, inside some auto-rickshaws the entire contraption comes alive with a symphony of squeaks, clanks, and rattles from every part except the horn. It’s like riding in a musical instrument that’s tragically out of tune. And if you’re lucky—or unlucky, depending on your tolerance for aural assaults—your ride might be accompanied by the sweet serenade of Himesh Reshammiya or a lively South Indian track, blasting through a sound system that was clearly not part of the original auto-rickshaw design.
But what truly sets some of the Andaman’s auto drivers apart is their unique driving posture. Spotting one is easy: just look for a driver perched delicately on one buttock, with their spine twisted like a pretzel and their left leg dangling out of the vehicle as if it’s a high-tech sensor. You’d think they were preparing for takeoff rather than navigating the pothole-ridden streets of Port Blair.
Now, let’s talk about the fares. Once you step inside an Andaman auto-rickshaw, you’re no longer a citizen governed by the Indian Penal Code. You’ve entered a parallel universe where the driver’s word is law. Whether you’re a high-ranking official or a humble tourist, the fare is non-negotiable and always inflated. A mere 100-meter ride? That’ll be ₹30, please. And don’t even think about questioning the rate for a longer journey—it’s set in stone, impervious to even the most persuasive arguments from seasoned debaters.
One might wonder if the local government, with all its power, could intervene. But alas, not even the Lieutenant Governor or the Chief Secretary seems to have powers to convince these drivers to use their meters. Those devices, once intended to ensure fairness, are now just relics—a quaint reminder of a time when logic and reason had a place in the world of Andaman auto-rickshaws.
And let’s not forget the weather. In a place where it rains for ten months a year, you’d think windshield wipers would be a priority. But no, why bother with such trivialities when you can drive blind and add a little thrill to the passenger experience? Sadly even today many auto operates without a automatic windshield wiper. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a heart-pounding game of “Will We Crash?” on their morning commute?
Finally, the pièce de résistance: the rear of the auto-rickshaw, a canvas for advertisements that rivals Times Square. Visual pollution? A distraction to other drivers? Who cares! The more garish and cluttered, the better.
A visiting foreign tourists had once said, the Andaman auto-rickshaw is not just a mode of transportation—it’s an adventure, a cultural experience, and a lesson in resilience. Whether you’re braving the elements, the fares, or the music, one thing is certain: you’ll never forget your ride.
Andaman Ship Owners Association Commends Coast Guard for Swift Rescue Efforts
Port Blair, Aug 30: The Andaman Ship Owners Association (ASOA) is deeply grateful and appreciative of the rapid and effective response from the Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (North East) based out of Kolkata following the unfortunate sinking of the vessel ITT Puma. The vessel, owned by one of ASOA’s members, was en route from Kolkata to Port Blair when the incident occurred.
Upon receiving the distress call, the Coast Guard swiftly deployed its assets, including Coast Guard aircraft and Coast Guard vessels ICGS Sarang and ICGS Among. Thanks to their prompt and efficient operations, eleven crew members aboard the ITT Puma were successfully rescued and brought safely ashore.
The ASOA, representing the interests of ship owners operating in the coastal waters of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is heartened by the Coast Guard’s unwavering commitment to maritime safety and security. This timely rescue serves as a testament to the Coast Guard’s preparedness and ability to respond to emergencies.
The ASOA reaffirms its unwavering trust in the Coast Guard and its commitment to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of those operating in the region’s maritime sector.
Mr. Munner Ahmed of Car Nicobar Promoted to DANICS: Nicobar Youth Association and Tribal Development Council Extends Heartfelt Congratulations
Port Blair, Aug 30: Mr. Munner Ahmed of Car Nicobar has been promoted to the rank of DANICS. The Nicobar Youth Association President Mr. Rayhaan Pasha & the Managing Committee of Tribal Development Council has expressed their heartiest congratulations. They said, his promotion will bring all kinds of new challenges and opportunities for him to help the people of A & N Islands especially the tribal peoples. He totally deserves the responsibility, and we know it will bring dedication and enthusiasm to his new role.
Department of Agriculture, Diglipur Conducts Hands on Training Programme for sensitizing SHG Members under Lakhpati Didi Programme
Port Blair, Aug 30: The Department of Agriculture at Diglipur conducted Hands-on Training Programme for sensitizing the SHG Members of Kishorinagar Panchayat under Lakhpati Didi Programme on 28.08.2024 in the field of Mr. Gouranga Roy, a progressive farmer practicing organic farming.
To encourage SHG members to pursue entrepreneurial ventures by their inherent skills and potential and to position them well to move towards higher income brackets, the Department of Agriculture is supporting the SHGs by providing training on agriculture based activities.
At the outset, Mrs. Arti Singh, Assistant Director (Agri), Diglipur welcomed the Chief Guest, Up-Pradhan Mr. Ajit Bairagi, other PRI members and SHG members. She explained the aim of the programme i.e. to empower women and transform Self Help Groups into sustainable income generating producer organizations. Under the Lakhpati Didi scheme each Self-Help Group Member is sensitized through various hands on training to have an annual income exceeding Rs.1,00,000/- through adopting sustainable livelihood practices with an average monthly income of Rupees Ten Thousand (Rs.10,000/-) or more sustained for at least 4 agricultural seasons and/ or four business cycles.
During the programme, hands-on training on preparation of Vermi compost and Bio-pesticides like Jeevamrit and Neemashtra from the locally available materials was demonstrated, so that they can prepare and sell it to other farmers exploring the vast potential in view of promotion of Organic farming in the Islands. Further, the process of Cinnamon Extraction was also conducted in view of Promotion of Spices cultivation in the area and its vast demand in these Islands. Exploring the potential of establishing nursery by the SHG members for supplying plant saplings, vegetative propagation through cutting, air layering and grafting was also imparted during the training programme. Floral garland and Bouquet making as part of Value addition of flowers was also provided to SHG members. Altogether, 35 members of 6 SHGs namely Joy Guru, Maruti, Deep, Anmol, Ekta and Shiva of Kishorinagar, Parangara and Srinagar village under Kishorinagar Gram Panchayat attended the training programme.
Besides, deliberate details on other ventures like establishment of Custom Hiring Centre, establishment of shop for sale of seeds by obtaining License, establishment of nursery for sale of planting materials, Value added products of Fruits, Mushroom Cultivation were also briefed to the participants during the programme to increase their income.
Similar program was also conducted on 24.8.2024 at Spices Demonstration Farm, Kalighat where in 15 members of 6 SHGs namely Om Shakti, Sanjeevani, Sapna, Laxmi, Maa Saraswati, Color were imparted training to enhance their skills, knowledge for increasing their income for attaining a decent livelihoods. Mrs. Protima Roy, Pradhan of Gram Panchayat, Nabagram and other PRI members were also present to motivate the SHG members during the day long programme with enthusiasm.
It is proposed to organize similar programmes in Diglipur Block for all the interested SHG members for their capacity building and skill up-gradation.
Andaman and Nicobar Command to Host ‘ANTech’ Seminar in Collaboration with CII
Port Blair, Aug 30: The Headquarters, Andaman and Nicobar Command (HQ ANC), in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), will host the ‘Andaman and Nicobar Technical Seminar (ANTech)’ on September 2 and 3, 2024. The seminar aims to enhance cooperation and synergy between the Andaman and Nicobar Command and the Indian Defense Industry.
Defence Minister, Mr. Rajnath Singh, will inaugurate the event via video conference. The seminar will be held at ‘Dweepika Auditorium,’ INS Jarawa.