Rabindranath Biswas
Diglipur, Sept. 15: It has been a couple of years since the diversion of land to House Site & Commercial Site was put on a hold in N & M Andaman as well as South Andaman Districts and which has triggered a number of hurdles for the people.
According to information, people are not in a condition to build their houses despite having their own land. Talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily a person, grappling with resultant situation said, “The irony is that, whenever we start constructing our house over our own land, the Revenue Officials immediately imposes restrictions on the construction on the pretext that the land hasn’t been diverted to a house site, while to our utter dismay, the very Revenue Dept. has stopped the process of diversion of land into house site as well as commercial, and it is really beyond one’s comprehension.” Things are becoming critical here day by day, he bemoaned. “I arranged materials for the purpose of construction of my residential house with my hard-earned money, but I can’t start the construction work of my house because the land is yet to be diverted to a house site”, said another individual wrestling with the situation thrown by the Administration’s decision of holding back the process of diversion of land to house site & commercial site.
On the other hand, the unemployed aspirants intending to set up business establishments on their land are being severely affected due to the cessation of diversion of land in commercial site and which needs to be resumed on priority, rued a group of unemployed youths. Expressing their chagrin over the Administration’s shelving the process of diversion of land to House Site & Commercial Site, the veterans of different NGOs and the stakeholders in Diglipur said that the Administration should resume the diversion of land to House Site & Commercial Site without further delay in the larger interests of the unemployed youths and the stakeholders.
Archives for September 22, 2024
Member of Parliament Raises Concerns About Infrastructure, Agriculture, and Drug Menace in Andaman Islands
Saurabh Adhikari & Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 22: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, today addressed a press conference and highlighted a range of pressing issues that were brought to light. From infrastructure delays and challenges in agricultural supply to a growing drug menace affecting the youth, Mr. Ray expressed deep concerns about the administration’s performance and the future of the islands.
One of the key issues highlighted by MP was the delay in completing the National Highway projects and the construction of Middle Strait bridge in the region. MP Mr. Ray highlighted that despite multiple assurances from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, the projects have faced continuous delays. He mentioned that letters and official statements from the ministry have provided specific timelines, but these deadlines have repeatedly been pushed back.
Mr. Ray cited a letter from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, which promised that the work of National Highway-4 (Baratang to Ram Nagar) will be completed by November 25, 2025. According to the Member of Parliament the Minister of Road Transport and Highways has also assured to complete Middle Strait (Baratang) Bridge by February 26, 2026.
Another significant point raised was the shortage of essential agricultural inputs, specifically DAP and urea. MP Mr. Ray revealed that he had written to Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, in August to address the shortage. However, by the end of September, the islands had still not received the required supplies, leaving local farmers in distress.
The MP expressed frustration at the administrative processes and blamed local bureaucracy for the delay. He warned that the prolonged shortage of fertilizers could severely affect the farming community, potentially impacting food production in the islands.
The healthcare system in the Andaman Islands was another focal point of Mr. Ray’s address. He mentioned his recent visit to several hospitals, including those in Mayabunder and Baratang, where he observed a lack of essential medical equipment and services. Pregnant women, he noted, were particularly vulnerable due to the unavailability of crucial testing machines, and the general population was suffering from a lack of proper medical care in rural health centers.
In addition to the inadequate facilities, Mr. Ray criticized the administration for not hiring enough medical professionals to manage the existing healthcare infrastructure. He called the situation “dangerous” and implored the local government to make immediate improvements. He warned that if these healthcare issues were not resolved, they would continue to endanger the lives of residents in the more remote parts of the Andaman Islands.
One of the most alarming topics discussed during the press conference was the growing drug problem in the region. MP Mr. Ray expressed deep concern about the rising drug abuse among the youth, blaming both local law enforcement and the administration for not addressing the issue adequately. According to him, a significant drug racket is operating in the islands, with narcotics being smuggled into the region from mainland India and other countries.
Mr. Ray accused the police of being complicit in allowing the drug trade to flourish, claiming that several cases had been mishandled or not investigated properly. In his words, “The future of our youth is at stake, and the authorities must take immediate action to protect them from falling into this trap.”
Attacking the Lt. Governor in several fronts, the Member of Parliament accused the Lt. Governor for not meeting the General Public and requested him to leave the post.
Regarding Deemed University the Member of Parliament warned the Administration not to start Deemed University in these islands.
Limestone Cave-II Inaugurated at Baratang to Boost Ecotourism and Green Employment Opportunities for Locals
Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 22: The Limestone Cave-II at Baratang was inaugurated by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, A&N Islands, Shri Sanjay Kumar Sinha, IFS yesterday in the presence of senior officers and staff of Baratang Forest Division. The Limestone Cave -II will further promote ecotourism at Baratang Island and will serve as green employment generation to local inhabitants of the Island.
The opening of the Limestone Cave-II is in addition to the existing Limestone Cave-I and is situated at a walking distance of 550 mtrs from the existing Limestone Cave-I.
Illicit Liquor Seizes in Special Drive at Talbagan: Case Registered by Kalighat Police
Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 22: On 20/09/2024 under close coordination by SHO PS Kalighat, a team consisting of SI M J Indrajit I/C OP Kishorinagar, PC/2361 Ripon Mistry PC/222 Mary Magdalene PC/2796 K Hazrat Kumar and PC/1598 Irenious of OP Kishorinagar was deployed on special checking drive at Talbagan area. During search
• 01 NO. 50 ltrs. Jerican Cont. about 48 ltrs. Illicit liquor
• 01 no. 40 ltrs. Jerican cont. about 39 ltrs of illicit liquor
• 03 nos. 02 ltr plastc bottle cont. about 5.5 ltrs.
Illicit liquor from the possession of Apurba Ballab S/o Late Naren Ballab (52) yrs pvt. Worker R/o Talbagan. Recovered illicit liquor has been seized on the spot under the cover of seizure memo and accordingly a case vide crime no. 49/24 dated 20/09/2024 u/s 32 reg. III of 1876 has been registered in this PS against the above said person.
The entire operation was carried out under the direction and supervision of SDPO Diglipur, Mr. Ankesh Yadav DANIPS.
The general public are requested to pass and share any credible information pertaining to any illegal activity to their nearest Police Station or over phone No.100, 112 & 03192-273344. Their identity will be kept secret and they will be suitably rewarded for their brave act.
Heavy Rainfall Alert
Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 22: Heavy rainfall (07-11 cm) is likely to occur at one or two places over Andaman Islands on Sept. 23. For further enquiries/information, one may contact helpline of State Emergency Operation Centre at Helpline No. 1070 & District Emergency Operation Centre at Helpline No. 1077. For any emergency/assistance at sea, call Coast Guard SAR Agency at Toll Free Number 1554.
Musical Evening ‘Meri Awaaz Hi Pehchaan Hai’ to Honour Lata Mangeshkar on Her 95th Birth Anniversary
Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 22: A Musical Evening titled ~ “Meri Awaaz Hi Pahechaan Hai (Episode#3)” is being presented by ‘Jhumurr Socio-Cultural Society’, Port Blair with a team of LM-fan Club on 28th September, 2022 (Saturday) from 6 p.m onwards at Hotel Driftwood, Haddo for paying rich Tribute to the inimitable Singing Legend & Bharat Ratna – Lata Mangeshkar on her 95th Birth Anniversary. The show, open to all for witnessing, is organised in association with Hotel Driftwood, Haddo, Port Blair.
The melodious event is designed exclusively based on the Golden & Evergreen duets of various moods of Lataji with different Male Co-Singers of different generations to Celebrate her exceptionally long musical journey and highly successful singing career of the ‘Nightingale of India’ spreading over a period of about 75 years, and is presented under the Concept & Programme Designing of Ashees Poddar, Creative Director & Convenor of the Society.
Thunderstorm with Lightning and Gusty Winds Expected Over A&N Islands on Sept. 23; Public Urged to Stay Alert and Contact Emergency Helplines for Assistance
Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 22: Thunderstorm with lightning and gusty wind (speed reaching 30-40 Kmph) likely to occur at one or two places over A&N Islands on Sept. 23. For further enquiries / information contact helpline of State Emergency Operation Centre at Helpline No. 1070 & District Emergency Operation Centre at Helpline No. 1077. For any emergency/assistance at sea, call Coast Guard SAR Agency at Toll Free number 1554.
Educational Exposure Visit Organizes for Senior Secondary Students to Power Generation Facilities under ‘PRAYAS’ Initiative
Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 22: As a part of ‘PRAYAS’ initiative, an educational exposure visit was organized for the students of Senior Secondary Schools viz.PM SHRI Govt. Senior Secondary School Sabari Junction, Govt. Model Senior Secondary School, Mayabunder and Govt. Model Senior Secondary School, Sitangar to the Power House Stations at Panighat, Nimbutala Jetty Rangat Bay, Sitanagar Diglipur and Kalpong Hydroelectric Project Nabagram, Diglipur respectively. The objective of the visit was to give students hands-on learning and practical exposure to the functioning of a power generation facility and to bridge the gap between theoretical learning in the classroom and real-world application in the field of power generation.
The students were guided through the various sections of the power house by the Engineers, where they learned about the different stages involved in generating electricity. The students were shown how energy is produced through turbines and generators, and the role of fuel in powering the system. The tour covered the mechanism for distributing power from the power house to the local grid, ensuring a continuous supply of electricity to homes and commercial buildings.
Students were briefed on the high-voltage transmission lines used to carry electricity over long distances, and the technical challenges involved.
In addition to observing the physical infrastructure of the power house, students participated in interactive sessions with the technical staff. The engineers explained the various safety measures in place, the importance of energy conservation, and the environmental impacts of power generation.
Similar exposure visits with other line Departments will be conducted in all the sub-divisions of the district.
Garacharma Site Office of Electricity Department to Begin Operations at New Location from Oct. 01, 2024
Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 22: The Garacharma Site Office under the Head Quarter Division of Electricity Department will start functioning in the 2nd Floor of Sub-Division Office Building of Electricity Building at Patharguda Junction from Oct.1, 2024. The establishment of Garacharma Site Office is part of the ongoing commitment to improve service delivery, accessibility and approach to the consumers. This Site Office will provide power related services in a full-fledged manner including release of new connections, billing & payments, customer support and complaint resolution.
The consumers of Electricity Department have been requested to visit the Departmental web-site https://andssw1.and.nic.in:8081/EMCOSP/index.php to verify their available consumer account numbers attached to this new Site Office namely Garacharma Site Office.
For any further inquiry or assistance, consumers may contact this office directly at 03192-250258 or via e-mail jegaracharama@gmail.com and Toll Free No. 1800-345-1111 for any power related issues.
International Coastal Clean-up Day 2024: Beach Clean-up Drive at Rangachang Beach to Promote ‘Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar’ Campaign
Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 22: Beach clean-up is the process of removal of marine litter (plastics, metal, glass, cloth, rubber) and other organic debris (paper, wood) deposited on the beach (backshore/intertidal) by human activities (tourism/recreational), or offshore backwash. Marine litter originates from land and sea-based sources and causes a wide spectrum of environmental, economic, health, and aesthetic impacts. Beach clean-up activities are important to mitigate the transfer of litter through windage effect into the oceans. Clean-up also provides ample opportunity to gather important data about the state of our coasts, type, and probable litter sources that pollute them. Such information is critical in developing management plans and other mitigation measures.
As part of the regular coastal clean-up activity of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Govt. of India, the Atal Centre for Ocean Science and Technology for Islands (ACOSTI), a field unit of the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) organized a cleanliness drive at Rangachang Beach on the occasion of the International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) Day 2024. The celebration created awareness among local youths, the public, and officials about the ‘Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar/Clean Coast Safe Sea’ campaign of Govt. of India. The goals for the 2024 ICC Day include raising environmental awareness, identifying the sources of debris, developing solutions to the marine debris problem, and promoting behavioral changes to reduce trash in the water through a program message of ‘3R’ (reduce, reuse, and recycle). As the Government of India has already committed to phasing out the identified single-use Plastics (SUPs), the data will serve as a ground truth validation and will help enhance the National Marine Litter Policy drafted by the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), MoES, Govt. of India.
At Rangachang Beach, Panchayat members, officers and staff from NIOT-ACOSTI& Botanical Survey of India (BSI), participated in the International Coastal Clean-up campaign today. The inauguration program was presided over by Mr. Abhishek Bhukal, Joint Secretary (SVPMC) & Director (Science &Technology and Industries), Dr. Lal Singh, Additional Director and Regional Head, BSI, Mr. R Paramasivam, Pradhan, (Beodnabad), and Dr. Dilip Kumar Jha, Officer-In-Charge, NIOT-ACOSTI, also participated in the inaugural ceremony.
During the function, Mr. Abhishek Bhukal as the chief guest, emphasized the importance of community involvement and the segregation of waste into various categories like dry, wet, medical, hazardous, etc. for better waste management and keeping the coast clean. He also appreciated the initiatives taken by the NIOT-ACOSTI to conduct such a program with community involvement, research organization, and A&N Administration. A total of 85 volunteers participated and segregated the marine litter (215.6 kg) and handed it over to the local Panchayat for proper disposal. Certificates were distributed among the volunteers for their active participation.