Archives for September 2024

Port Blair, Sept. 12: In a proud moment for Andaman & Nicobar Islands, local firefighter Mr. K.P. Mammu from the Andaman & Nicobar Fire and Emergency Services (ANF&ES) clinched 2 gold medal and 1 silver medal at the World Firefighter Games 2024, held from September 7 to 14 in Aalborg, Denmark. Competing against elite firefighters from 49 countries, Mr. Mammu secured gold in the 4×100 meter relay and long jump, while also winning silver in the 100-meter race.
The World Firefighter Games, known as the “Olympics for Firefighters,” is a prestigious biennial event that showcases the physical and mental endurance of firefighters worldwide. This year’s edition featured various sports and fire-specific challenges, including hose-running, ladder climbing, and life-saving simulations.
Mr. Mammu, a veteran firefighter with over 24 years of service, expressed his elation at winning gold, stating, “This was the toughest competition I’ve ever faced. Representing India and my fire department on a global stage and bringing home the gold is a dream come true.”
The games, which began in 1988, are designed to promote fitness, foster camaraderie among firefighters, and encourage family participation. The Indian Fire Service team, which Mr. Mammu represented, has won a total of 13 gold, 9 silver, and 3 bronze medals so far.
Mr. Mammu is expected to return to Port Blair on September 19, where a warm reception awaits him from the Fire Department for his outstanding achievement.

 

Port Blair, Sept 12: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, the Member of Parliament, A & N Islands along with Mr. Sanjay Balan, Retd. Official, A & N Administration, yesterday visited Swaraj Dweep following numerous complaints regarding removal of old encroachments without following due process of law.
Further the local residents also alleged of excesses being committed on the entrepreneurs / businessmen/ traders of the islands and also upon the farmers by local officials.
The MP also visited the areas from where old encroachment of fruiting arecanut plantation was cut down insensitively in the name of encroachment eviction drive.
Later he also met the farmers and extended families of settlers who were allegedly not being allowed to construct own small houses in their own land.
He also happened to meet entrepreneurs/ hotel owners who complained about spokes being put in their decade’s old businesses without any valid reasoning. This needs to be reminded that these business people are contributing for country’s growth by paying GST and other relevant taxes in tune of multi crores. And they are being troubled?
Mr. Ray advised the Assistant Commissioner and others to serve the people with spirit of compassion and understand the local dynamics which will enable them in making reasoned and articulated decisions. He requested the officers present not to take law into their own hands but act in accordance with law wherever necessary. The MP opined that if a single hotel in Swaraj Dweep is paying 14 crore as GST, with a little bit of easing the bottlenecks, the government can expect 1500 cr to 2000 cr GST from Swaraj Dweep Island itself. This will also enable creation of more jobs / more business opportunities etc for the local populace too, he said.
“The endeavor of the Administration should therefore be to lay down conducive atmosphere for the islanders / farmers and the Businessmen alike for enabling holistic development and to achieve the dreams of Modi govt”, he added.

 

Rabindranath Biswas

Harinagar/Diglipur, Sept. 12: The Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Harinagar, Mr. Manojit Halder has raised the issue of ramshackle condition of Zilla Parishad Niwas at Port Blair.

According to information, the Zilla Parishad Niwas at Port Blair is reportedly in dilapidated condition. The Pradhan Mr. Manojit Halder said that the elected PRI Members from inter-islands put up in Zilla Parishad Niwas during their visit to Port Blair. However, it has come to the notice of the Pradhan that the condition of the Niwas has significantly deteriorated over the past two years due to inadequate maintenance and proper care of the Authorities.

There is a persistent problem with water leakage from the top floor which has led to further damage and potential hazards within the premises, the Pradhan claimed. Essential amenities such as the television and air-conditioning units are currently non-functional, rendering the accommodation inconvenient and inadequate for the needs of visiting PRI Members.

The paint on the walls of the kitchen area has peeled off which has compromised the cleanlines and usability of the space for dining purposes, the Pradhan further maintained.

The Pradhan has reportedly written a letter on 9th Sept. 2024 to the Adhyaksha, Zilla Parishad, South Andaman, Port Blair apprising her of the present tumbledown condition of the Zilla Parishad Niwas at port Blair. He further urged in the letter that immediate maintenance and repair works are essential to restore the Niwas to an acceptable condition so that the PRI members may have access to a safe, comfortable and well-maintained accommodation during their visits to Port Blair, the Pradhan said.