ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Archives for October 16, 2024

Water ATM at Jirkatang Check-post Lying Defunct for Years, Commuters Express Frustration

by Leave a Comment

Rabindranath Biswas
Jirkatang, Oct 15: The Water ATM installed at Jirkatang Check-post under Gram Panchayat Ferrargunj under Shyama Prasad Mukherjee RURBAN Mission is reportedly lying dysfunctional.
As per report, the Water ATM installed at Jirkatang Check-post under Gram Panchayat Ferrargunj under Shyama Prasad Mukherjee RURBAN Mission inaugurated on 03/12/2020. This innovative public utility project was begun during the COVID-19 pandemic period by the Administration with much fanfare with officials asserting that passengers, tourists and motorists would then have access to pure, RO water at public places. Four years are going to elapse and the Water ATM is defunct. Commuters and tourists who pass by this water ATM say this kiosk is useless and simply occupies road space. Another person was heard saying, “If you are thirsty, don’t stop near the water ATM because it’s not going to dispense water,”. Passengers travelling on the South Andaman and N & M Andaman route, tourists and motorists are meant to have access to a glass of clean water from the Water ATM installed at Jirkatang Check Post but unfortunately it is lying defunct; and the concerned agency ought to be maintaining the public utility, said a group of passengers. “It has become a grey area since no one is taking care of maintenance” opined others.
Locals casually said the water ATM has fallen into disrepair, has damaged parts or developed other glitches, but they couldn’t say since when the Water ATM is exactly not functioning. Similar situations can be witnessed in various other villages and in Sri Vijaya Puram city area where dozens and dozens of such water ATMs were installed in the past, but hardly a few are functional.
The Andaman Sheekha Daily when posed questions to the Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Ferrargunj and wanted to know more on the defunct water ATM, the Pradhan said that the issue of water ATMs came up in a recent meeting in which the Director, RD, PRIs & ULBs gave instructions to the concerned Executive Engineer, PRI to get the water ATMs repaired and made functional. He further said that the water ATM was installed during the COVID-19 pandemic period by an agency from Haryana and when the Panchayat was functional under the Special Officer and the Panchayat is now facing severe problems owing to paucity of funds. However, other sources said that the necessary estimate for the repair of the water ATM has been sent for approval.
Meanwhile, the Andaman Sheekha Daily made several attempts to establish contact with concerned officials and the higher authority in order to get further information/status of the defunct water ATM, but no official was available to make a comment on the matter.
In past various prominent citizens had demanded for CBI inquiry in this entire purchase process of water ATMs for Sri Vijaya Puram city and other villages but till now not even a departmental inquiry has been ordered by Administration.

Careless Earthwork and Rain Lead to Hazardous Conditions on Science Center Road

by Leave a Comment

Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 16: Ongoing reconstruction work on the busy road stretch from Aberdeen Bazaar to Corbyn’s Cove has become a major safety concern due to careless earth cutting and recent rainfall, resulting in dangerous conditions for motorists, especially two-wheeler riders. The combination of loose earth, rain-soaked surfaces, and poor maintenance has made the road slippery, leading to several freak accidents in the past two days.
According to reports, multiple bike riders have skidded and fallen on the road due to the dangerously slick conditions caused by mud accumulation. While no serious injuries have been reported yet, commuters are increasingly worried about the risks posed by the hazardous road conditions.
The roadwork, which is part of a larger reconstruction project, has been ongoing for several months. However, daily commuters have pointed out the lack of proper precautions to prevent loose earth from spilling onto the road, particularly during the monsoon season. The combination of construction debris and rainwater has created muddy surfaces that are treacherous for motorists. Two-wheeler riders, in particular, are struggling to navigate the slippery road, with several reporting minor accidents in the last 48 hours.
One local resident remarked, “The road has become too risky for anyone riding a bike. The mud from the ongoing construction and the rainwater make it feel like you’re riding on ice.” Many are urging the authorities to take swift action before a more serious accident occurs.
Commuters are urging the concerned authorities to ensure that earth-cutting work is managed more responsibly, with barriers to prevent the soil from spilling onto the road. Additionally, many are requesting that the road be kept clear of mud, especially during rainy weather, to avoid creating slippery surfaces that could lead to more severe accidents in the future.

MP Bishnu Pada Ray visits North & Middle Andaman to Address Key Issues

by Leave a Comment

Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 16: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament , A & N Islands, is currently on a visit to Middle & North Andaman under ‘MP Aapke Dwar’ initiative since last Friday (11th of October). His visit that started from Baratang passed through Uttara, Kadamtala, Rangat, Billiground, Tugapur, Mayabunder Mohanpur among other small villages enroute his travel. During these visits he met both the PRI members, farmers and General Public. The main issue that came to fore was the NH road Condition, demand for Fertilizers, Power crisis, Revenue matters among other issues.
In his last leg of the tour today (16th October,) he visited Kalighat and Diglipur and met the PRI members, BJP workers and General Public of the area.
During the interaction, at Diglipur the PRI members unanimously raised the demand for supply of chemical fertilizers to enhance and help the Agriculture activities. All people, particularly the Farmers told the MP that they are forced to purchase fertilizers at higher rates from the open market. Sometimes during shortage the farmers are forced to purchase fertilizers at a very high cost. This ultimately leads to the hike in the price of Vegetables. The farmers also pointed out that the organic approach of Farming is not giving out expected productivity. Hence for sustenance of Vegetable Production, the supply of DAP and Urea is very much needed, the farmers opined.
The PRI members of Diglipur during a meeting at APWD Guest House raised the issue regarding meager allotment of funds to PRI’s. Due to shortage of funds, the Pradhan, Panchayat Samiti members and Zilla Parishad members are unable to undertake any development works in their respective constituencies. The PRI members of Kalighat Panchayat too raised the issue of shortage of funds for development activities.
The people of North & Middle Andaman also raised various other issues including shortage of Doctors and staff at PHC’s, CHC’s, Sub-Centres and at Mayabunder District Hospital.
Mr. Ray assured the people of North & Middle Andaman that he will raise all their genuine issues at the appropriate forum including Central Government and A&N Administration for early resolution of the issues.

Lt. Governor Advocates Fisheries and Marine Sector Growth in Meeting with Hon’ble Minister

by Leave a Comment

Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 16: Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands & Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency on visit to New Delhi met Hon’ble Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh. Hon’ble Lt. Governor apprised the Hon’ble Minister about the leverages and unique geographical advantages with 1/3rd of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) in Andaman Waters. Hon’ble Lt. Governor also outlined the tremendous untapped potential in the Fisheries and Marine products segment. He detailed the efforts of A & N Administration in getting the Offices of Marine Product Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and Export Inspection Council (EIC) established in Sri Vijaya Puram.
Hon’ble Lt. Governor also requested for support in organizing a large scale Fisheries Conclave to attract global investors and also all the stakeholders together to showcase the vast opportunities available in this sector. Further, he emphasised the need to give impetus to Seaweed cultivation, to augment farmer’s issue.

 

Inauguration of Golf Cart facility at Veer Savarkar International Airport

by Leave a Comment

Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 16: In its journey of excellence and continuous improvement of passenger centric facilities, Veer Savarkar International Airport Sri Vijaya Puram has introduced Golf Cart facility to ferry passengers from airport entry gate to Terminal Building.
As per airport regulations auto rickshaws are not allowed to enter inside the airport premises, because of which, passengers coming to airport on auto rickshaws have to walk till terminal building. To address this passenger hardship, Airports Authority of India and the Department of Civil Aviation (administration of Andaman and Nicobar Islands) have collaborated and with a joint initiative came up with the solution of playing Golf Cart between airport entry gate and terminal building.
This Golf Cart service will be free of cost and passengers have to just display their same day airline journey ticket or boarding pass to avail this service. The service will be operational from 5:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m and available for all the passengers travelling on that day with first come first serve basis.
Inauguration of the Golf Cart facility has been done by airport director Mr. Devendra Yadav and director civil aviation/transport Dr Jatinder Sohal on 16.10.2024 at 10:30 a.m. by flagging off the green flag at the inauguration ceremony at airport entry gate and the passengers with rose flowers.
Airport director said that this initiative will bridge the major transportation gap in airport premises and improve the facilitation of the passengers at the airport. Airports Authority of India is committed to continuous improvement and excellence of passenger facilitation. Guidance and support from the Andman and Nicobar administration is acting as a catalyst for quick turnaround. Andaman and Nicobar administration and Airports Authority of India have collaborated on multiple fronts and some of successful passenger facilitation outcomes are operations of Pre-paid taxi service at Airport, City Bus Service at Airport and AVSAR counter for selling products at Airport by Self Help Groups etc.
Director Civil Aviation said the Andaman and Nicobar administration is committed to the general public in providing support and facilitation in providing mobility and last mile connectivity. Earlier, bus service was introduced for citizens connecting Jetty, bus terminus and Airport and other important areas so that the public could reach inside of the airport and travel to important points in the city with a economical charge. Now, with the starting of golf carts, it will prove to be an initiative which will facilitate the public especially senior citizens, children or especially abled even in adverse weather conditions.

Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Sri Vijay Puram: Ayush Ministry Achieves Significant Milestones in 100 Days of Health Initiatives

by Leave a Comment

Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 16: The Ministry of AYUSH has marked a remarkable 100 days by establishing key international partnerships, including a Donor Agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) signed on July 31, 2024, in Geneva. This agreement reinforces India’s commitment to integrating AYUSH systems into the global healthcare framework. Additionally, on August 1, India and Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on medicinal plants, while a landmark MoU with Malaysia on Ayurveda promotes research and the establishment of an Ayurveda Chair at University Tunku Abdul Rahman. The Ministry launched the “One Herb, One Standard” initiative on August 6, 2024, aiming to standardize herbal medicines for enhanced safety and efficacy. Plans are also underway to open special medical stores for AYUSH medicines at every tehsil level, improving public access to traditional treatments. Furthermore, the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) has completed evaluations of 1,489 Ayushman Arogya Mandir facilities, with 1,005 certified for Ayush Entry Level Certification, promoting high-quality healthcare under the National Ayush Mission.
The Ministry launched the “Har Ghar Ayur Yog” campaign, promoting Ayurveda and Yoga in communities, while successfully organizing 14,692 AYUSH camps for the elderly, exceeding its target. Six new Centers of Excellence have been established with ₹52.47 crore in funding, and Ayurvedic packages have been integrated into the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to enhance affordability. Additionally, three Central Research Institutes for Yoga and Naturopathy are in the preliminary stages of establishment, further strengthening research capabilities in traditional medicine. The Ministry’s participation in the Swachhata Hi Sewa 2024 campaign highlights its commitment to cleanliness and community engagement.
The Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI) in Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, operates under the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. With a dedicated focus on enhancing the health and well-being of the tribal population, RARI conducts comprehensive research initiatives and community outreach programs aimed at advancing Ayurvedic healthcare. Located in Chakkargaon, the institute is committed to delivering effective Ayurvedic treatments free of cost to general and geriatric patients. RARI provides free Ayurvedic treatment and medicines through its regular Outpatient Department (OPD) and outreach programs, notably the Tribal Health Care Research Programme (THCRP). Since its inception in 1984, RARI has treated over 216,898 patients. The institute has also conducted extensive health surveys, covering more than 137,000 individuals, and has initiated significant research projects, including a medico-botanical survey to explore native medicinal plants and studies assessing the effectiveness of Ayurveda in tribal communities. Currently institute conducts research in the assessment of prevalence of metabolic syndrome in general public of South Andaman District and its relation to human prakriti. Additionally Institute is involved in the survey, healthcare and ayurvedic research among the tribal population in remote villages of the isles. Through collaborations, such as the recent MoU with ICAR-CIARI to standardize agro-techniques for medicinal plants, RARI is dedicated to enhancing Ayurvedic practices and community health outcomes.
In addition to research and clinical services, RARI engages in various extension activities that benefit both the general and tribal populations of the Islands. These initiatives include distributing prophylactic Ayurvedic medicines, immunity-boosting kits, medicinal plants and conducting free Ayurvedic medical camps. The institute also organizes awareness lectures and promotes traditional Ayurvedic food items, further fostering a holistic approach to health and wellness in the region.

 

Chief Electoral Officer Reviews Progress of Special Summary Revision of Voter Rolls

by Leave a Comment

Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 16: The Chief Electoral Officer (i/c), Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Shri Kale Amit Marutirao, IAS, held meeting in the Conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner/DEO, South Andaman, Sri Vijaya Puram with all District Election Officers, Electoral Registration Officer and all Assistant Electoral Registration Officers to review the progress of ongoing pre-revision activities of Special Summary Revision of Photo Electoral Rolls with reference to 01.01.2025 as the qualifying date.
As per the direction of the Election Commission of India, Booth Level Officers have commenced House-to-House visits to verify all entries in the Electoral Roll of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Parliamentary Constituency. These visits are taking place from 20.08.2024 to 18.10.2024.
The Chief Electoral Officer (i/c) has requested the concerned officers to ensure that the house-to-house (H2H) visits by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are conducted according to Commission’s schedule and completed by 18.10.2024. These visits aim to verify the entries in the voter lists. The Chief Electoral Officer (i/c) has also sought their cooperation in raising mass awareness among the citizens of this UT about the importance of providing accurate information to the BLOs. This includes reporting un-enrolled eligible citizens, prospective voters, as well as dead and permanently shifted electors to ensure the electoral rolls are pure, healthy, and inclusive. Furthermore, all Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AERO’s) have been directed to dispose of all advance forms well before the draft publication.
He also appealed to the general public of this UT to fully cooperate with the BLOs during the H2H field survey. The public have been requested to assist in verifying their entries and to provide information about un-enrolled eligible citizens as well as deceased or permanently shifted family members.
The meeting was attended by District Election Officer, Nicobar, Ms. Jyoti Kumari, IAS and District Election Officer, North & Middle Andaman, Shri Dilkhush Meena, IAS through VC, Electoral Registration Officer, Ms. Nandini Maharaj, IAS, Nodal Officer (ERO-Net) and All Assistant Electoral Registration Officers.

 

CPI (M) Branch Conferences Address Key Issues Across A&N Islands

by Leave a Comment

Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 16: The Party Conferences of various Committees of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) are being held at various parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands along with other parts of the country.
The Branch Conferences of Garacharma Branch, Hut Bay Branch, and Anarkali Branch were held on different dates recently. D. Ayyappan, Secretary, A & N State Organising Committee inaugurated the Branch Conferences of Garacharma Branch and Anarkali Branch while Dr Gouranga Majhi, Secretary, South Andaman Rural Area Committee inaugurated the Branch Conference of Hut Branch.
Addressing the Branch Conferences, D. Ayyappan, expressed concern over the unchecked price rise in the country and said that people from all spheres particularly the poorer sections are facing the hardship and said that the Modi government has miserably failed to control the prices. Referring to the recent Andaman Bandh observed in the islands at the call given by the BJP MP, CPI (M) Secretary said that this was an eye wash to hide the real issues being faced by the islanders like unemployment, price rise, power cut, unworthy condition of roads, increasing corruption, absence of democratically elected UT level body, etc.
Addressing these meetings, D. Laxman Rao, CPI (M) State Secretariat Member criticized the BJP and Congress for the deplorable condition of roads and failure of Municipal Council to provide basic civic amenities to the citizens. NKP Nair, Port Blair City Area Committee Member also addressed the Branch Conference of Garacharma and stressed the need to fight against the injustice and exploitation prevailing in the society.
Addressing the Branch Conference of Hut Bay, Dr Gouranga Majhi, Secretary, South Andaman Rural Area Committee pointed out the failure of the Modi government to provide any relief to the farmers in the islands.
The Conferences elected M. Boominathan, R. Ranganathan and Lakshman as Secretaries of Garacharma, Hut Bay and Anarkali Branches respectively. Resolutions on various local issues were also adopted in the Branch Conferences.

 

Heavy Rainfall Alert Issued for Andaman Islands on Oct. 19, 20, and 21

by Leave a Comment

Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 16: Heavy rain (7-11 cm) is likely to occur at one or two places over Andaman Islands on Oct. 19, 20 & 21. 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.

 

District Administration Reclaims 6000 Sq. Meters of Government Land in Eviction Drive

by Leave a Comment

Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 16: The District Administration of North & Middle Andaman carried out a series of four eviction drives at Rangat Tehsil, successfully reclaiming 6000 square meters of Government land from unauthorized encroachment. The operation covered 1000 square meters at Santanu village and 5000 square meters at Rampur village, where encroached areas were being used for arecanut and banana plantations.
The eviction drive was conducted with active support from the local Revenue and Police Departments. The District Administration ensured the operation proceeded smoothly, without disruption to public activities.
Shri Dilkhush Meena, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, North & Middle Andaman, appreciated the coordinated efforts of Revenue Officials, Police personnel, and local bodies in executing the eviction efficiently. He emphasized the Administration’s commitment to protecting public land and ensuring its proper use for community development.
The District Administration reiterated its appeal to citizens to avoid encroaching on Government land, warning that strict action will continue to be taken against violators. The reclaimed land will be allocated for public benefit, supporting the Administration’s goal of sustainable development and inclusive governance.