ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Archives for November 25, 2024

Biggest Drug Haul in Maritime History: Indian Coast Guard of Andaman and Nicobar Command Apprehends Myanmarese Boat with 5500 KG Drugs

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 25: On 25 Nov 24, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) of Andaman and Nicobar Command created history in the maritime domain in India by apprehending a Myanmarese Fishing boat named “Soe Wai Yan Htoo” in Andaman seas which was carrying approx. 5500 kgs of prohibited drug Methamphetamine along with one portable Inmarsat Satellite phone. The anticipated value of drug haul is expected to be thousands of crores, in international market.

Based on the pattern of operations in the past likely areas of Andaman Sea were kept under surveillance. As part of heightened surveillance measures, Headquarters Andaman and Nicobar Command maintained regular maritime aircraft missions. On 23 Nov 24, the Indian Coast Guard Dornier aircraft whilst on reconnaissance sortie detected a boat which was operating in suspicious manner. The information was passed on to the
Joint Operation Centre (JOC)/ HQANC, which subsequently deployed Fast Patrol Vessel, ICG Ship Aruna Asaf Ali captained by Commandant (JG) Ankit Sharma from Sri Vijaya Puram to intercept the suspicious Myanmarese boat.

The ICG ship despite prevailing rough sea conditions proceeded with best speed to intercept the suspicious Myanmarese boat. The ICG Ship intercepted the Myanmarese boat and shadowed till early morning of 24 Nov 24. The ship crew boarded the suspicious Myanmarese boat for investigation at 0630 hrs on 24 Nov 24 when the boat was 08 nm off Barren Island in Indian Territorial waters. The six-boat crew onboard were identified as Myanmarese nationals. During inspection of the boat, the ICG ship crew detected approx. 5500 kgs of white crystalline compound onboard along with one portable Inmarsat Satellite phone. The white crystalline compound was anticipated to be contraband and hence boat was apprehended. Subsequently boat was brought to Sri Vijaya Puram by 0500hrs on 25 Nov 24 for further investigation.
The initial inspection by local police and drug enforcement agencies at Sri Vijaya Puram identified the white compound as pure Methamphetamine worth approx. thousands of crores in international market, the apprehension is one of the biggest drug overhauls in Indian maritime history. This operation highlights unwavering commitment to safeguarding our territorial integrity and preventing the trafficking of illegal substances. The dedication and swift action of our teams involved in ensuring that such illicit activities do not compromise national security.

The Andaman and Nicobar Command remains vigilant and committed to ensuring the safety of the Andamans waters. Enhanced patrolling and intelligence-sharing continue to play a vital role in combating such crimes. The Apprehension of the Myanmarese boat with contraband through coordinated efforts of all components exemplifies the commitment of HQ ANC and reiterates the motto of HQ ANC “Sanghe Shakti” (“Together We are Stronger”).

 

Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar Assumes Charge as Chief Secretary of Andaman & Nicobar Administration

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 25: Consequent to his posting vide Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi Order No. 15041/06/2024-UTS-I dated 21.11.2024, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS (AGMUT: 1995) has assumed the charge as Chief Secretary, Andaman & Nicobar Administration today.
Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, who belongs to the 1995 batch of IAS officers, replaced Mr. Keshav Chandra.
Before this appointment, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar was the additional secretary and mission director for the Jal Jeevan Mission in New Delhi’s department of drinking water and sanitation.
Earlier, today Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, on joining Administration and assuming the charge of Chief Secretary, A&N Administration called on Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), the Lt. Governor, A&N Islands and Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency at Raj Niwas.

FIR Registered Against Hotel Manager for Violating District Magistrate’s Orders on Guest Registration and Security Measures

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Sri Vijay Puram, Nov 25: A FIR has been registered at Police Station Aberdeen against the manager of Hotel Nakshatra under section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 for failing to adhere to essential security protocols as mandated by the District Magistrate’s order No. 2-25/2023-R/TSD/DC(SA)/4434 dated 25/09/2024. The manager of Hotel Nakshatra, situated at Goalghar, has violated specific directives related to guest registration, check-in procedures, and security measures in the hotel.
As per the District Magistrate’s order, it is a legal requirement for hotels to maintain a check-in register that includes the collection of valid identity cards from all guests, as well as retaining CCTV footage for a minimum of 30 days to ensure safety and security. During a checking, it was revealed that the hotel did not follow these guidelines appropriately, putting the safety of both guests and the general public at risk.
The Manager did not obtain the necessary identification documents from several guests as per the District Magistrate’s directive, at check-in. The required check-in register was not properly maintained, leading to concerns about proper guest records and accountability. Moreover, the hotel failed to retain CCTV footage for the mandated 30-day period, compromising critical surveillance and security documentation.
Strict action will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future, emphasizing the importance of adhering to rules that ensure the safety and security of the public. All hotels must comply with these essential guidelines to safeguard both guests and the community. A&N Police urges all hotel owners and managers to review their operations and ensure compliance with all safety regulations.
The general public is requested to share information pertaining to any crime or other illegal activities to Police at 112, 03192-232100, 03192-236641& 03192-232400. The identity of the informant will be kept secret.

Member of Parliament requests LG to Convene AAC and SPB Meetings at the earliest

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 25: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, has stressed the need to convene Administrator’s Advisory Council (AAC) and State Plan Board (SPB) meetings for ensuring inclusive discussions and decision making.

In a letter addressed to the LG the MP has observed that in the absence of structured discussions and deliberations through established democratic forums in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, coordination between elected body and the Administration is missing. Historically, Administrators (Lt. Governors) of the Islands used to head State Plan Board meetings annually, facilitating discussions and decisions on major developmental works utilizing UT budget grants. Similarly, the Administrator’s Advisory Council meetings were convened each year to gather valuable inputs and suggestions from stakeholders, ensuring that the welfare measures reflected the aspirations and needs of the people. But as of now a structured system for deliberation or discussion is not in place. For the last many years the meetings of AAC and SPB have not been convened.

Today, the Islanders are suffering due to lack of basic needs including Drinking and potable water supply,  Electricity Problems, Lack of Healthcare Facilities, Deterioration of Roads, Curtailment of Development Funds for Local Bodies, Halted Economic Growth among other issues.

In light of the said challenges, the MP has requested the intervention of LG to urgently convene meetings of the Administrator’s Advisory Council and State Plan Board. Such meetings will allow for discussions, deliberations, and collaborative decision-making to address the pressing issues faced by the Islanders and ensure inclusive and participatory governance.

Nicobar District Police felicitates local Cyclists for Outstanding Achievement in the National Championship

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 25: A felicitation ceremony was held today on 25/11/2024 in the office of the Superintendent of Police, Nicobar District, to honor the winners and participants from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Unit of Car Nicobar who showcased exceptional performances at the 76th Senior and 53rd Junior National Track Cycling Championships held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, from November 15 to 19, 2024, and brought glory to A&N Islands through their commendable performances.
Sh. Sunny Gupta, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Nicobar District, felicitated the athletes and the coach by presenting Bouquets & shawls to them as tokens of appreciation for their dedication and hard work.
Among the medal winners, I S Bridnay shone brightly by securing a Gold medal in the Youth Individual Time Trial (Girls) category, while Namita Violet, Queendoline, and Britney secured Silver medals in the Sub-Junior Team Sprint (Girls) category at the national level. In the Youth Individual Time Trial (Boys) category, Messi Kastons clinched a Silver medal, demonstrating exceptional talent. Additionally, Michael, Ronnie, Lionel Backer, Saw Zachkhria, Derickson and Agileswaran displayed commendable effort in Sub-Junior Team Sprint (Boys) category to achieve a fourth-place finish. The team was accompanied by Sh. Vishwajeet Balkrishna Sutra, Assistant Cycling Coach and Incharge, SAI, Car Nicobar.
During the interaction, Sh. Sunny Gupta, IPS, lauded the cyclists for their remarkable performances at the national level and urged them to remain focused on their goals while also prioritizing their education. He emphasized the importance of striking a balance between academics and sports to build a bright future.
The coach and the cyclists expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the District Police for organizing the felicitation ceremony. They assured their commitment towards working harder and striving for greater success in future championships, both at the national and international levels.
Their achievement serve as a source of immense motivation, for all the aspiring sportspersons in the region. It underscores the importance of sports as a means of fostering discipline, teamwork, and personal growth while inspiring the next generation to excel in their chosen fields.

ANTCC President Urges Immediate Repair of X-Ray Machine at PHC Kadamtala

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 25: The Andaman Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee President Mr. Rangalal Halder has formally addressed a pressing issue to the Secretary (Health), A & N Administration, seeking urgent action regarding the repair and maintenance of the X-ray machine at the Primary Health Centre (PHC), Kadamtala, Middle Andaman.
In his letter, Mr. Halder highlighted that the non-functional X-ray machine at PHC Kadamtala has been causing immense hardship for residents of the region, who rely heavily on the facility for diagnostic services. The prolonged downtime of this essential equipment has forced patients, including those from nearby villages, to travel long distances for X-ray services, resulting in delayed diagnoses and treatments, particularly in critical cases.
Acknowledging the vital role of the PHC in providing healthcare to a vast population, Mr. Halder has urged the Administration to prioritize the immediate repair of the X-ray machine. Furthermore, he also emphasized the need for a regular maintenance schedule to prevent similar disruptions in the future.

 

Relentless Action by District Administration, South Andaman Reclaims Encroached Land in Chouldhari Village

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 25: In a bold and decisive operation, the District Administration of South Andaman has struck a significant blow against unauthorized encroachments by demolishing an under-construction RCC building illegally occupying government revenue land in Chouldhari village. The operation, executed with precision using a Hitachi machine, has resulted in the reclamation of 0.02 hectares of prime land, now reinstated into government khata under Ferrargunj Tehsil.
This resolute action is a testament to the District Administration’s uncompromising commitment to protect public resources. By restoring encroached land to its rightful status, the Administration has sent a powerful message—public land is a collective asset and will not be compromised under any circumstances. The District Administration calls upon the residents of South Andaman to stand united in the fight against land encroachments. By adhering to lawful land-use practices and discouraging illegal activities, citizens can play an integral role in preserving the region’s resources for future generations.
To empower the public in this endeavor, the District Administration has introduced user-friendly mechanisms for reporting illegal encroachments and constructions. Citizens can now report such activities to the District Control Room at 03192-240127/238881/1070 or share information discreetly through WhatsApp at 9531888844. The District Administration guarantees complete confidentiality, ensuring the safety and anonymity of informants.

Students of PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School Visit ICAR-CIARI Research Complex

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 25: On November 22, 2024, a group of 240 students from PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, accompanied by ten teachers, visited the Garacharma Research Complex of ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram, to observe ongoing research in Integrated Farming Systems, Fisheries, and Crop Science. The visit began with an interaction between the students and Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI. Dr. P. A. Bala, Principal Scientist, and Dr. Sharath S. Yeligar, Scientist in the Animal Science Division, provided insights into various aspects of animal husbandry, including the cattle farm, fodder block, modern goat farming, poultry, rabbit production units, and the feed mill. Mr. D. Karunakaran, Scientist, introduced the freshwater ornamental fish unit and highlighted the benefits of fish spas. Mr. Talaviya Harshang kumar, Scientist, and Mr. Karthi, Young Professional-I from the Natural Resource Management Division, elaborated on topics such as organic farming and integrated farming systems. Mr. Alex Praveen Barla, Senior Technical Assistant showcased and summarized the institute’s publications available in the library. Before the activities commenced, Mr. D. Karunakaran welcomed the students and emphasized the institute’s role in promoting agricultural advancements in the islands. Dr. Sharath S. Yeligar highlighted the significance of the visit in fostering interactions with scientists, building confidence, and nurturing a scientific mindset among students. The visit was coordinated by Mr. D. Karunakaran and Dr. Sharath S. Yeligar, along with Mrs. Asma Bibi, Senior Technical Assistant, Mr. Ali Akbar, Technician, and Mr. T. Adharsh Narayana, Young Professional-I from the Agricultural Knowledge Management Unit, all under the leadership of Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair.

ICAR-KVK North and Middle Andaman organizes training program on “Integrated Farming System for Sustainable Agriculture”

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 25: ICAR- KVK, N&M Andaman organized a three day training program on “Integrated Farming System for Sustainable Agriculture” at Shyamkund village, Bakultalafrom 20th to 22nd November, 2024. The program was inaugurated by Mr. Narayan Mondal Pradhan Bakultala Gram panchayat, who encouraged farmers to adopt integrated farming systems to achieve economic and ecological benefits. He stressed the importance of working closely with agricultural experts and institutions to address challenges in farming and optimize resource utilization. Dr. V. Damodaran, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-KVK N&M Andaman, provided an overview of integrated farming systems (IFS) and its role in improving resource efficiency, ensuring food security, and mitigating climate change effects. He discussed strategies to integrate crop cultivation, livestock, aquaculture, and agroforestry for sustainable growth. During the technical sessions, Mr. Rakesh Dawar, SMS Agronomy, discussed agronomic practices and crop diversification suitable for IFS. He highlighted the benefits of nutrient recycling and interlinking different farming components for enhanced productivity and income. Mr. Kanhaiyalal, Agriculture Officer, shared schemes related to IFS and practical approaches to soil and water conservation, integrated pest management, and utilizing available resources for maximum output. Mr. Subam Debroy, SMS Aquaculture, discussed integrating aquaculture into farming systems to maximize resource use and income. He explained methods for efficient water management and fish farming, emphasizing its complementary role in the IFS model. Mr. Yatharth Sharma, SMS Home Science, highlighted the role of value addition in integrated farming. He also emphasized empowerment of women and seasonal mushroom cultivation under IFS. The entire program was organized under the guidance of Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijayapuram. About 30 farmers and farm women participated and benefited from the training.

ICAR-CIARI conducts an Awareness Programme on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the Context of One Health

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 25: ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram in collaboration with KVK, South Andaman conducted an Awareness Programme on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the Context of One Health at Wandoor, South Andaman on 22.11.2024. The awareness programme was inaugurated by Mr. Adhir Das, Pradhan, Wandoor Panchayat. In his address, he appreciated the sincere efforts of ICAR-CIARI and also urged the farmer participants to harness maximum benefit from the programme. Dr. Jai Sunder, Principal Scientist and Head, Animal Science Division elucidated in detail about the diseases of livestock prevalent in these Islands and also the threats of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in one health context. Further, Dr. K. Saravanan, Senior Scientist explained about the prevalence of fish diseases and the measures to mitigate the menace of AMR in human, animal and environmental health perspectives. Besides, Dr. J. Praveenraj, Scientist dwelt in detail about the responsible use of antibiotics in human and animal health management.
The queries raised by participants were addressed by the experts during the interactive session. Earlier, Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist and Head, KVK, South Andaman welcomed the gathering and explained the significance of conducting the awareness programme on AMR. Finally, the programme was ended with vote of thanks proposed by Mrs. Poonam Rai, Panchayat Secretary, Wandoor Panchayat. Altogether, 34 numbers (Male-20, Female-14) of participants attended the programme. The programme was conducted under the All India Network Project on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Fisheries and Livestock (Animal Science and Fisheries Science Components) with the guidance of Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI by the team comprising of Dr. Jai Sunder, Dr. K. Saravanan, Dr. J. Praveenraj and Dr. Y. Ramakrishna from ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram and KVK, South Andaman.