ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Archives for December 2, 2024

Kalighat Pradhan Demands RCC Bridge to Connect Nishchintapur Village; Appeals to MP for Urgent Action

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Rabindranath Biswas
Diglipur, Dec. 02: Shri Ashit Kr. Mondal, Pradhan Gram Panchayat Kalighat has pressed for the demand of construction of a RCC Bridge over the creek between Kalighat and Nishchintapur village.
According to information, the Pradhan has written a letter to the honourable Member of Parliament, A & N Islands, Sri Vijaya Puram for taking up the matter for construction of an RCC bridge over the creek between Kalighat and Nishchintapur village.
Nishchintapur village was settled by the Government in 1960. Even after a long period of time the Government has not made any arrangements for a road in Nishchintapur village, the Pradhan said. About 50 families live in this remote village. All the residents of this village requested the senior officials of the Government and Adminstration many times, but till date no work has been started to build a road to Nishchintapur. The main reason for this is a creek located between these two villages: Kalighat & Nachnapur. If a 48.60 meter long and 4 meter wide bridge is built on this creek, then the villagers will be able to make to and fro movement from Nishchintapur to Kalighat and vice versa comfortably, the Pradhan said. When the Administration asked APWD to prepare an estimate for construction of a bridge, the APWD reportedly prepared the estimate for a bridge more than 200 meters long in the style of a flyover bridge, the Pradhan said. Its construction will reportedly cost crores of rupees, he said in the letter. But if this Bridge is constructed near the Marine jetty, then only a 48.60 meter long bridge will have to be built, the Pradhan maintained. The people of Nishchintapur village have been commuting through this route since the beginning of their settlement and electric poles have also been laid by the Electricity Department along this route, the Pradhan claimed. Apart from this, the Divisional Forest Officer & Assistant Commissioner, Diglipur and other officials also inspected this route and gave their consent for this route, the Pradhan said. Apart from this, it has a 187 meter Deemed Forest Area and 139 meter area reserve forest and this forest area has not yet received no-objection certificate from the Forest Department, Mr. Mondal said. Furthermore, there are almost no mangroves on this route, as stated by the Pradhan.
The Kalighat GP Pradhan then urged the lone MP of A & N islands to pay a visit to the place and inspect the site and get the long cherished bridge constructed over the creek and bridge the gap between Kalighat and Nishchintapur and give the residents of Nishchintapur a relief, the Pradhan wrote in the letter as stated by him.

Island Tourism Festival 2024: A Five-Day Extravaganza Across Andaman & Nicobar from Dec. 27 to 31

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 02: The much awaited ‘Island Tourism Festival’-2024 will be organized by the Tourism Department in association with the line Departments from Dec. 27 to 31, 2024. The five days festival will see performances by artistes from mainland as well the Islands at 13 designated venues including ITF Ground for the entertainment of the Islanders and tourists alike. The designated venues where cultural programmes will be held are ITF Main Pavillion, Wandoor, Wimberlygunj, Shaheed Dweep, Swaraj Dweep, Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Campbell Bay, Nancowry, Nicobar and Little Andaman (Hutbay).
It is clarified that as part of ITF, the cultural programmes have been planned in the Nicobar District which includes Car Nicobar, Campbell Bay and Nancowry. The event will be held at Car Nicobar for 2 days, Campbell Bay for 1 day and Nancowry for 1 day. The Deputy Commissioner, Nicobars has been designated to carry out necessary arrangements in connection with ITF in Nicobar District.
During the festival, all popular events such as ‘Healthy Baby Show’, ‘Flower Show’, ‘Dog Show’ and Rangoli competition will be organised. The main attraction of ITF, the ‘Hasya Kavi Samelan’ will be organised by the Official Language Department. Fun games for children will also be available at the ITF Ground. Apart from this, the Island Tourism Festival will feature delicious food courts selling mouth watering cuisines & eatables, attractive handicrafts etc. Different Departments of the Administration will also take part in the ITF and depict the developmental activities taking place in A&N Islands through their stalls.

LNG power project re-initiated following direction from PM on MP’s Request

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 02: Acting on his Election time commitment of getting a permanent solution to the power crisis prevailing in the Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, submitted a detailed letter to the Prime Minister narrating the ground reality in the Islands. Mr. Ray pointed in his letter that the Grid Connected Solar Power Project implemented in the Islands is not giving the desired output and this is one reason behind power crisis in Sri Vijaya Puram in particular. Taking no cue of the failures in Solar Power Projects, a proposal is again being moved to implement new grid linked Solar Power Project in the Islands, the MP stated in his letter to PM.
Further the MP also reminded the PM that during his 2018 visit to A & N Islands, he had publically announced that a 50 MW RLNG based power plant will be installed in the Islands. But for unknown reasons the project was officially dumped.
The MP requested the PM to immediately intervene to ensure that the RLNG power gets nod for implementation in the Islands.
Subsequently to MP’s request, the PM had directed the Power Minister to re-initiate the process of installing 50 MW RLNG power plants in the Islands. Soon after the direction from PM the approval was granted by the ministry. This was informed by Mr. Shripad Naik, Minister of State for Power, New & Renewable Energy, Government of India vide DO no 4/4/2017-Th-I (Part-II) dated 26th Nov 2024 in a letter addressed to the MP.
This decision of the Government of India will greatly help in mitigating the long standing power crisis in the Islands, the MP said.

 

A Walk through the Coffee Plantations of Coorg

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B Laxhmi

Coffee is a beloved beverage throughout the world. Some enjoy it as black coffee, others prefer it with milk. For many, it’s not just a beverage but a way of life. This aromatic drink is made from the roasted beans of a tropical plant and has a rich cultural significance.

South India has long been the epicentre of coffee culture in India. Coorg, nestled in Karnataka, is one of the top coffee-producing regions in the country. Known as the ‘Coffee Land of India’, Coorg is renowned for its lush green landscapes, hilly slopes and extensive coffee plantations. Because of its natural beauty, Coorg is nicknamed the ‘Scotland of India’.

In mid-November, the Department of Botany, JNRM organized a three-day educational tour to Coorg for its M.Sc. final-year students. I was excited to be part of the group of 11 students, accompanied by our HOD and a lady staff member. We reached Coorg, also known as Madikeri, on 18th of November.

We travelled to Coorg from Mysore by road. As we climbed the hilly terrain, I saw the change in vegetation. On the way, we stopped at Nisargadhama, a beautiful delta formed by the river Kaveri. We explored the area and felt the cool water of the river. It was very refreshing. As we approached Coorg, the lush green forests and distant mountains started appearing. These are the biodiversity-rich forests of the Western Ghats, which we studied in our theory classes. Seeing these rich natural forests was a mesmerizing experience for me. The sight of coffee plantations on the steep slopes was equally breathtaking!

There is an interesting folklore story of how coffee was introduced in Coorg. In the 17th century, Sufi Saint Baba Budan smuggled seven coffee seeds from Yemen and planted them on the slopes of the Western Ghats. However, large-scale cultivation only began during British colonial rule in the 19th century. This transformed Coorg into one of the primary coffee-growing regions of India.

On 19th November, our group toured a coffee plantation named Mountain View Coffee Plantation. As we walked along the narrow lanes of the hilly slopes, I inhaled the fresh aroma of the coffee bushes. These bushes were neatly trimmed and maintained at a uniform height. This gave the landscape an even appearance. Little clusters of green and burgundy coffee cherries hung from the branches. The sight was stunning.

Our guide explained that two coffee varieties are grown in Coorg: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is known for its smooth, aromatic flavour and has oval-shaped beans with lower caffeine content. It constitutes about 60–70% of the world’s coffee production. Robusta, on the other hand, is strongly flavoured with a higher caffeine content and has smaller, rounded beans. It is ideal for espresso blends and traditional South Indian filter coffee.

I learned that coffee in India is grown under shades of tall trees like rosewood, wild fig and jackfruit. This practice imparts a unique aroma and flavour to coffee as well as supports biodiversity. Intercropping is also a common practice with spices like pepper grown alongside coffee plants. This is a sustainable agricultural practice and also boosts productivity.

The guide also explained to us about blending Robusta coffee with Chicory in an 80:20 ratio. Chicory imparts unique flavour and enhances the taste of the brew. This blend is called ‘Kaapi’, a South Indian filter coffee which is famous for its strong and bubbly froth.

During the visit, we learned about the famous Civet Coffee, also known as Kopi Luwak. It is one of the world’s most exotic and expensive coffees. It is extracted from coffee beans that have been digested and excreted by the Asian palm civet. Our HOD had the privilege of tasting it and described it as strong and intense in flavour!
The guide helped us understand the journey of coffee beans from farm to cup. We witnessed the various steps and enjoyed the final product: a hot cup of the brew. I also learned new terms like Monocot, Dicot and Green Coffee. Usually, most coffee berries contain two beans and are referred to as dicot beans. Monocot beans, which consist of a single bean per berry, are considered A-grade coffee due to their smoother texture. On the other hand, Green coffee beans are unroasted, rich in antioxidants and have many health benefits.
Before this visit, I was not a coffee enthusiast. However, our visit to the coffee plantations of Coorg has changed my perspective. As I learned the journey of coffee from bean to brew, my appreciation for this beverage has grown a lot. This experience of walking through the lush coffee plantations of Coorg will stay with me for a lifetime!

(B Laxhmi is pursuing her master’s in Botany at Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya, Sri Vijaya Puram, A & N Islands)

 

Air India Express begins daily flights from Sri Vijaya Puram to Bengaluru and Kolkata

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 02: Air India Express has commenced daily direct flights connecting Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) with Bengaluru and Kolkata, significantly enhancing connectivity to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The first flights departed on Sunday, with celebrations marking the launch at Sri Vijaya Puram Airport.
The inaugural flight to Kolkata departed at 8:35 am, followed by a flight to Bengaluru at 1:50 pm. Passengers were greeted with decorated check-in counters, sweets, and ceremonial boarding cards. Celebrations were echoed at Bengaluru and Kolkata airports, reflecting Air India Express’s commitment to fostering regional connectivity. Port Blair’s tourism sector stand to benefit immensely from these new routes. Local businesses anticipate increased trade and visitor flow, bolstering the city’s economic prospects. The expanded connectivity is expected to enhance access to major markets, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

MESSAGE

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The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is celebrated every year on December 3rd, providing an opportunity to highlight the abilities and potential of persons with disabilities, promoting their rights, and advancing their inclusion in society. The theme for 2024 is “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”.
This day recognizes that persons with disabilities are powerful change-makers and peace-builders. It aims to promote their rights and well-being across all aspects of society and development.
The observance of this day is an opportunity to raise awareness about disability issues and highlight the benefits of integrating people with disabilities into political, social, economic and cultural life. It emphasizes the need for inclusion and equal participation in all spheres of society.
On this important day, and every day let us work alongside persons with disabilities to offer support, set realistic goals, celebrate achievements and strive towards an inclusive and sustainable future for all people, in line with the vision of Prime Minister’s Viksit Bharat.
Sd/-
(Admiral D K Joshi)
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)
Lt. Governor, A & N Islands
& Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency

IGNOU Term End Examination (TEE) December 2024 begins on 2nd December

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Port Blair, Dec 02: IGNOU organizes Term End Examination (TEE) twice a year namely in June and December of every year. The December- 2024 Term End Examination (TEE) for IGNOU learners have begun on 2nd December 2024 at eight examination centers of IGNOU, RC Sri Vijaya Puram across the islands i.e. Campbell Bay, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Rangat, Nancowrie (Kamorta), Car Nicobar, Hut Bay and JNRM-Port Blair. The Examination will be held in two sessions, i.e. Morning Session from 10 AM to 1 PM and Evening Session from 2 PM to 5 PM. Hall Tickets of the eligible students are already available on the University website. Students are advised to visit the University website (www.ignou.ac.in) and download their Hall Ticket and follow the instructions printed on the Hall Ticket. Examinees must carry a valid identity card issued by IGNOU during the examination and mobile phones or any other electric gadgets are strictly prohibited inside the Examination Hall. The Term End Examination (TEE) will end on 09th January 2025.
A communication from the Regional Director, IGNOU Regional Centre, Sri Vijaya Puram said.

 

State Library Revises Timings to Benefit Students and Government Employees in Andaman & Nicobar

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 02: The general public have been informed that the working hours of State Library, Sri Vijaya Puram has been revised and it will now function from 12 noon to 8.30 PM (Lunch hour 1.30 PM to 2 PM) for the benefit of students, general public as well as Government Servant of Andaman and Nicobar Administration from Dec. 3 on all working days except on weekly off i.e. Monday, Public holidays and second Saturdays.

Honouring Our Divyang Brothers and Sisters

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On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the Divyang Brothers and Sisters of the Islands. Today, we celebrate the incredible resilience and contributions of our brothers and sisters, who enrich our society in countless ways.
As a former Member of Parliament, I have always believed that disability is not a limitation but simply a condition. The true strength of our Divyang community lies in their unwavering spirit and determination to overcome challenges and excel in various fields.
However, this day is also a reminder that inclusivity is a continuous effort. We must continue working together to break down barriers and ensure that persons with disabilities have equal access to opportunities in various fields.
Let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting the Divyang community and building a society where everyone, regardless of ability, can live with dignity and opportunity.
With Regards,
Kuldeep Rai Sharma
Former Member of Parliament
Andaman and Nicobar Islands

ICAR-CIARI conducts a Field Day on “Controlled Breeding Programme and Artificial Insemination in Goats” at Baratang

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 02: A Field Day on the Controlled Breeding Programme and Artificial Insemination in Goats was conducted by ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram, at Baratang on 30thNovember 2024. The event took place at Nayagarh village in Baratang under the AICRP on Goat Improvement Project. The trainers for the programme were Dr. P. Perumal, Senior Scientist, and Dr. P.A. Bala, Principal Scientist from the Division of Animal Science. A total of 20 goat farmers attended the programme. Dr. P.A. Bala welcomed the participants, encouraging them to interact freely with the scientists and make the most of the programme. Dr. P. Perumal elaborated on the significance of the controlled breeding programme and artificial insemination in goats, emphasizing its potential to bring about a paradigm shift in goat husbandry practices. Meanwhile, Dr. P.A. Bala explained strategies for nurturing goats using local feed ingredients and outlined methods for sustainable goat rearing. He also highlighted specific feeding techniques, such as flushing and challenge feeding, in goats. Farmers were provided with a practical demonstration on assessing the body condition of goats and detecting signs of heat. The field day concluded with a commitment to organizing a more detailed and extended training programme on a similar topic in the future. The programme was conducted under the supervision of Dr.Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram.