ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

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Archives for December 13, 2024

Diglipur Merchant Association Urges Administration for Installation of Fire Hydrants in Bazaar Area to Enhance Fire Safety

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Rabindranath Biswas
Diglipur, Dec. 13: Diglipur Merchant Association has demanded for early installation of sufficient numbers of fire hydrants in Diglipur Bazaar area.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha Daily, the President of Diglipur Merchant Association, Mr. Amarendra Nath Halder said that insufficient number of fire hydrants in Bazaar area is proving to be a major factor in evading the losses inflicted by the incidents of fire, especially during dry season. Diglipur Bazaar has significantly expanded in terms of its area over the last few years and the existing fire hydrants are reportedly insufficient for a big commercial area like Diglipur Bazaar, Mr. Halder emphasized. Besides, there are residential houses, congested structures located in the inner part and on the periphery of Diglipur Bazaar. As such, the installation of sufficient number of fire hydrants at the desired locations in Diglipur Bazaar area is extremely essential, the President further added. The President, Diglipur Merchant Association further said that he had approached the Assistant Commissioner with a representation and apprised him of the necessity of the installation of fire hydrants at the desired locations in Diglipur Bazaar area. The Assistant Commissioner heard the grievance submitted by Mr. Halder and then he reportedly forwarded the letter to the concerned higher Officials of the Fire Service for further course of action, Mr. Halder said. However, no fire hydrant has been installed in Diglipur Bazaar as yet, the DMA President further said. “I have seen no positive response from the concerned Department to facilitate its installation so far” alleged Mr. Halder. Hence, he has urged the Administration for early installation of fire hydrants at the desired locations in Diglipur Bazaar area on a priority basis.
Andaman Sheekha Daily posed questions to the Up-Pradhan, Gram Panchayat, Subhashgram, Diglipur Mr. Ellan Chzellian on the matter and wanted to know more about the issue. The Up-Pradhan said that the Panchayat had already sent requisition of three numbers of more fire hydrants in Diglipur Bazaar area that are required to be preferably installed- one near DK Tower or Bepari Lodge, one at Madhupur Road and another one near old Fish Market. There are at present reportedly three fire hydrants in working condition and which are insufficient, the Up-Pradhan said. Advocating installation of three numbers of more fire hydrants in Diglipur Bazaar area, the Up-Pradhan said that during a fire incident, once a fire tender is exhausted of water, it takes a lot of time to approach a water source and till that time, damage caused by the fire is massive. Echoing the same voice, the Up-Pradhan also urged the Administration for early installation of the fire hydrants at the desired locations in Diglipur Bazaar area in order to ensure fire safety measures, he said.

New Mangrove Walkway Inaugurates at Shoal Bay-19 to Boost Eco-Tourism

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 13: Mr. Sanjay Kumar Sinha, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, inaugurated the newly constructed Mangrove Walkway at Shoal Bay-19 under the Mannarghat Range of South Andaman Forest Division on 13th December, 2024 in the presence of Mr. Ravi Horo, IFS, Additional PCCF, Mr. A. Anil Kumar, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests (Territorial), Dr. S. Dinesh Kannan, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Mr. Ashwin J. Parihar, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, South Andaman, Gram Pradhan, Samiti member among other local PRI members.
The 450 meters long and 1.2 meters wide Mangrove Walkway connects the Shoal Bay-19 Dinghy ghat with the beach of Shoal Bay-19.The entire walkway has been constructed using timber and wooden posts thereby maintaining the green profile of the serene landscape. Well placed eco-huts made from naturally available materials such as thatching leaves, teak posts, rattans, Jungli ballies, bamboo etc. are also there on the 450 meter long walkway to provide resting areas for the visitors. The Mangrove walkway was constructed by South Andaman Forest Division under the Scheme: Eco-tourism. Earlier, the beach was not accessible by walk and visitors were using locally available dinghies to reach the Shoal Bay-19 beach which was cumbersome. Other necessary infrastructures have also been developed to boost the eco-tourism potential of this natural paradise. Many commercial activities would also get a push by development of infrastructure and tourism potential of Shoal Bay-19, thereby giving the locals good opportunity in green employment. All the PRI members appreciated the efforts of the Forest Department and the eco-developmental activities undertaken by the Department.

CPI (M) Secretary Highlights Drinking Water Crisis in Middle Andaman

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 13: During his recent visit to Middle Andaman, D. Ayyappan, Secretary, CPI (M) State Organising Committee had interacted with the villagers of Bakultala, Urmilapur and Kaushalyanagar. Villagers had drawn the attention of the CPI (M) Secretary towards the shortage of drinking water in the three Gram Panchayat areas of Betapur, Urmilapur and Kaushalyanagar. CPI (M) Secretary on reaching Port Blair, has sent a letter to the Chief Engineer, APWD bringing to his notice the above issue and said that while drinking water is supplied to the residents on alternate days throughout the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the residents of the above three Gram Panchayats are being supplied water after every two days i.e. once in three days.
The water supply in the above area is made from the tank located at Bakultala where water from Panchawati is brought through pipeline laid by the APWD several decades back. CPI (M) Secretary told the Chief Engineer that the pipeline which was laid through the forest area is always having leakage at many places from the stretch of Panchawati to Bakultala. Sufficient water is not being made available to the central tank located at Bakultala for distribution in the above-said three Gram Panchayats. Ayyappan told the Chief Engineer that no effort has been made to protect the existing pipeline from damage by wild animals and miscreants. At present, tankers are used to transport water from Panchawati to Bakultala for distribution to above villagers throughout the year, spending a large amount of money. CPI (M) Secretary has stated in his letter that due to lack of initiative on the part of the authorities in the Administration, thousands of villagers in the above three Gram Panchayats are put to unnecessary hardship.
CPI (M) Secretary requested the Chief Engineer, APWD to take necessary steps to replace the old pipeline laid between Panchawati and Bakultala with new pipeline in order to ensure supply of sufficient water to the residents of Bakultala, Urmilapur and Kushalyanagar in Middle Andaman.

Weather Alert: Heavy Rain and Squally Conditions Forecast for A&N Islands on Dec. 14-15; Fishermen Warned

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Sri Vijaya Puram. Dec. 13: Heavy rain (07-11 cm) is likely to occur at one or two places over A&N Islands on Dec. 14 & 15. Squally weather with wind speed reaching 35-45 Kmph is very likely over Andaman Sea & A&N Islands on Dec. 14 &15. Sea condition is likely to be rough. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off Andaman Sea & A&N Islands till Dec. 15.

Power Supply Interruption Notice: Maintenance Work Scheduled for Dec. 14 in Select Areas of South Andaman

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 13: The general public and Government Department have been informed that power supply will remain suspended on Dec. 14 at Teylerabad, Sippighat, Bimblitan Junction, Chouldari, Port Mout, Ograbraj, Namunaghar, Dandus Point, Tushnabad to Tirur from 8 am to 11 am, in connection for urgent maintenance of HT/LT line near Kala Pathar area of Sippighat Site Office under Chouldari Sub-Division.

CIARI Scientist impart training on Scientific tuber Crops Cultivation and its value addition to Nicobari Farmers at Nancowrie Islands

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 13: A scientist of ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Garacharma visited ChotaEnaka, Kakana, Pilpillow and Hitui villages of Nancowrie between 5th to 9th December 2024 and conducted capacity building programmes for Nicobari tribal farmers on “Scientific tuber crops cultivation and its value addition”. During the programme, Dr. I. Jaisankar, Senior Scientist (Ago forestry) and Principal Investigator All India Coordinated Research Project on Tuber Crops explained about the Tuber diversity and its conservation practices , organic Tuber crop cultivation, planting and agronomic practices for tuber cultivation, regenerative agriculture, preparation of tuber based feed for Piggery, sweet Potato based product preparation, CIARI technologies and organic waste management and integrated pest and disease management in Tuber crops
In total, 159 farmers from 4 villages participated in this series of awareness cum training programme. All were given Sweet potato sprouted cuttings and Tapioca setts. The whole programme was conducted under the guidance of Dr. E.B. Chakurkar, Director, CIARI.

XXIII State School Games and 8th Competition for Children with Special Needs to Commence on Dec. 16 in Sri Vijaya Puram

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 13:The Directorate of Education will be organizing the XXIII State School Games and 8th State-level competition for Children with Special Needs (CwSNs) from 16th to 20th December, 2024 at Netaji Stadium, Sri Vijaya Puram. Approximately, 990 participants and 250 officials from all over the Union Territory are expected to participate in this mega event. The Opening Ceremony will be held on 16th December, 2024 at 3 pm while the Closing Ceremony will be held on 20th December, 2024 at 2.30 pm.

 

Applications Invited from Tribal and Folk Artistes for Republic Day Parade 2025 Performance in New Delhi

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 13: The Department of Art & Culture, A&N Administration has invited applications from interested young folk and tribal artistes of eminence of 18-40 years age from this UT for presenting cultural extravaganza, cultural performance on ‘Rochanatmak Bharat’ at Republic Day Parade- 2025 on 26.01.2025 at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. Selected persons shall stay in Delhi for one month practice and performance. Boarding, lodging and local transportation arrangements, performance fee and travel expenses for artistes will be borne by Sangeet Natak Akademi, Govt. of India, New Delhi.

The interested artistes may submit the application in prescribed proforma produced below to Directorate of Art & Culture, Cellular Jail Complex, Sri Vijaya Puram in person, or through email in artand.culture@and.nic.in for consideration.

 

Application of Tribal and Folk artistes for participation in cultural extravaganza in Republic Day Parade 2025 in New Delhi.

Name
Father’s name ………………………………..
Male/ Female
Date of Birth and Age
Form of Tribal /Folk Art.
Academic qualification if any
Any degree /certificate/diploma in relevant art field.
Address
Mobile No.

The application may be submitted by 4 PM, Dec. 16, 2024.

 

State Literacy Mission Authority Launches Comprehensive Survey to Identify Non-Literates and Neo-Literates

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 13: The State Literacy Mission Authority (SLMA) of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands has launched a comprehensive survey aimed at identifying non-literates, neo-literates, and voluntary teachers across the islands. The initiative was inaugurated today at Vidya Samiksha Kendra, Shiksha Sadan, Link Road, in the presence of education officials, SLMA functionaries, and 705 registered surveyors.
The Director of Education, Dr. Jatinder Sohal (DANICS), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and formally launched the survey by pressing the remote button. In his address, Dr. Sohal applauded the efforts and dedication of all the surveyors and functionaries involved, urging them to ensure that every individual is accounted for in the survey. He highlighted the significance of achieving 100% literacy across the islands.
Deputy Director (Education for All) and State Nodal Officer (ULLAS-NILP), Mr. S. Suresh Kumar, welcomed the attendees and shared details of the survey process. He emphasized that all identified non-literates and neo-literates will be enrolled at the nearest Samajik Chetna Kendra (SCK), located in school buildings. These centers will provide teaching and learning opportunities, preparing participants for the Foundational Literacy & Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) in 2025. Successful candidates will be awarded a certificate of literacy.
Mr. Dinesh Kumar Singh, Project Officer (ULLAS-NILP), reiterated SLMA’s commitment to fulfilling the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.” He noted the dual efforts of the Department of Education: ensuring quality education for school-going children and striving to make every individual literate to contribute to society and national development. He also highlighted that the survey will be conducted digitally using the ULLAS App, with offline data storage and later synchronization in areas with connectivity issues.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Dinesh Kumar Singh, marking the beginning of this transformative initiative aimed at universal literacy in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.