Vikramaditya
Little Andaman, Dec. 19: The ongoing protest demanding justice for Mr. Pradeep Banerjee, who tragically ended his life on December 15, has come to an end following assurances from the administration to address key demands of the victim’s family and local villagers.
The protest centered around two main demands: immediate registration of an FIR and a job opportunity for one of the victim’s children. According to sources, the SDM provided a written assurance guaranteeing a job for one of the children and support for their education, including access to government scholarships.
On the demand for an FIR, the administration clarified that it must follow proper legal procedures. The SDM and DSP present at the site explained that the inquiry is ongoing, and if the accused is found guilty of an offense, an FIR will be registered accordingly. Legal experts have supported this stance, emphasizing that the process must adhere to established protocols rather than emotions.
The administration has also assured that the inquiry will be completed promptly, and any subsequent actions, including FIR registration, will be taken based on its findings.
The resolution of the protest brings some relief to the grieving family and the community, with hopes for timely justice and support. The authorities have urged everyone to remain calm and patient as the legal process unfolds.
Archives for December 19, 2024
Chief Secretary Highlights Importance of Biodiversity Conservation at ZSI Workshop in A&N Islands
Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 19: The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, has said that flora and fauna have always been an integral part of our traditional knowledge and folk tales often featured animals, birds and other living beings. He stressed on the importance of understanding and conserving the Islands’ unique biodiversity. Mentioning that modern lifestyles have distanced us from having close connection with nature, he urged younger generations to make an effort to experience nature in its truest form.
This was stated by the Chief Secretary, addressing the 3-days training workshop being organized by Zoological Survey of India, Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre in the Auditorium of ZSI on Coastal and Marine Biodiversity of Island Ecosystem under the Training of Personnel of Other Services sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
The Chief Secretary also threw light on the importance of Island biodiversity and scientific classification of animal species. Emphasizing on India’s unique geography and rich biodiversity of A&N Islands, the Chief Secretary said that it is our responsibility to maintain this natural heritage. A&N Islands have 96 Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Park, and each protected areas have its own unique faunal and floral species, the Chief Secretary said underlining the need to address the sensitive issues related to biodiversity conservation cautiously and ensuring that knowledge is shared across States and regions. This exchange will enrich not just local communities but the entire country. Active participation and mutual learning will make programs like this more impactful and beneficial for everyone involved, he added.
The Chief Secretary further pointed out that the organizations like ZSI, with their wealth of resources and facilities, should structure their programs to include this dual approach. Training programs like this should aim to balance scientific knowledge with community engagement, he said. It is equally crucial to encourage a two-way communication approach where participants share their knowledge and insights, the Chief Secretary said adding that Science has a purpose to connect with society and maintain the wellbeing of ecosystems.
The Chief Secretary also appreciated ZSI for organizing this kind of workshop, as it has become essential not just to focus on scientific knowledge but also to reconnect participants with their environment.
The Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Department of Environment and Forests, Dr. S. Dinesh Kannan, IFS as the special guest discussed the importance of understanding and conserving the unique biodiversity of island ecosystems. As these Islands are fascinating ecological treasures, hosting numerous species of plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. This endemic richness also makes them extremely fragile and susceptible to environmental and anthropogenic changes. He highlighted on the historical context of the Island ecosystems which have long been examples of intricate ecological interdependencies.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr. C. Sivaperuman, Course Director mentioned about the objectives of the training course, and briefed about the next three days programme which includes class rooms teaching and field visit to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Chidiyatappu Biological Park, besides hands on training on the intertidal marine biodiversity at Burmanallah, South Andaman. He also emphasized the roles and responsibilities of ZSI, A&N Regional Centre in conducting research and organizing various levels of training courses.
After the inaugural session, the technical session began with Dr. M. Vinod Kumar, Zonal Director, Fisheries Survey of India delivering talk on the Marine Fishery Resources in A & N Islands. This was followed by Dr. C. Sivaperuman delivering a talk on the overview of Coastal and Marine Biodiversity of A & N Islands. Dr. K. Sivakumar, Professor, Pondicherry University spoke on the Introduction to Management of Coastal and Marine Biodiversity in India-‘Challenges and Prospects’ while Dr. S. Dinesh Kannan, delivered a talk on human-animal interactions with special reference to management of Crocodiles in Island Ecosystem and Prof. P.M. Mohan enlightened the participants about Mangrove ecosystem of A & N Islands.
The training workshop which began today will continue till Dec.21 and is being attended by Officers from Indian Coast Guard, Andaman & Nicobar Police, Directorate of Shipping Services, CISF Veer Savarkar Airport, CISF Haddo Wharf, Directorate of RD, PRIs and ULBs, Directorate of Agriculture, Central Bureau of Investigation, Directorate of Tribal Welfare, INS Utkrosh, Port Management Board and Directorate of Fisheries.
20th Anniversary of 2004 Tsunami to Be Observed with Tribute and Prayers on Dec. 26
Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec.19:The 20th Anniversary of devastating Tsunami of 2004 will be observed by the Administration on 26th December, 2024 at the Tsunami Memorial, Andaman Water Sports Complex, Aberdeen.
The Hon’ble Lt. Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands will offer floral tributes followed by other dignitaries at the Memorial to pay homage to the departed souls. All Religion Prayer Meeting (Sarva Dharma Prarthana Sabha) shall be organized at the Memorial on this occasion.
The Assistant Commissioner (HQ) South Andaman in an appeal has requested the general public, PRIs, Head of Departments/Offices, Officers/Officials of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to join the main function at the Memorial by 7.30 am in paying homage to the departed souls.
Police Arrests Notorious History-Sheeter in Sensitive POCSO Case after 12 Days Manhunt
Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 19: On receiving a complaint from a minor victim girl, a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012, r.w.s. relevant section of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 was registered at Police Station Kalighat, vide Crime No. 63/2024 dated 06/12/2024 U/S 5(h)(m)/6 POCSO Act 2012 r.w.s 65(2)/351(3) of BNS, 2023 against the accused, who is also a history sheeter of PS Diglipur.
To evade his arrest, the accused fled into the nearby dense jungle. Acting swiftly, a joint search team including Police, Forest and local villagers led by SI Ashok Kr. Baghel, Station House Officer, PS Kalighat, was constituted and the team conducted massive search of the accused in the dense jungle and remote villages. Demonstrating exceptional efficiency and dedication, the team successfully apprehended a notorious history-sheeter on 18/12/2024 after an extensive 12 days jungle search.
Despite facing unfavourable conditions and challenging terrain, the search team remained persistent and disciplined, drawing on the support and cooperation of local villagers. Through a combination of careful planning and community involvement, the team was able to meticulously trace the accused’s movements and finally apprehended him. Subsequently, the accused was taken into custody after observing all legal procedures in connection with the case.
The entire investigation was conducted under the guidance of Mr. Ankesh Yadav, DANIPS, SDPO Diglipur and overall supervision of Ms. Shweta K. Sugathan, IPS, Superintendent of Police, North & Middle Andaman District.
The general public is requested to report any incidents of abuse or exploitation involving children to police at 112, 03192-273344 without hesitation. The identity of the informant will be kept secret. Together, we can safeguard the rights and dignity of our children.
APPEAL
The 20th Anniversary of the devastating Tsunami of 2004 will be observed by the Administration on 26th December 2024 at the Tsunami Memorial, Andaman Water Sports Complex, Aberdeen.
The Lt. Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands will offer floral tributes followed by other dignitaries at the Memorial to pay homage to the departed soul. All Religion Prayer Meeting (Sarva Dharma Prarthana Sabha) shall be organized at the Memorial on this occasion.
General public, PRIs, Head of Departments/Offices, Officers/Officials of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration are requested to join the main function at the Memorial by 07:30 am in paying homage to the departed souls.
sd/-
Assistant Commissioner (HQ)
South Andaman District
ICAR-KVK, Nimbudera Organizes Training Program on “Achieving Nutritional Security for Farm Families through Nutri-Garden”
Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 19: Three-Day Training Program on “Achieving Nutritional Security for Farm Families through Nutri-Garden” Organized by ICAR-KVK, Nimbudera. A three-day training program on “Achieving Nutritional Security for Farm Families through Nutri-Garden” was organized by ICAR-KVK, Nimbudera, from December 16 to 18, 2024. The training aimed to educate rural youth from the North and Middle Andaman districts on the role of nutri-gardens in ensuring a balanced diet, improving household nutrition, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The program was inaugurated in the presence of key dignitaries, who emphasized the importance of nutritional security for farm families. Mr. Yatharth Sharma, In-Charge, ICAR-KVK Nimbudera, underscored the significance of integrating nutri-gardens into the lifestyles of farm families to enhance dietary diversity and nutritional intake.
During the technical session, Mr. Yatharth Sharma, Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) in Home Science, provided insights into the concepts of food and nutritional security, the importance of balanced diets, and the role of nutri-gardens in achieving these goals. He conducted interactive sessions on planning nutri-gardens, covering site selection, crop integration, and layout design tailored to local conditions. Mr. Rakesh Dawar, SMS (Agronomy), shared techniques for improving soil health, composting, and the use of organic amendments. He also demonstrated seed selection and sowing techniques to ensure optimal crop growth. Additionally, Mr. Subam Debroy, SMS (Aquaculture), highlighted water management practices such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting to improve the efficiency and sustainability of nutri-gardens. Participants also engaged in hands-on demonstrations led by Mr. Yatharth Sharma and his team, where they learned practical techniques for setting up nutri-gardens. These included crop selection, planting methods, and integrating seasonal crops with perennial varieties. Participants were introduced to organic pest and disease control measures to ensure the ecological and economic sustainability of their gardens.The program concluded with a feedback session, during which participants expressed their enthusiasm for implementing nutri-gardens in their communities. Earlier, Mr. Subam Debroy welcomed the gathering and provided an overview of the training program. The event was conducted under the overall guidance of Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair. About 20 farmers, farm women, and rural youth participated in and benefited from the training.
Fair Price Shop Reassignments Announced for Ration Card Holders, Effective Jan. 2025
Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 19: The general public/Ration Card holders have been informed that the following Fair Price Shops as tabulated below at Col. No. 2 have been cancelled with effect from Jan. 1, 2025 onwards:-
Sl. No. | Details of Fair Price Shop cancelled | Details of Fair Price Shop to which Ration Card attached |
(1) | (2) | (3) |
1. | FPS No. 382, K.P. Maimuna
Kanyapuram |
FPS No. 484, P.K. Zainuddin
Kanyapuram |
2. | FPS No. 136, L. Bal Raj
Kamraj Nagar |
FPS No. 127, Rabakkal
Kamraj Nagar |
3. | FPS No. 366, A. Arumugam, Garacharma | FPS No. 556, CCS Ltd.,
Garacharma |
4. | FPS No. 639, M. Venkatesan, Dairy Farm | FPS No. 147, T. Mohan Rao, Dairy Farm |
5 | FPS No. 467, Ammakannu, Doodh Line | FPS No. 257, T. Bala Krishnan, Doodh Line |
6 | FPS No. 481, Kumari Zhalo, Attam Pahad | FPS No. 36, Kamachi,
Dollygunj |
7 | FPS No. 536, Imtiaz Ali, South Point | FPS No. 519, C. Valmeeki,
South Point |
8. | FPS No. 152, B. Sarojini Minnie Bay | FPS No. 144, Sajid Ali
Lamba Line |
9. | FPS No. 378, G.J Laxmi Bai, Dairy Farm | FPS No. 30, Rajan Store,
Dairy Farm |
10 | FPS No. 499, Naresh Mazumder, Little Andaman | FPS No. 423, K. Balakrishna, Netaji Nagar, Little Andaman |
11 | FPS No. 543, Bibekananda Roy, Little Andaman | FPS No. 66, Manager, CCS Ltd., Hut Bay, Little Andaman |
Hence, all the Ration Card holders registered with FPS No. 382, 136, 366, 639, 467, 481, 536, 152, 378, 499 and 543 have been requested to draw their ration articles from FPS No. 484, 127, 556, 147, 36, 519, 14430, 423 and 66 respectively as indicated at Col. No. 3 from the month of January, 2025 onwards. However, owing to implementation of portability, Ration Card holders are free to collect their ration articles from any Fair Price Shop of their choice.
One Day Conference on Organic/Natural Farming organized
Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 19: Regional Centre of Organic and Natural Farming (RCONF), Bhubaneshwar in association with ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram, ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (South Andaman) and Department of Agriculture, Andaman and Nicobar Administration organized ‘‘One Day Regional Conference on Organic/Natural Farming (PKVY & LRPs)’’ on 19th December 2024 at ICAR CIARI Sri Vijaya Puram. The programme was chaired by Dr. Apurva Sharma Director of Agriculture, Andaman and Nicobar Administration who emphasized the increase in economical status of farmers through Organic/Natural Farming. Dr. E B Chakurkar Director CIARI mentioned the importance, health benefits and need of Organic/Natural Farming in today’s scenario. Dr. Jagat Singh Regional Director RCONF covered various aspects of Organic/Natural Farming which are principles, present status and scope in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Dr. S K R Ingle Assistant Director RCONF explained about Participatory Gurantee System (PGS), Large Area Certification (LAC) and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY). Sharing of experience by organic/natural farmers and interaction of experts with farmers marked the end of technical session. Dr. Y Ramakrishna Principal Scientist and Head KVK concluded the programme with vote of thanks. Miss Sushma Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture) coordinated the programme. Total of 104 farmers and farm women embarked the success of the conference. The programme was organized under the supervision of Dr. E B Chakurkar Director CIARI.
ANCA to conduct A & N State School Chess Championship 2024
Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 19: The 13th National School Chess Championship 2025 for various categories is scheduled to be held in Andhra Pradesh from 17th to 21st January 2025. In this connection, \Andaman Nicobar Chess Association (ANCA) in collaboration with Hindi Sahitya Kala Parishad, will conduct the A & N State School Chess Championship for various categories including Under 07, Under 09, Under 11, Under 13, Under 15 and Under 17 Boys & Girls on 28th and 29th December 2024 at Hindi Sahitya Kala Parishad Hall, Sri Vijaya Puram.
Only school students are eligible to participate in this championship and the player should be a bonafide student of any school (any syllabus).
Eligibility:
For Under – 07; player should be born on or after 1st January 2018,
For Under – 09; player should be born on or after 1st January 2016,
for Under – 11; player should be born on or after 1st January 2014,
for Under – 13; player should be born on or after 1st January 2012,
for Under – 15; player should be born on or after 1st January 2010 &
for Under -17; player should be born on or after 1st January 2008
AICF Registration for Year 2024-25 is compulsory for all participants. Interested Schools / Students / Players may register their names at the Office of the Andaman Nicobar Chess Association, Dairy Farm, near Ganesh Temple, Port Blair between 9.30 am & 5.30 pm on or before 26th December 2024.
For more details, one may contact G Sudha, Office Executive ANCA @ 9933217055 or email: anchessassociation@gmail.com
Refresher Training for ANMs Held at BJR Hospital, Car Nicobar, to Enhance Healthcare Delivery
Car Nicobar, Dec. 19: A one-day Refresher Training program for ANMs was conducted in the Conference Hall of Bishop John Richardson Hospital, Car Nicobar, today. The training aimed to enhance the participants skills and knowledge in delivering quality healthcare services, especially tailored to the unique healthcare challenges in remote island settings.
The program emphasized critical updates in maternal and child health, immunization practices, infection prevention protocols, dental and community engagement strategies. Additionally, it provided the ANMs with insights into updated emerging technologies to ensure efficient service delivery.
The inaugural address was delivered by Dr. Grace, Medical Superintendent, BJR Hospital, who highlighted the vital role of ANMs as frontline health workers in ensuring accessible and effective healthcare. She stressed the importance of refresher training to build the capacity of health workers and contribute to the overall well-being of the community. Dr. Johnson Sameer, Senior Medical Officer, BJR Hospital encouraged the ANMs to take full advantage of the training to enhance their professional competence.
The training was followed by a series of technical sessions. Dr. Sahina, Senior Medical Officer, Dr. Partha Mondal, Medical Officer (Ayurveda), Dr. Ruth, Dental Surgeon, Dr. Deepika Sharma, Medical Officer (RBSK-Ayurveda) and Dr. Jiji Paul, Medical Officer (RBSK-Homoeo) all from BJR Hospital addressed the participants.