ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Archives for December 2024

Postponement of Sailing of MV Campbell Bay from Little Andaman

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 27: This is to inform the passengers that due to Administrative reasons the scheduled departure of the vessel MV Campbell Bay from Little Andaman to Sri Vijaya Puram on 31.12.2024 at 2100 Hrs has been postponed.
Now, the vessel will sail for Sri Vijaya Puram on 01.01.2025 at 0800 Hrs from Little Andaman. Passengers are hereby advised to avail the sailing of MV Campbell Bay with the same ticket as per the revised date & time.
Inconvenience caused to the passengers is regretted.

 

90th & 91th Awareness cum Fitness Program as Part of “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan”

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 27: The Directorate of Social Welfare organized the Hasgulla Club Awareness cum Fitness Programme under the “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan” (Drug-Free India Campaign) over the weekend from 5:30 AM to 7:00 AM. The event saw strong community participation, reflecting a shared commitment to a healthy, drug-free society. The Hasgulla Club’s initiative blends fitness and drug awareness through Saturday and Sunday sessions. On “World Meditation Day,” Art of Living expert Mr. Ravinder Rao highlighted the link between meditation and well-being, showcasing its transformative benefits. He stated, “Meditation is the best medicine for today’s challenges.” Sunday sessions, led by laughter and yoga ambassador Shihan M.S. Murgan, featured laughter exercises, yoga, and meditation, focusing on stress management, emotional balance, and promoting a drug-free lifestyle.
The Directorate of Social Welfare invites all to join the Hasgulla Club program at Joggers Park every Saturday and Sunday from 5:30 AM to 7:00 AM. The program focuses on fitness and promoting a drug-free lifestyle. For more details, contact the Nodal Officer (Prohibition) at 03192-244386.

ICAR-KVK N&M Andaman organizes an Educational Exposure Visit for Students of JNV, Panchwati and GSSS, Sabari

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 27: ICAR-KVK N&M Andaman organized an educational exposure visit for students of JNV Panchwati and Government Senior Secondary School Sabari Junction Rangat, N&M Andaman to the KVK on 23rd December, 2024. A total of 96 students accompanied by 6 teachers visited the KVK. The visit aimed to provide students with insights into the functioning, structure, and contributions of the KVK to local agriculture and rural development.
The exposure visit commenced with a guided tour of the KVK premises. Mr. Yatharth Sharma introduced students to the Processing Unit, which is instrumental in training rural women to create innovative value-added products using locally available fruits and vegetables. This initiative helps generate a secondary source of income for rural households.
Mr. Subam Debroy explained the operations and benefits of the Water Testing Unit, highlighting its importance in assisting farmers with water quality management.
The visit continued with a field tour to the KVK farm and horticulture unit, led by Mr. Rakesh Dawar. Students were introduced to the Nutri-Garden concept, vegetable cultivation techniques, vermin-composting practices and IFS, which are vital components of sustainable agriculture.
The exposure visit provided the students with practical knowledge in various agricultural practices and technologies, inspiring them to explore opportunities in agriculture and rural development.
The visit was coordinated by Mr. Yatharth Sharma, In-charge, ICAR KVK, Nimbudera, Mr. Subam Debroy, SMS Aquaculture and Mr. Rakesh Dawar, SMS Agronomyall under the leadership of Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair.

 

CRPF to Conduct Firing Practice at Police Firing Range, Prothrapur on December 30

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 27: All concerned have been informed that the Annual Range Classification of Firing practice (ARCF) will be carried out by the CRPF Unit at Police Firing Range, Bird Line, Prothrapur on Dec. 30 from 6 am to 2 pm. The general public, especially the villagers/residents of Bird Line and Prothrapur area have been informed to keep themselves and their cattle away from the firing range during the mentioned date and time.

 

Regional Training Camp for National Sample Survey 80th Round Underway in Sri Vijaya Puram

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 27: National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Govt. of India is organizing a Regional Training Camp for National Sample Survey 80th Round from 26th to 30th Dec.2024 at Kendriya Sadan, CPWD Complex, Lamba Line, Sri Vijaya Puram. Shri Gaurang Mishra, Director, Directorate of Economics & Statistics, A&N administration inaugurated the Regional Training Camp. In his address, he highlighted the need for high-quality data and urged the participants to ensure rigorous standards in data collection. Shri Bappa Saha, Assistant Director, NSO is conducting the training camp.
During the camp, necessary training will be imparted to the officials to carry out the survey which is scheduled to be launched in January 2025. This round of survey is earmarked for Survey on Health and Comprehensive Modular Survey on Telecom.
The survey on health aims to generate basic quantitative information on the health sector. Primarily, indicators on morbidity, hospitalization rates, utilization of both public and private health care institutions, proportion of institutional childbirth etc. will be attempted to be derived from this survey data.
The Comprehensive Modular Survey (CMS) on Telecom will provide information on telecom related indicators and ICT skills. The collected data will also be used for reporting of global indices by line Ministries/Departments. The Survey will cover the whole of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

 

Advance Foodgrain and Subsidized Sugar Distribution Announced for January and February 2025

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 27:The foodgrains shall be distributed in advance for 02 months for January & February, 2025 in one go in the entire UT in the month of February, 2025. All the Ration Card holders have been informed that they can purchase the foodgrains as per their entitlement for 02 months in January, 2025.
The subsidized sugar will also be distributed to all NFSA beneficiaries i.e. PHH & AAY households @ 1 Kg per card/per month for twelve (12) months in one go (April, 2024 to March, 2025) @ Rs. 30/- (PHH) & Rs. 15/- (AAY) per kg w.e.f. 1st January, 2025 onwards. All such Ration Card holders have been informed to draw the foodgrains as per their entitlement for 02 months in one go between 1st January, 2025 & 28th February, 2025. However, the Ration Card holders who are not able to lift ration in the month of January, 2025 can also lift their foodgrains in the month of February,2025.

 

Harinagar Residents Unite to Demand Road Repairs, Prompt Administration Action Ensues

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Trinath & Saurabh Adhikari
Harinagar, Dec 26: In a remarkable display of unity and determination, the residents of Harinagar Village Ward No. 6 have come together to voice their urgent concerns regarding the deplorable condition of their village road. On 23.12.2024 , a joint petition was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, outlining the dire state of a nearly 100-meter stretch of road that has been plagued by landslides and heavy traffic, leading to significant disruption in daily life and critical services.
The villagers highlighted that the incessant movement of heavy vehicles has not only endangered the road but has also resulted in damage to vital water pipelines. Consequently, residents have faced prolonged water shortages, sometimes lasting between two to three days—a situation that is simply untenable for any community.
In a proactive bid to resolve this pressing issue, the villagers had previously issued a token notice to the Deputy Commissioner, NMA, warning that failure to address the situation would compel them to erect barricades to prevent heavy vehicles from accessing their road.
Despite their earnest efforts, the lack of a timely response from the administration prompted the community’s men, women, and children to gather at a critical junction point, effectively halting the movement of heavy vehicles on the village road. This peaceful protest underscored the seriousness of their grievances and highlighted the collective resolve of the villagers to safeguard their community.
In response to the growing unrest, the Deputy Commissioner, NMA, directed Mr. Gaur Paul, Tehsildar to reach Harinagar ward No.6 to address the villagers grievances. Mr. Paul, Tehsildar, HQ, Mayabunder along with an engineering team, visited Harinagar Ward No. 6 to address the villagers’ concerns. During this engagement, Dr. P.K. Mandal, State General Secretary of Kisan Morcha, ANI articulated the villagers’ grievances before the Tehsildar and other officials in presence of Mr. Manojit Halder, Pradhan Harinagar Gram Panchayat.
Mr. Gaur Paul, Tehsildar, attentively listened to the issues raised, personally inspected the road conditions, and provided assurances that the necessary repair work would commence the following day.
Furthermore, Mr. Paul confirmed that no heavy vehicles would be permitted to transport quarry products until the road repairs were completed. He also mentioned that the APWD has already submitted an estimate proposal for the construction of a retaining wall to the Superintendent Engineer’s office in Port Blair, aiming for swift approval so that repairs can begin without delay.
Following these assurances, the villagers expressed their gratitude and promptly withdrew their protest, demonstrating their commitment to collaborating with the administration in resolving the road’s critical condition.

20th Anniversary of 2004 Tsunami: Lt. Governor Leads Tributes at Memorial Service in Sri Vijaya Puram

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 26: Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Lt. Governor, A&N Islands & Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency today led the Islanders in paying homage to those who lost their lives in the devastating Tsunami of 2004.
At a solemn function organized by A&N Administration on the occasion of 20th Anniversary of Tsunami at the Tsunami Memorial at Water Sports Complex here this morning, the Lt. Governor placed wreath and offered floral tributes at the Memorial. This was followed by offering of floral tributes by the First Lady of A&N Islands, Smt. Chitra Joshi, DGP, Shri H.G.S Dhaliwal, IPS, PCCF, Shri Sanjay Kumar Sinha, IFS, Senior Vice Chairperson, SVPMC, Shri. V. Ravi Chandran, Councillors of SVPMC, Senior Officers of A&N Administration, prominent citizens, school students and general public.
An all Religion Prayer Meeting (Sarva Dharma Prarthana Sabha) and a two-minute silence was observed to remember those who have lost their lives in the devastating Tsunami.

 

Island Tourism Festival 2024 to Celebrate Culture, Heritage, and Development in Sri Vijaya Puram

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 26: The Island Tourism Festival, one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year, is a spectacular celebration that not only showcases the vibrant culture, rich traditions and natural beauty of the Islands, but also, serves as a powerful platform for fostering tourism and economic growth. Hosted annually by the Directorate of Information, Publicity & Tourism, in association with the Directorate of Art & Culture and other line Departments of A & N Administration, this festival brings together a diverse array of cultural performances, traditional music, dance, arts and local craftsmanship and food, offering visitors an immersive experience of the Islands’ unique heritage.
The much-awaited Islands Tourism Festival (ITF) 2024 is set to captivate visitors with a vibrant celebration of culture, heritage and developmental activities from December 27 to 31, 2024 at the ITF Ground, Sri Vijaya Puram. Featuring artistes from mainland and local organization, this five day festival offers an array of cultural extravaganza, providing a platform for them to showcase their talents. It will also have pavilions narrating stories of developments taking place across various sectors highlighting the flagship programs of the Government of India.
Some of the main attractions during the ITF would feature cultural performances of classical, semi-classical and folk music and dances by celebrated artistes from across India while the local cultural organizations will also get an opportunity to present their talents on the stage.
The venues of cultural programmes across the A&N Islands include the main ITF Ground at VIP road, Wandoor, Wimberlygunj, Swaraj Dweep & Shaheed Dweep, and Hut Bay in South Andaman, Baratang, Rangat, Long Island, Mayabunder and Diglipur in North & Middle Andaman, Car Nicobar, Nancowrie and Campbell Bay in Nicobar group of Islands.

Highlights of the cultural extravaganza include:
• Sarod recital by Padma Vibhushan Ustad Amjad Ali Khan– Witness the magic of one of India’s greatest maestros. (SPIC MACAY)
• Ottanthullal by Kalamandalam Mohan Krishna – Experience the charm of Kerala’s traditional art form.(SPIC MACAY)
• Qawwali by Niyazi Brothers– Dive into the soulful world of Sufi music.(SPIC MACAY)
• Kathak by Pandit Rajendra Gangani– Marvel at the grace and rhythm of this classical dance form.(SPIC MACAY)
• Hasya Kavi Sammelan- Dive into laughter; enjoy the magic of poetry. (OL Deptt., A&N Administration)
• Performances by the artistes of South Zone Cultural Centre- Enjoy the visual treats from various parts of the country.
• Bharat Bhavan (Kerala)-Don’t miss the enthralling presentations from the God’s own Country.
• Dr. Padmaja Venkatesh from EZCC will present Bharatnatyam on Dec. 29 & 30.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway to host the much awaited ‘Island Tourism Festival’-2024. The ITF Ground, the main venue for the ITF-2024 is brimming with activities for the conduct of the event. The general public have been invited to come and enjoy the 5 day festival and soak in the spirit of fun, food and cultural extravaganza.

District Administration, SA Conducts Surprise Inspection in Brookshabad Quarry Area: Illegal Transportation of Boulders Detected

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 26: Continuing its efforts to curb down illegal quarrying, the District Administration of South Andaman conducted a surprise check in the quarry area of Brookshabad village to ensure compliance with transportation regulations for quarry materials.
During the inspection, revenue authorities checked the valid transit passes of trucks transporting boulders and two trucks, bearing Registration Numbers AN01P9982 and AN01Q7670, were found to be transporting boulders without valid transit passes.
In accordance with the law, both vehicles were immediately seized. Additionally, proceedings to levy penalties under the applicable provisions have been initiated against the offenders.
The District Administration emphasizes its commitment to ensuring strict adherence to quarry and transport regulations. Regular and surprise inspections will continue to deter illegal activities and uphold transparency in operations.
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities related to encroachment, illegal mining, or environmental violations to the authorities. The Administration remains steadfast in its dedication to ensuring the sustainable and lawful use of natural resources in the region.
Members of the public who wish to report encroachments or seek further information are encouraged to contact the District Control Room via phone at 03192-240127 / 238881 / 1070 or through WhatsApp at 9531888844. The Administration assures that the identities of those providing information will be kept in strict confidence to ensure their security and protection.