Archives for January 9, 2025

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Trinath & Vijay Kumar
Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 9: The residents of Tugapur staged a massive roadblock protest today, expressing their outrage over the transfer orders of Dr. K.S. Mohammed Sameer and Dr. Amira from the Tugapur Primary Health Center (PHC) to CHC Diglipur.
The protest, which began around 10:00 AM and lasted until 2:30 PM, saw the participation of hundreds of people, including residents from neighboring villages.
The issue, which has been brewing for days, saw its first protest on January 4, 2025, at the same location. While assurances were given to address the matter, the transfer orders were not rescinded, prompting the residents to take to the streets once again.
According to sources, the transfer was made to fulfill the demand for doctors in Diglipur. However, residents of Tugapur and its neighboring areas opposed the decision, arguing that Dr. Sameer and Dr. Amira were the only efficient doctors at PHC Tugapur. Removing them would leave the community without adequate healthcare services. The residents suggested that the administration should allocate doctors to Diglipur from other regions rather than depriving Tugapur of its healthcare lifeline.
North and Middle Andaman Deputy Commissioner, Ms. Nandini Maharaj, arrived at the protest site in the afternoon to pacify the demonstrators. She assured the crowd that their concerns would be brought to the attention of the Health Administration and promised to address the issue promptly. Later the villagers ended their protest by 2:30 PM.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray expressed strong discontent over the administration’s handling of healthcare services in the region. In a video message recorded from Secretariat Premises, Mr. Ray criticized the transfer orders and highlighted the plight of Tugapur residents, saying, “The people of Tugapur and Chainpur are deprived of essential healthcare facilities due to such decisions. This is a glaring example of administrative negligence.”
Later in the evening, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration issued an official statement addressing the issue. The Secretary of Health, Dr. Anil Agarwal, clarified that the transfer orders for 19 GDMOs, including Dr. Sameer were based on recommendations from the Establishment Board of the Health Department. However, in light of the protests and inputs from the district, the transfer orders for the two doctors were kept in abeyance.
In an official letter to the MP, the administration stated:
“Viewing the exigency and the input received from the district, the transfer/posting in respect of the two doctors from PHC Tugapur has been kept in abeyance now.” The announcement has finally brought relief to the residents of Tugapur.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan.9: Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands and Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency reviewed the wildlife conservation & tribal welfare plans as per the grant of Environmental Clearance for holistic development of Great Nicobar Island project being implemented by expert agencies in coordination with Forest Department, Tribal Welfare Department and Health Department of A & N Administration. Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary and other senior officers of A & N Administration were also present during the presentation at Raj Niwas.
Shri Arjun Sharma, Executive Director (GNI), ANIIDCO apprised regarding the wildlife conservation & mitigation plans for bio-diversity which includes leatherback turtles, corals, long-tailed macaque, coconut crab, megapode, crocodile, etc. for a period of 30 years and tribal welfare plans for a period of 50 years. Officers/Representatives of implementing agencies viz. Wildlife Institute of India, Zoological Survey of India, Botanical Survey of India, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History and Indian Institute of Forest Management were also present during the presentation.
Biodiversity conservation including species diversity and endemism in the Island and the region have been given due consideration and all efforts will be made for its protection, conservation and management. The UT Administration is also fully committed to ensure that the interests of the tribal communities living in Great Nicobar Island are safeguarded in the wake of holistic development project.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 09: A press conference was held today at Sun Sea Resort to announce the forthcoming launch of the Andaman Chapter of the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI).
The official launch event is scheduled to take place at Hotel Lemon Tree on 10th January 2025.
The launch will be graced by Mr. Ved Khanna, President, ADTOI, and Mr. Aashish Sehgal, Vice President, ADTOI.
Addressing the media, Mr. M. Vinod, President of the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) shared insights into the significance of this initiative. He emphasized the role of the ADTOI Andaman Chapter in promoting the islands as a premier domestic tourism destination and fostering collaboration between local operators and national tourism networks
“The establishment of the ADTOI Andaman Chapter is a pivotal step for the Andaman tourism industry. It will help in enhancing visibility, increasing tourist footfall, and providing a platform for local operators to connect with a larger domestic market.
This initiative is expected to boost the tourism ecosystem in the islands and contribute to sustainable growth,” said Mr. M. Vinod.
Mr. Ved Khanna and Mr. Aashish Sehgal will officially launch the Andaman Chapter at a special event at Hotel Lemon Tree. The event will be attended by key stakeholders, including tour operators, government officials, and members of the travel and tourism fraternity.
ADTOI is a national organization dedicated to the growth and promotion of domestic tourism in India. The launch of the Andaman Chapter underscores the association’s commitment to extending its reach to regions with immense tourism potential, such as the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The press conference concluded with an invitation to all media friends to attend the launch event and support this significant milestone for the Andaman tourism industry.