Archives for January 31, 2025

On the occasion of 49th Raising Day of the Indian Coast Guard, I am delighted to extend my heartfelt greetings and warmest congratulations to all members of the Coast Guard fraternity and their families.
Over the years, the Indian Coast Guard has evolved into a formidable maritime force, embodying resilience, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to safeguarding our seas. Its vital role in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is especially commendable, as it continues to serve as a trusted ally to local communities while fortifying the safety and security of these pristine Islands.
The Coast Guard’s relentless efforts in anti-poaching operations, remote Island surveillance, and collaborative ventures with Police and Forest personnel—such as Joint Coastal Patrol Sorties—are exemplary. The recent seizure of 6,016 kg of methamphetamine is a remarkable testament to the Coast Guard’s vigilance and resolve in combating illegal activities and protecting these Islands from maritime threats.
In addition, the numerous community engagement programs led by the Indian Coast Guard have fostered a deep sense of trust and safety among local fishing communities, significantly improving their perception of life at sea.
I extend my deepest gratitude to the officers and personnel of the Indian Coast Guard for their tireless dedication and extraordinary service. May you continue to scale new heights of success and excellence in all your future endeavors.
Sd/-
(Admiral D K Joshi)
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)
Lt. Governor, A & N Islands
&
Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency

 

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 31: It is brought to the notice of the general consumers and government departments that power supply will remain suspended at the following area on 01.02.2025 (Saturday) from 0800 Hrs. to 1300 Hrs. for the replacement of a damaged electric pole behind the Phoenix Bay Power House and to perform urgent breakdown maintenance and routine checks on air break switches (ABS) at various locations in Nayagaon feeder.

Date	Area affected	Timing
		From	To
01.02.2025 (Saturday)	Light House, Phoenix Bay, Fisheries Jetty area, Anarkali, Delanipur, Quarry Hill, Phongy Kyaung, Foreshore Road, Megapode, Teal House, Horticulture Road, Rajasthan Mandir, ALWH Colony, Hawaghar Jn., Dudh Line, Nayagaon, Bargat Line, GPRA Colony, Carbyn’s Junction and Medical College.	0800 Hrs.	1300 Hrs

 

The aforementioned time is tentative. If the work is completed before the scheduled time, the feeders will be recharged accordingly.

For further inquiries, please visit the Electricity Department’s website at https://vidyut.andaman.gov.in.

Consumers facing any issues related to the power supply may call the toll-free number 1800-345-1111 to register their complaints.

Nancowry, Jan. 31: In a significant step towards empowering women and enhancing the production of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) in the Nicobar Islands, the District Administration has launched a series of training sessions for Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Conducted in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), these sessions aim to equip women with the latest techniques and technologies for high-quality VCO extraction, packaging, and marketing.
The initiative follows the recent Geographical Indication (GI) tag awarded to Nicobar’s Virgin Coconut Oil, a recognition that highlights the unique quality and traditional methods of VCO production in the region. The training sessions are designed to build on this achievement, ensuring that women involved in VCO production can maintain high standards of quality and hygiene while maximizing their income.
A meeting chaired by Shri Amit Kale, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Nicobar, and attended by Shri Aditya Sangotra, Assistant Commissioner of Nancowry and other senior officials, outlined the roadmap for the VCO industry. Key directives were issued to conduct training sessions for SHGs with master trainers from Krishi Vigyan Kendras. These sessions focus on integrating modern machinery with traditional extraction methods, emphasizing technical expertise, hygiene, and quality control.
Experts from KVKs have already conducted hands-on training for women SHGs in Kamorta, Chowra and Teresa. The sessions not only introduced advanced techniques but also reinforced the importance of maintaining high hygiene standards throughout the production process.
This training initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the VCO value chain in the Nicobar Islands.
Earlier, the CD Block Nancowry formed a producing group named ‘Manula Mathai Payuh’, comprising members from existing SHGs in Nancowry and open to participation from other SHGs in Campbell Bay and Car Nicobar. The group will aggregate surplus production from all SHGs, ensuring proper packaging, labelling, and marketing of Virgin Coconut Oil. This streamlined approach aims to enhance profitability and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for tribal women.
The training sessions are expected to have a transformative impact, enabling women to produce high-quality VCO that meets market demands while preserving the traditional methods that make Nicobar’s Virgin Coconut Oil unique.

 

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan 31: The ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram, organized a field day on “Organic Integrated Farming System” in collaboration with KVK, Port Blair, at its Garacharma experimental farm on 31.01.2025. A total of 20 farmers attended the programme. The event aimed to raise awareness about the integrated farming system and sensitize farmers to the potential benefits of tree, crop, and animal combinations for enhancing farm productivity.
Dr. T. Subramani, Senior Scientist & Head of the NRM Division, explained various agronomic practices for improving vegetable yields. He emphasized the importance of organic cultivation practices and diversifying the island farming system by integrating multiple vegetables, spices, and fruits with animal and fish components to increase farm income and generate employment for farmers. Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Head of KVK, South Andaman, highlighted the scope of the organic integrated farming system in the islands and discussed the crop calendar. He urged farmers to utilize the available technologies from the Institute for integrated farming and organic cultivation of vegetables, tubers, spices, and fruits, along with poultry, goat, and fish rearing.
Dr. Abilash, Scientist, briefed the participants on the importance of weather-based farming practices and discussed rainfall trends and their influence on the integrated farming system. Dr. Talaviya Harshang Kumar, Scientist, provided deep insights into the impact of pesticide use in agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries. He emphasized the significance of organic farming through an integrated approach in the islands. Dr. I. Jaisankar, Senior Scientist, explained the organic integrated farming system developed by the Institute and shared the outcomes of experiments involving various combinations of vegetables, tubers, spices, fodder, and fruit crops, along with the integration of goats, pigs, poultry, and fish. He elaborated on the management, yield, economics, and advantages of intermittent yields obtained from the system, as well as the cropping seasons. The programme was conducted under the guidance of Dr. E.B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram.

 

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 31: The vessel MV Campbell Bay, which sailed from Vizag is expected to arrive at Sri Vijaya Puram on Feb. 1 at 1200 hrs. She has 274 passengers with 5 infants on board. On arrival at Sri Vijaya Puram, the vessel will be berthed at Haddo Wharf and passengers will be disembarked immediately.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 31:Power supply will remain suspended at Light House, Phoenix Bay, Fisheries Jetty area, Anarkali, Delanipur, Quarry Hill, Phongy Kyong, Foreshore Road, Megapode, Teal House, Horticulture Road, Rajasthan Mandir, ALHW Colony, Hawaghar Jn., Dudh Line, Nayagaon, Bargat Line, GPRA Colony, Corbyn’s Junction and Medical College on Feb. 1 from 0800 hrs to 1300 hrs for the replacement of a damaged electric pole behind the Phoenix Bay Power House and to perform urgent breakdown maintenance and routine checks on air break switches (ABS) at various locations in Nayagaon feeder.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Jan. 31:The National Helpline for Senior Citizens, in association with the Directorate of Health Services organized an Ayushman Bharat Card drive at Abhyudaya Old Age Home, Ferrargunj, Sri Vijaya Puram, South Andaman on January 24, 2025. NHSC team, with the support of the Directorate of Health Services, conducted the Camp for the e-card generation for 70+ elderly men residing at Abhyudaya Complex Old Age Home. Ayushman Bharat Cards were distributed to the elderly persons above 70. The beneficiaries expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the NHSC team and Directorate of Health Services for conducting the camp.
After the camp, Ms. Sushma Pandey, Project Manager, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the services of the National Helpline Services for senior citizens 14567. Smti Sheela Kar, Mukhya Sevika and in-charge of the Abhyudaya Complex at Ferrargunj, provided an insightful overview of the inmates at the old age home. She shared details about their daily activities, health status, and routines, emphasizing the care and support provided. She also expressed gratitude to the NHSC team for their dedicated efforts in bringing the Ayushman Vaya Vandana scheme directly to the residents. s
This initiative offers significant benefits, including free medical treatment coverage of up to ₹5 lakhs for senior citizens aged 70 and above, ensuring they receive the healthcare they deserve through the support of the Government of India.