ANDAMAN SHEEKHA

The True Mirror of A & N Islands

Archives for April 27, 2025

Growing Concern in Andaman Over Suspected Influx of Illegal Bangladeshi Nationals; Call for Formation of Task Force

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Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr. 25: The recent report highlighting the detention of over 1,000 Bangladeshi nationals in Gujarat has sparked serious concerns among the local population of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Residents here fear that similar patterns of illegal infiltration may be affecting the islands too, posing a major security and demographic threat.
Local communities in Andaman strongly believe that a significant number of Bangladeshi nationals may have illegally entered the islands through West Bengal, using forged documents and false identities. They are urging the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to take immediate and stringent action.
There is a growing demand for the creation of a dedicated Task Force that will thoroughly investigate the presence of such individuals in the islands. Residents suggest that this Task Force should not only examine the documents and certificates used by suspected illegal immigrants but should also coordinate with national agencies and travel to Gujarat to uncover the network of agents facilitating the illegal movement. A thorough verification drive to establish the true nationality of all questionable individuals is being called for urgently.
The worry is amplified by the fact that Andaman and Nicobar Islands host the strategic Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), India’s only tri-service theatre command. The presence of a large number of undocumented individuals with unclear loyalties is seen as a potential “time bomb” that could pose a significant threat to national security and the operational safety of the defence forces stationed here.
Residents emphasize that this issue is not merely about illegal migration but about safeguarding the demographic balance, ensuring internal security, and protecting the strategic interests of the islands.
Local voices are growing louder, insisting that safeguarding the future of Andaman requires immediate and transparent action. They urge the Administration and security agencies to act swiftly before the situation escalates beyond control.

 

Launch of Patient Transport Ambulance by AIKMCC Andaman State Committee

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Sri. Vijaya Puram, Apr 27: The All India Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (AIKMCC) Andaman State Committee proudly launched a Patient Transport Ambulance Service to strengthen the healthcare support system in the islands. The service was formally inaugurated today by Sayyid Hameed Ali Shihab Thangal, a prominent leader and humanitarian, at a solemn function held in front of the National Memorial Cellular Jail, Port Blair.

The event was graced by the presence of distinguished religious leaders like Swami Shuddhanada ji from Chinmaya mission , political leaders, and members of the civil society, who gathered to witness and support this noble initiative. The introduction of the ambulance service marks a major step towards ensuring timely medical assistance and transportation for patients in need across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

In his inaugural address, Sayyid Hameed Ali Shihab Thangal emphasized the importance of community-driven initiatives in uplifting healthcare services, especially in geographically isolated regions like the Andamans. He lauded AIKMCC’s commitment to social welfare and expressed hope that this service would make a significant difference in the lives of people.

The AIKMCC Andaman State Committee reiterated their commitment to continue working towards the betterment of society, and assured that the ambulance will be made available to all sections of the community, regardless of caste, creed, or religion.

BJP Andaman & Nicobar Demands Immediate Resumption of M.V. Nalanda and M.V. Sindhu Services

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr. 25:In response to the mounting requests from the public and representatives of Diglipur and Mayabunder, the Bharatiya Janata Party, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has formally urged the A&N Administration to immediately resume the services of M.V. Nalanda and M.V. Sindhu vessels for the North and Middle Andaman District and other Cities of Mainland like Chennai, Vizag and Kolkata immediately.
BJP State President Shri Ajoy Bairagi has highlighted the significant difficulties caused by the unilateral discontinuation of these essential ship services by the Shipping Department in his letter dated on 15th April 2025. These vessels have long been a vital and affordable mode of transportation for the general public, ensuring convenient travel, especially for patients requiring medical referrals to G.B. Pant Hospital at Sri Vijaya Puram.
The replacement of these ships with small speedboats has led to tremendous hardships, particularly for medically vulnerable passengers, as speedboats are neither advisable nor sufficient for the transportation needs of the people of N&M Andaman District.
Further, Shri Ajoy Bairagi emphasized the strong demand from the Telugu community and other residents for reintroducing ship connectivity between Sri Vijaya Puram and mainland cities like Vishakhapatnam, Chennai, and Kolkata, particularly during the summer vacation period. Many families, especially those unable to afford the high cost of airfare, depend heavily on these services to travel to their native places.
In his letter, Shri Bairagi has requested the Chief Secretary and concerned authorities to take immediate and positive steps to restore the M.V. Nalanda and M.V. Sindhu services and arrange special monthly services connecting Sri Vijaya Puram to the mainland cities.

Power Consumption Advisory Issued Amid Rising Demand in Sri Vijaya Puram and South Andaman

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr. 25: It is to bring to the kind notice of general public that in view of ensuing summer and due to increase in ambient temperature, there has been a significant increase in the power demand particularly during evening peak hours from 5.30 PM to 10.30 PM in Sri Vijaya Puram and adjoining areas of South Andaman. As a result, there is a temporary shortfall in the power supply during these hours.
All the consumers of Electricity Department have been advised to use the energy judiciously in view of shortage of power particularly during evening peak hours. Further, usage of major power guzzlers like Acs, Motors, OTGs, Greaser, Garden lighting etc. may kindly be avoided during evening peak hours from 05.30 PM to 10.30 PM and requested to switch off unnecessary electrical appliances when not in use. This would help the Department to maintain power supply in Sri Vijaya Puram and adjoining areas of South Andaman without curtailment.
The Electricity Department is committed to monitor the situation for effective compliance and may conduct checks to ensure effective Demand Side Management measures being followed.

Inauguration of First Chess Corner Near Govt. Girls School at Sri Vijaya Puram

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr. 25:In a significant step towards promoting chess among the youth and the wider community, a Chess Corner was inaugurated today near Govt. Girls School, Sri Vijaya Puram, alongside the Mobile Library. The initiative, a collaboration between the Education Department, A&N Administration, and the Andaman Nicobar Chess Association (ANCA), is aimed at creating accessible and inclusive spaces where people of all ages can learn and play chess to relax, and connect with others. Chess Corners aimed to promote community engagement, foster a culture of learning and recreation, and integrate mind sports like chess into everyday public life.
Shri Vikram Singh, Director of Education, A&N Administration, graced the occasion as the chief guest and ceremoniously made the first move on the chessboard, marking the official launch of the Chess Corner, the first of its kind in our islands. The event witnessed massive enthusiastic participation from chess enthusiasts, children, parents and general public, who applauded the initiative’s vision of making chess accessible to all.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director of Education highlighted the importance of mind sports like chess in developing critical thinking and decision-making skills among young minds. He urged parents to encourage their children not only to read books but also to play chess, fostering focus and discipline necessary to achieve exceptional success in life. He also announced that more such Chess Corners will be established across the islands in the near future.
The chess corner will be operational from 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm along side the Mobile Library near Govt Girls School entrance gate.

One Stop Centres and 24×7 Helplines Provide Lifeline to Women and Children in Distress

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr. 24: Under the Mission Shakti Scheme of GoI, the UT Administration is implementing the One Stop Centre Scheme, which provides integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence during distress both in private and public spaces. The One Stop Centres are functioning under one roof to facilitate immediate, emergency, non-emergency services access to a range of services including Medical, Legal, Minimum 5 days Temporary Shelter, Police Assistance, Psychological and Counselling support to fight any forms of violence against women.
Presently, 03 One Stop Centres (OSCs) are functioning in Junglighat near AYUSH Hospital for South Andaman, at Zonal Library building at Mayabunder in North & Middle Andaman and at Perka Head Quarter in Nicobar. The distress women can reach OSC, South Andaman over phone 03192-234221. For OSC, North & Middle Andaman one can contact 03192-273009 and for OSC, Nicobar 03193-265141/ by self-visiting/through Anganwadi Workers/ relative, friends and public servant. Since the inception of One Stop Centres, various cases have been handled in these Centres.
Likewise, the Women and Child Control Room is functioning under the Directorate of Social Welfare at VIP Road in which dedicated helplines (Women Helpline-181 and Child Helpline-1098) functions as 24/7 hours emergency response center for women and children experiencing distress or violence.
The Women Helpline-181 and Child Helpline-1098 handles calls from Women and Children in danger, including those experiencing violence, in need of urgent help. The Helplines connect individuals with relevant resources like Police, One Stop Centres, Hospitals, District Legal Services Authority and other support services. Further, the Helplines provide information about available GoI schemes and program for women welfare and child protection.
Any women / children can dial these Helplines (Women Helpline-181 & Child Helpline-1098) to access the services during distress. In addition, women can approach concerned District One Stop Centre for redressal of their grievances and amicable settlement of minor issues within the family and other issues concerning women safety and security in urban, rural and tribal areas.

Applications Invited for ‘Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026’

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr. 24: The Government of India has instituted an Annual National Award called ‘Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar – 2026’ to recognize the excellent work done by individuals and institutions in the field of Disaster Management.
The application for the award for the year 2026 has been invited. The application can be filled online through the website of https://awards.gov.in for applying for Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar for the year 2026. Link is also available in the website of A&N Administration (https://andaman.gov.in) and Directorate of Disaster Management (https://ddm.andaman.gov.in). Last date for filling up of applications is 30.09.2025.

Zonal Agriculture Office, Diglipur Conducts Hands-on Training on Vermicomposting for Women’s Cooperative

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Diglipur, Apr 27: In a significant move to empower rural women and promote sustainable agriculture, the Zonal Agriculture Office, Diglipur organized a Hands-on Training programme on Vermicomposting for the members of the Agro Women Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd., V.S.Pally today. The training was held at the Multipurpose Farm, Keralapuram, with the aim of building technical skills and encouraging income-generating agricultural practices among women.
The Agro Women Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd., comprising 15 proactive women members, is currently in the process of registration. The group is formed to involve actively in agricultural ventures, particularly, the production and sale of vermicompost, a key organic input that enhances soil fertility and supports eco-friendly farming.
The training programme commenced with a welcome address by Mrs. Seena Pillai, Agriculture Officer (I/c), Diglipur, who highlighted the importance of women’s participation in agriculture and urged the members to work collectively towards becoming a self-sustaining and market-ready enterprise. Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, Agriculture Assistant, led the practical session.

Tentative Sailing Programme of the Vessel MV Nalanda & MV Campbell Bay

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 SCHEDULE OF MV NALANDA
ARRIVAL DAY PORT DEPARTURE DAY VOY.

NO

 TIME

(in Hrs)

 REMARKS
— — SRI VIJAYA PURAM 04.05.2025 SUN 0900 via Nancowry &  Campbell Bay
08.05.2025 THU CHENNAI 11.05.2025 SUN 1600 Campbell Bay & Nancowry
15.05.2025 THU SRI VIJAYA PURAM — — — —
 SCHEDULE OF MV CAMPBELL BAY
ARRIVAL DAY PORT DEPARTURE DAY VOY.

NO

 TIME

(in Hrs)

 REMARKS
— — SRI VIJAYA PURAM 05.05.2025 MON 1000
08.05.2025 THU VIZAG 10.05.2025 SAT 1600
13.05.2025 TUE SRI VIJAYA PURAM — — — —

 

All sailings are subject to weather conditions. The Directorate of Shipping Services will not bear any responsibility for any losses due to changes in the program.

Advance reservation of passenger tickets for the above sailings will commence as per the following dates mentioned below:

CHENNAI : 30.04.2025 (WEDNESDAY)

VIZAG       : 03.05.2025 (SATURDAY)

Passengers tickets can be booked online through the DSS e-ticketing portal (https://dss.andaman.gov.in/eticketing and also from STARS Ticketing Counters from  9.00 AM to 04.00 PM.

Note:   Schedule sailing for Kolkata shall be announced soon, tentative sailing will be between 09 May, 2025 to 14 May, 2025.

The vessel MV Swaraj Dweep is expected to be operational shortly. Once confirmed, further sailing schedule for May, 2025 in the Mainland Island Sector  will be announced.

 

 

Comprehensive Road Accident Mock Drill Conducts near Sippighat GMS

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Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr 27: A comprehensive mock drill simulating a road accident scenario was successfully conducted yesterday near Sippighat Government Middle School by Directorate of Disaster Management as per 2nd Quarter Mock Drill Calendar – 2025. The exercise was a collaborative effort involving the Transport Department, District Administration, Police, Fire Services, Health Department and Electricity Department.
The drill was aimed at testing the preparedness and coordination among various emergency response agencies in the event of a real-life road accident. The simulated scenario involved a staged collision between STS Bus and Electric Pole, followed by mock injuries, crowd management, fire hazards, and power disruption.
Officials from the Resource Departments closely monitored the sequence of actions taken by each Department. The Police managed traffic and ensured security of the area, while the Fire Department demonstrated swift response in extinguishing the simulated fire. Health personnel provided on-the-spot medical aid and coordinated the mock evacuation of the injured to nearby hospitals. The Electricity Department played a crucial role in handling the mock power line disruption safely.
The observers of the drill appreciated the coordinated efforts of all Departments during debriefing session held in Govt. Middle School, Sippighat and emphasized the importance of such drills in building a robust disaster response system.