Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 23 August 2025
Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman of the Campaign Committee of the Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), has urged the A&N Administration to take immediate steps to resolve several long-pending issues affecting the tribal population of Car Nicobar Island.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, Mr. Bhasker highlighted the incomplete construction of the sea wall near Mus Jetty, which he said has caused severe soil erosion and reduced draft, making vessel operations unsafe. He also drew attention to the deteriorating road conditions on the island, attributing the damage to the frequent movement of heavy vehicles engaged in defence operations. To ease the burden on the existing road network, he suggested earmarking alternative land near the defence zone for a temporary jetty, allowing direct cargo unloading.
Calling for urgent repairs and infrastructure upgrades at Mus Jetty, Mr. Bhasker further raised public health concerns due to unmaintained septic tanks in permanent-tsunami shelters.
He pointed out the frequent shortage of essential fuels such as LPG, petrol, and diesel, caused mainly by irregular shipping services. Criticising the poor condition of vessels like MV Sentinel, he recommended deploying more reliable ships, including MV Nalanda and MV Sindhu, on crucial routes between Sri Vijaya Puram to Car Nicobar, and Campbell Bay.
On the education front, Mr. Bhasker said that tribal pass restrictions make it difficult for parents to visit Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) on the island. He called for a streamlined system or a liaison point to ensure smoother communication between parents and school authorities.
The ANTCC leader also flagged the acute shortage and poor condition of government quarters, where staff are often compelled to share accommodation, leading to reluctance among officials to accept postings to the island. He described the condition of BJR Hospital as another major concern, citing the absence of specialist doctors, diagnostic services, and even basic facilities like X-ray and ultrasound equipment.
Mr. Bhasker appealed to the Chief Secretary to personally intervene and ensure swift administrative action. He stressed that timely redressal of these critical issues is essential to safeguard the welfare, rights, and dignity of the indigenous communities of Car Nicobar.
