Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 15 July 2023
Mr. E S Rajesh, Pramukh of Panchayat Samiti, Campbell Bay, and Mr. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, recently called on Mr. Keshav Chandra, Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss pressing issues and demands concerning the residents of Great Nicobar Island.
During the interaction, one of the main concerns raised was the operation of old and unsafe buses on the routes of Great Nicobar by the State Transport Department. The gravity of the situation was emphasised, prompting the Chief Secretary to take immediate action. He assured that two new buses, whose facelift has been completed, would be promptly dispatched to Campbell Bay via the next available cargo ship. This step aims to enhance the safety and comfort of public transportation on the Island.
The issue of non-procurement of Copra at Minimum Support Price (MSP) was also brought to the Chief Secretary’s attention. In response, he informed the delegation that the procurement of Copra at MSP would commence from July 24, 2023. This decision is expected to address the concerns of Copra farmers and ensure fair pricing for their produce.
Furthermore, the dilapidated condition of the North-South Road and the tender exclusion for the road section stretching from 29 km to 35 km were discussed. The Chief Secretary acknowledged the urgency of the matter and pledged to allocate the necessary funds to the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD) for the repair of the road sections that were omitted from the existing tenders. The beautification of Campbell Bay from Low Point to Magar Nallah was also discussed. This step aims to improve connectivity and infrastructure on the Island.
During the meeting, various other demands were raised, including the need for containerised cargo services on Sindhu and Nalanda, the allowance of land conversion for commercial use, and the installation of new Aerial Bunched Cables for the Electricity Department.
The Chief Secretary attentively listened to all the demands and assured the delegation that their concerns would be addressed and fulfilled in the near future.
It is expected that concrete steps will be taken to address the raised concerns, enhancing the quality of life and infrastructure on the Island. The meeting reflects the collaborative efforts between the local representatives and the administration to create a positive impact on the lives of the residents of Great Nicobar Island.