Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 13 October 2025
Expressing deep sorrow and concern, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has strongly condemned administrative negligence following the tragic death of Mr. Barun Mazumder, a resident of Dharmapur under Shivapuram Gram Panchayat. Mazumder lost his life on 5th October 2025 after being swept away by floodwaters while returning home.
Mr. Ray highlighted that this marks the 15th fatality at the same location over the years due to the absence of a proper bridge over Loukhi Nallah in Mayabunder Tehsil. “The continued silence and inaction of the Administration, despite repeated incidents, reflect a complete collapse of governance, indiscipline, and insensitivity toward human life,” the MP stated.
He expressed shock that no senior officials, including the Deputy Commissioner or other local officers, have visited the bereaved family or offered condolences. “Such heartless behaviour tarnishes the image of the Administration and damages the credibility of the Modi Government, which stands for transparency, compassion, and accountability,” he added.
Recalling his previous tenure (2014–2019), Mr. Ray noted that a steel bridge at Loukhi Nallah had already been sanctioned and materials were on-site. However, the then Deputy Commissioner unilaterally cancelled the work and proposed an RCC bridge without proper authority or approval, causing indefinite delays and contributing to repeated fatalities.
The MP further revealed that a revised estimate of ₹6.02 crore for the RCC bridge was prepared by the APWD, but the project remains stalled due to pending land clearance for the approach road. Despite multiple follow-ups during review meetings and site visits in May and September 2025, no progress has been made.
Mr. Ray also criticized the Administration’s functioning, alleging that most official visits to remote areas are limited to guesthouse meetings and photo opportunities, without proper field inspections or interaction with affected citizens. He pointed to similar issues across the Islands, including poor rural roads, drinking water shortages, vacancies in schools, collapsing healthcare and agriculture systems, and mismanagement in shipping and fisheries services, which have fuelled widespread public dissatisfaction.
Warning of potential law and order problems if neglect continues, Mr. Ray demanded immediate action, including:
- Compensation and ex-gratia relief for the family of late Mr. Barun Mazumder.
- Accountability for officers responsible for cancelling the sanctioned bridge work and delaying the RCC bridge proposal.
- Immediate sanction of funds and land clearance for the ₹6.02 crore Loukhi Nallah bridge project.
- Temporary crossing arrangements (wooden bridge) at Loukhi Nallah to ensure public safety until the permanent bridge is completed.
- Mandatory field visits by departmental Secretaries to assess ground realities and address long-standing grievances.
“The people of these Islands are losing faith in the Administration due to continuous neglect. It is time to restore confidence by ensuring justice, accountability, and prompt action,” Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray concluded.
