Rohit Kumar
Port Blair, 20 December 2023
The Chairman of the ANTCC Campaign Committee, Mr. TSG Bhasker, has brought crucial concerns regarding various challenges faced by the tribal community residing in Car Nicobar Island to the attention of the Chief Secretary of the A&N Administration. In a detailed letter submitted on Tuesday, Bhasker highlighted several pressing issues that demand immediate action and resolution.
The foremost concern raised in the letter was regarding the prolonged delay in the completion of the sea wall construction near the Mus Jetty. Bhasker emphasized the exacerbating problem of soil erosion, noting a significant reduction in the draft around the jetty. He pointed out the hindrance faced by vessels due to the low draft, affecting their ability to berth and un-berth at the Mus Jetty.
Secondly, Bhasker highlighted the deplorable state of passenger facilities at the Mus Jetty, emphasizing the urgent need for improvements in amenities such as passenger sheds, seating facilities, and toilets.
The deteriorating condition of roads in Car Nicobar was another crucial issue addressed in the letter. Bhasker attributed the damage to heavy vehicles with substantial loads passing through the defence area. He proposed the allocation of alternative land near the defence area for the construction of a temporary jetty to ease cargo unloading, citing the current hardship faced by passenger ships due to pontoons at the jetty.
The acute shortage of teachers in essential subjects like Maths, Science, Social Science, English, and Hindi was highlighted as a major challenge affecting both students and educators in Car Nicobar. Bhasker urged the Chief Secretary to devise strategies to encourage the tribal population to attend school.
Additionally, Bhasker expressed concern over the lack of maintenance of septic tanks built after the 2004 Tsunami for solid waste disposal. He emphasised the health risks posed by the overflowing septic tanks, particularly during the rainy season, and stressed the need for immediate cleaning and maintenance.
Addressing healthcare inadequacies, Bhasker pointed out the shortage of nurses and ward boys at the District Hospital of Car Nicobar. He also highlighted the lack of operators for crucial medical equipment like the X-ray and Ultrasound machines.
Concluding the letter, Bhasker thanked the Chief Secretary for expediting recruitment processes in various departments but raised concerns about high cutoff marks hindering the filling of numerous positions, including those in the Police Force. He urged the reconsideration of cutoff marks to facilitate tribal employment opportunities.
The comprehensive letter from the ANTCC Campaign Committee Chairman underscores the multifaceted challenges faced by the tribal population in Car Nicobar, urging prompt and strategic interventions from the A&N Administration to address these pressing issues.