Sri Vijaya Puram | January 29, 2026
Tarun Karthick
The Joint Action Telugu Community, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, a non-political organization, has raised serious objections to an alleged illegal construction undertaken by the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council (SVPMC) on land earmarked for the only Hindu graveyard in Sri Vijaya Puram, and the subsequent move to lease out the building for running a restaurant-cum-bar.
In a representation submitted to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor at Lok Niwas on January 29, the organization stated that the construction was carried out on graveyard land despite multiple objections and complaints raised earlier by Hindu communities, associations, and citizens through social and news media platforms, as well as formal representations to authorities.
According to the Joint Action Telugu Community, it was earlier conveyed that the construction was meant exclusively for graveyard-related purposes. However, the organization alleged that the SVPMC later floated an e-tender to lease out the constructed building to operate a restaurant-cum-bar on Foreshore Road (Phoenix Bay to Chatham), near Megapode Junction. The tender reportedly opened for bidding on January 3, 2026, with the last date of submission on January 27, 2026.
Expressing strong concern, the organization emphasized that graveyards are sacred spaces meant for mourning, remembrance, and religious observances, and leasing out a structure on such land for commercial activities, particularly a bar, would be highly disrespectful to cultural and religious sentiments. The move, it warned, could lead to widespread unrest among the Hindu community.
The Joint Action Telugu Community has urged the Lieutenant Governor to intervene and direct the withdrawal or cancellation of the e-tender. It has also sought a proper inquiry into the construction undertaken by the SVPMC on the graveyard land to ascertain the facts and fix responsibility.
Copies of the representation have also been forwarded to the Hon’ble Member of Parliament for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and the Chief Secretary of the A&N Administration for information and necessary action.
