Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 18 March 2025
The PRI Members from Laxmi Nagar Gram Panchayat of Great Nicobar Island has formally submitted a list of critical grievances affecting residents of multiple villages under its jurisdiction to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, along with various key officials of the administration. The Panchayat has also warned of protests and a hunger strike if corrective action is not taken within fifteen days.
The memorandum highlights several pressing issues faced by the residents of various villages, urging immediate government intervention. The key grievances include:
1. Frequent Power Outages Due to Old Electric Cables
The villagers have been facing persistent power interruptions due to old and worn-out electric cables that have not been replaced since installation. Despite assurances from authorities, only a portion of the new cables has been received at Campbell Bay. The Gram Panchayat demands the immediate replacement of the entire stretch of outdated cables to ensure a stable power supply.
2. Delayed Construction of Rural Roads
Two key rural road projects in Vijay Nagar, sanctioned years ago, have not yet commenced due to bureaucratic delays and lack of cooperation from the concerned technical divisions. The affected roads are vital for farmers and residents, providing access to homes and agricultural lands. The Gram Panchayat insists that construction must begin without further delay.
3. Urgent Issuance of Earth Permits
Development activities in Great Nicobar are being hampered due to the non-formation of a committee responsible for issuing earth permits. The Panchayat stresses the need for immediate action to enable smooth progress of essential infrastructure projects.
4. Deterioration of North-South Road
A significant portion of the North-South Road, particularly between ‘0’ Point and 9.50 Km, and 28 Km to 35 Km, is in dire condition, affecting daily commuters. Responsibility for road maintenance is currently divided between APWD and BRO, but neither agency has taken steps to address the issue. The Gram Panchayat demands urgent repairs to prevent further inconvenience and potential accidents.
5. Non-Functional Ambulance at PHC Gandhi Nagar
The only ambulance serving PHC Gandhi Nagar has been out of order due to a lack of spare parts and mechanics. Repeated appeals for repair or replacement have gone unanswered. The Panchayat demands a fully functional ambulance to cater to emergency medical needs.
6. Growing Monkey Menace Threatens Livelihoods
Villagers have raised concerns over an increasing population of monkeys causing extensive damage to coconut and other crops. Due to legal protections under Schedule A of the Forest Act, locals cannot take action against the animals. The Gram Panchayat requests that forest personnel be deployed to relocate the monkeys to suitable uninhabited islands.
7. Unfavourable Inter-Island Shipping Schedule
The current inter-island ship schedule is reportedly inconvenient for the public. The Panchayat suggests revising the schedule.
8. Delays in Greenfield International Airport Project
Residents of Gandhi Nagar and Shastri Nagar remain in uncertainty regarding their rehabilitation due to the proposed Greenfield International Airport. With no clear communication from authorities, villagers are unsure whether to continue farming or prepare for displacement. The Gram Panchayat urges transparency and expedited execution of the project with proper rehabilitation measures.
9. Land Allocation for Community Development
Development projects are stalled due to delays in issuing land allotments and No Objection Certificates (NOCs). The Panchayat urges concerned authorities to expedite the approval process to enable timely implementation of projects.
10. Irregular LPG Supply
Villagers are facing acute shortages of LPG cylinders, making cooking difficult. The Gram Panchayat demands that each consumer receives at least one cylinder every two months to ensure regular supply.
11. Retention of Work Order System for Cooperative Societies
The administration’s move to discontinue the work order system for cooperative societies has raised concerns among rural unemployed youths who depend on it for livelihood. The Panchayat insists that the current system be continued to provide employment opportunities for locals.
12. Increased Funding for MGNREGA and Rural Roads
A reduction in MGNREGA funding has severely impacted employment opportunities and development in villages. The Panchayat calls for additional allocations to sustain rural employment and road construction projects.
13. Demand for Additional STS Buses
Residents have requested two additional STS buses to improve public transportation along the North-South route. The Panchayat has made repeated appeals for these buses, which are essential for daily commuters.
14. Extension of Low-Tension (LT) Power Lines
Farmers residing in interior villages lack access to electricity due to the absence of LT power lines. The Panchayat urges authorities to extend LT lines to provide necessary power connections.
The PRI Members warned that if no action or response is received within fifteen days, PRI members and villagers will stage indefinite hunger strikes and road blockades at Campbell Bay. The villagers assert that they have exhausted all avenues of communication and will escalate their agitation if their grievances continue to be ignored.
The letter is signed by Leela Bathi, Zilla Parishad Member of Laxmi Nagar Constituency, Prahlad Singh, Pradhan of GP Laxmi Nagar, Sarpanch Mr. S. Ayyappan, Up-Pradhan Mr. Sandeep Kalyan, Up-Sarpanch Mr. Paulina Kerketta, and other elected representatives of the Laxmi Nagar Gram Panchayat, reflecting the collective demand for immediate government intervention.