Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 28 September 2023
In a bid to address the recent closure of Yeretta Jetty in the Middle Andaman region, Member of Parliament for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, engaged in a crucial discussion with the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration recently. The closure of Yeretta Jetty due to safety concerns has raised alarm bells, with Mr. Sharma highlighting the immense importance of the jetty in the daily lives of the residents of Long Island.
Yeretta Jetty has long served as a lifeline for the transportation needs of the local community, facilitating the movement of residents, cargo transportation, and the operation of small dinghies and fiber boats, all of which are integral to the local economy.
Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma underscored the strategic significance of Yeretta Jetty, which is the nearest point of access to Long Island Jetty compared to the alternative option, Rangat Bay Jetty. He expressed concerns about the decision to redirect ferry and other small boat services to Rangat Bay Jetty as a safety measure, explaining that this redirection not only substantially extends travel time but also exposes Long Island residents to the inherent risks of navigating open sea routes, particularly during emergencies when using dinghies or fiber boats.
In light of these pressing concerns, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma implored the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to step in and address the situation promptly. He specifically requested the Chief Secretary to consider the installation of either a floating jetty or a pontoon adjacent to Yeretta Jetty as a minimum measure. Such an initiative would ensure uninterrupted and secure transportation between the Yeretta Jetty area and Long Island, particularly during critical situations and emergencies.
During their meeting, the Chief Secretary assured the Member of Parliament of the administration’s commitment to the issue, pledging to provide a floating jetty or place a pontoon near Yeretta Jetty at the earliest convenience.