Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 18 October 2021
Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Member of Parliament, Andaman and Nicobar Islands today requested the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration to withdraw the seven-day quarantine rule for those travelling to Great Nicobar Island. He also requested the Chief Secretary to schedule a passenger ship with cargo or a cargo ship for Great Nicobar Island as soon as possible to transport the essential commodities to the Island.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, A & N Administration the Member of Parliament mentioned that he has been informed by the residents of Great Nicobar Island that at present the District Administration of Nicobar District has mandated the seven-day long quarantine rule for all incoming passengers, while in all the other places of this Union Territory the seven-day quarantine system has already been withdrawn.
Member of Parliament in his letter had further mentioned that at present almost 100 per cent of Islanders have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and a large number of people have also received their second doses of COVID-19 vaccine. He added that considering the vaccination status of the Islands, the period of quarantine has been reduced or withdrawn in all other Islands but for unknown reasons, people are being quarantined for 7 days in Great Nicobar. He mentioned that the 7-day quarantine for incoming passengers at Great Nicobar is causing unnecessary problems for the residents and it is also reducing the overall efficiency of the Govt. Departments.
MP also informed that at present there is a shortage of potatoes, onions, tomatoes and eggs in Great Nicobar due to the delay in the transfer of cargo from Port Blair to Campbell Bay.
MP requested the Chief Secretary to remove the requirement of 7-day quarantine for the incoming passengers at Great Nicobar and he also requested the Chief Secretary to schedule a ship with cargo for the Island.