Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 15 February 2025
Residents of Baratang in North and Middle Andaman are grappling with severe dust pollution due to the unpaved stretches of National Highway-4, as delays in construction continue to impact daily life. With worsening conditions during the dry season, locals are now gearing up for a protest to demand immediate action.
Senior BJP leader and ex-serviceman G. Kurma Rao, a resident of Baratang, highlighted the persistent nature of the problem. Speaking to Nicobar Times, he stated that dust pollution has been a recurring issue for years, especially during dry spells, and despite previous complaints, no concrete measures have been taken.
“The situation has once again become unbearable, particularly in residential areas like Jetty to Oralkatcha School, Lodazig, Adazig, and several other parts of Baratang,” he said.
Mr. Rao further revealed that he, along with many others, is experiencing serious health issues due to prolonged exposure to dust. Frustrated with the inaction, he has now warned of a Chakka Jam (road blockade) protest in Baratang if authorities fail to address the issue.
Taking to social media platform X, he announced plans to initiate the protest from 18th February 2025, demanding an immediate resolution to the crisis.
The common people of Baratang are suffering very badly from dust polution (NH-4) since long back especially in Oralkatcha area. If this dust polution is not stopped at once, then we will be constrained to do CHAKKA JAAM from 18/02/2025@nhidclropb @DC_NMAndaman @SP_NMAndaman
— G.Kurma Rao🇮🇳 भारत (@GKurmaRao5) February 15, 2025
With growing discontent among residents and potential disruptions looming, all eyes are now on the authorities to see if corrective measures will be taken before the situation escalates.