Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 19 September 2024
The recent renaming of Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram has sparked debate among residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, prompting questions about how the decision was made. In response, the Secretary (Art and Culture) of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Mr. Vishwendra, DANICS, clarified the process in an exclusive interaction with Nicobar Times.
Speaking to Nicobar Times, Mr. Vishwendra confirmed that the renaming was done strictly according to established procedure. He explained that a formal committee, created in 2013 by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, is responsible for naming and renaming islands, places, roads etc. This committee consists of 16 members, including public representatives such as the Member of Parliament, the Chairperson of the Port Blair Municipal Council (PBMC), the Adhyaksh/Adhyaksha of both Zilla Parishads (South Andaman and North & Middle Andaman), the Chairman of the Tribal Council, and a distinguished citizen nominated by the Lieutenant Governor, along with other members and officials.
Out of the 16 members, 15 approved the proposal to rename Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram, while one member abstained from signing and refused to give his consent. Following this, the Lieutenant Governor gave his approval, and the file was forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs, which granted the necessary approval on 13 September 2024. A Gazette Notification was then issued by the administration, formalising the name change.
Mr. Vishwendra highlighted that the same procedure was followed in previous renaming efforts, including Havelock Island to Swaraj Dweep, Neil Island to Shaheed Dweep, and Ross Island to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep. The procedure was also used in 2022 when 21 uninhabited islands in the union territory were named after Param Vir Chakra awardees.
Addressing the concerns of some residents, he emphasized that there is no requirement in the procedure for a referendum or public consultation when renaming places. Instead, public representatives, who are part of the committee, act on behalf of the community’s interests.
The process was carried out with the utmost care and adherence to the established rules, Mr. Vishwendra assured.