Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 18 July 2022
Mr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Zilla Parishad Member, Govind Nagar (Campbell Bay) has written a letter to the authorities of Andaman and Nicobar Administration and requested them to do away with the requirement of RT-PCR testing for travel to Great Nicobar.
In his letter, Mr. Sanjay has explained to the authorities that the passengers travelling from Port Blair to Campbell Bay are suffering a lot because of the current procedure being implemented for travel.
He informed the authorities that the residents currently have to first visit the DC Office at Port Blair and apply for travelling to Campbell Bay. Many people remain uncertain whether their name will be included in the list of passengers for the current sailing. Then the passengers have to visit the Testing Centre near Netaji Stadium on the date of testing and stand in queue for testing.
He added, the passengers on the day of the sailing have to reach Haddo Jetty and wait for the COVID Testing List to be pasted. They need to note their Serial Number mentioned in the list on the copy of their ID card before proceeding inside the gate. Then they have to show the photocopy of their ID proof and get a seal on their ID Proof. Then the need to stand in the queue at the Ticket Counter at the Passenger Terminal to get a ticket. Until the last minute the passengers are uncertain of the class of tickets they will get.
Mr. Sanjay also mentioned that there have been many complaints that the staff at the ticketing counter at the passenger terminal sells cabin and deluxe tickets to only those passengers who are known to them.
Mr. Sanjay explained that the entire process for travelling from Port Blair to Campbell Bay is very tiring for the passengers. The passengers have to face a lot of difficulties and during inclement weather like heavy rain, the passengers get completely drenched.
He also listed out several discrepancies which defeats the entire purpose of conducting RT-PCR tests before travel to Great Nicobar.
He informed the authorities that the general public, elected representatives and political leaders of Great Nicobar are of the view that the current procedure implemented for travel from Port Blair to Great Nicobar is unwarranted and it serves no purpose.
He requested the authorities to do away with the requirement of RT-PCR for travel to Campbell Bay from Port Blair. He also requested that the ship tickets be issued from STARS Ticketing counter for the convenience of the general public.