Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 24 August 2024
Continuing the community outreach efforts under the “Jan-Samvaad” initiative, SP South Andaman, Ms. Niharika Bhatt, IPS, visited the Collinpur Gram Panchayat on August 23, 2024. The visit included a tree plantation ceremony organized by the Gram Panchayat, followed by a crucial interactive session with members of the local fishermen community.
During the session, the fishermen voiced various concerns related to their daily activities, highlighting the challenges they face in their livelihood. The SP listened attentively and assured them of support in addressing these issues.
Following this, Ms. Bhatt visited PS Ograbraj, where she engaged in a broader discussion with local leaders and representatives. Attendees included Mr. Sharfuddin, Up-Adhyaksh of Zilla Parishad South Andaman; Mr. V.K. Abdul Aziz, Zilla Parishad Member (ZPM) of Brindaban; Ms. Parmila, ZPM of Chouldari; Ms. Anulekha, Samiti Member of Collinpur; Mr. Rafique, Samiti Member of Mithakhari; Mr. Salamat, Samiti Member of Tusnabad; Mr. Anand Amrit Raj, Pradhan of GP Tusnabad; Mr. Venket, Pradhan of GP Namunaghar; Ms. Sujata Singh, Pradhan of GP Collinpur; Ms. Geetanjali, Sarpanch of GP Tusnabad; Mr. S. Pandian, Sarpanch of GP Chouldari; Ms. Tapasi Saha, Pradhan of Chouldari; Ms. Naseem Banu, Pradhan of GP Brindaban, along with other PRI members from the Ograbraj jurisdiction.
The meeting focused on the unique challenges faced by the residents of Ograbraj, who live at the boundary of the Jarawa Reserve Areas. This proximity poses significant challenges for both the local community and the police, particularly in ensuring the security and protection of both the residents and the Jarawas.
Key issues discussed during the meeting included traffic regulation during school hours, the need for increased police visibility, the promotion of sports among the youth, and the safety of women. The discussion also emphasized the importance of better coordination with the police department and the launch of awareness campaigns to educate the youth about the dangers of social ills such as drug abuse, alcoholism, crimes against women and children, and suicide prevention.
This meeting is part of a series of community outreach initiatives led by the South Andaman Police under the “Jan-Samvaad” banner. The initiative aims to foster cooperation and build a strong relationship between the police and the citizens of South Andaman, ensuring that the voices of the community are heard and their concerns addressed.