Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 28 December 2022
Mr. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Member, BJP & Former State President, BJP, Andaman and Nicobar Islands has written a letter to the Chief Secretary, A & N Administration informing him of the issues related to shipping, which is seriously affecting the lives of people residing in the Southern Groups of Islands, especially Nancowry Group of Islands.
Mr. Vishal Jolly in his letter mentioned that he was recently on a tour to different Islands of the Nicobar District. He added that two boats M.V Galathia and M.V Barren which were used for transporting passengers between different Islands of the Nancowry Group are out of service due to their poor & pathetic condition. He also mentioned that no vehicle ferry or ferry boats are now available for transportation between different Islands of the Nancowry Group.
Mr. Jolly also mentioned that new vessels like M.V Nalanda and M.V Sindhu are not berthing at Katchal Jetty although facilities are available for smooth berthing at Katchal.
Mr. Jolly also pointed out that good vessels are not used for providing services to the Southern Group of Islands and the sailing of ships are usually irregular.
Mr. Vishal Jolly also mentioned that the Tribals residing in the Nicobar Group of Islands require the facility to transport cattle from one Island to another and at present, there are no ships/boats with the facility to transport cattle.
Mr. Jolly demanded that at least one ferry and one vehicle ferry boat should be provided on an urgent basis for the residents of the Nancowry Group of Islands. He also requested that new and good conditioned vessels like Sindhu and Nalanda should berth at Katchal while sailing to the Southern Group of Islands.
He also demanded that all port sailing for the Southern Group of Islands should be scheduled at least thrice a month and vessels such as Sindhu and Nalanda should be used for all port sailings.
Mr. Jolly also requested that service for transporting cattle between the Islands of the Nicobar District should be made available by modifying old vessels or by purchasing new vessels. He also requested that Speed Boat should be scheduled every alternate day for travel between Kamorta and Katchal.
He requested the Chief Secretary to sort out the issues at the earliest in the interest of the welfare of the residents.