Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 08 October 2023
Mr. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and former State President of BJP-ANI, expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar (A & N) Administration and the Chief Port Administrator of the Port Management Board (PMB) for their swift response to his plea to provide immediate relief to the residents of Long Island.
In an act of remarkable efficiency and compassion, the A & N Administration and PMB promptly acted on Mr. Jolly’s request, implementing alternative arrangements to alleviate the hardships faced by the people of Long Island. These measures have not only eased the daily lives of the residents but have also ensured the continuity of the supply chain for essential materials.
The response came after Mr. Jolly urgently called for the restoration of ferry services between Long Island and Yeratta, citing a critical issue that had disrupted the daily lives of Long Island residents. The matter had escalated following a “WARNING NOTICE” issued by the Port Management Board on September 21, 2023. The notice abruptly ordered the cessation of all operations at Yeratta Jetty, leading to a complete halt in shipping and related activities at the jetty.
One significant step taken in response to Mr. Jolly’s plea was the deployment of a pontoon at Yerrata Jetty on October 6, 2023. This action has already begun to provide crucial relief, especially for school children and patients who depend on ferry services for their transportation needs. It is evident that positive and swift measures are being implemented to restore normalcy to the lives of Long Island residents.
Mr. Jolly’s concern over the repercussions of the sudden halt in ferry services was palpable. The ferry boats served as the primary means of transportation between Long Island and Yeratta, making them vital for daily life and commerce in the region. With the alternative arrangements now in place, hope is restored for the people of Long Island as they regain access to the services and supplies they rely on.
This timely response by the A & N Administration and PMB reflects a commitment to the well-being and livelihoods of the residents of Long Island. Mr. Jolly and the affected community are appreciative of the government’s immediate attention to their pressing needs.