Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 18 July 2023
Mr Vishal Jolly, National Executive Member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Former State President BJP-ANI, has recently addressed several pressing concerns in a letter to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration. Jolly raised important issues pertaining to the development and well-being of Car Nicobar, emphasizing the urgent need for attention and resolution.
One of the major concerns highlighted in the letter is the dire state of the septic tanks in approximately 4000 permanent shelters on the island. With over 15 years having passed since their construction, the septic tanks have been overflowing, especially during the monsoon season, posing serious health hazards to the community. Jolly requested the provision of a tank lorry for regular cleaning to alleviate this issue.
Another significant issue addressed by Jolly is the need for the construction of the Kimuos RCC Bridge. The original bridge, which connected the island through the circular road, was destroyed during the devastating tsunami of 2004. A temporary bailey bridge was erected in 2006 to facilitate the movement of villagers, but it collapsed in 2015, causing many villages to become disconnected. Jolly emphasized the detrimental impact on daily activities, including the cancellation of the inter Men & Women Village Cycle Race competition organized by the Nicobar Athletic Association. He urged the appropriate authorities to prioritize the construction of a new RCC Bridge to address this pressing matter.
Jolly also brought attention to the delay in commencing work on the sea wall at Mus. During his visit to Car Nicobar in December 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sanctioned an amount of Rs. 49 Crore for the first phase of the project. However, the work is yet to begin. Jolly mentioned that experts from IITs were called in to conduct a spot inspection and submit a feasibility report for the project, including dredging inside the harbor area to ensure safe maneuvering and berthing for ships arriving at Car Nicobar’s Mus Port.
The retaining wall constructed at Teetop, near the fish landing area, was also highlighted as an area of concern. Due to the impact of waves, some sections of the wall have been damaged, leading to flooding of the main road with seawater during high tide. This poses a significant inconvenience for commuters and vehicles passing through, as it is the only road connecting far-flung villages such as Sawai and Arong on the circular road.
Jolly drew attention to the urgent repair, maintenance, widening, and resurfacing required for the State Highway Road, also known as the Circular Road. This road serves as the only lifeline connecting all 15 villages on the island, and its current condition is hindering various community activities. Specific areas in need of attention include the road from the Tsunami Memorial to Mus Jetty, the road from the Tsunami Memorial to Sawai village, and the road from Arong Junction to the Head Quarter via Kimuos.
In addition, Jolly highlighted the absence of regular Superintendent Engineer and Executive Engineer in the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD) and the Electricity Department, which hampers developmental works, repair and renovation projects, and the posting and transfer of officials and staff. He stressed the need for the appointment of regular Superintendent Engineers and Executive Engineers in both departments to ensure effective supervision and smooth operation.
Furthermore, Jolly pointed out that several schools in Car Nicobar are currently without principals or headmasters/headmistresses. This lack of leadership hampers the effective administration of education in these schools, and he urged the authorities to address this issue promptly.
Addressing basic necessities, Jolly emphasized the need for street lights on the main roads and village interior roads throughout the Nicobar district, particularly in the 15 villages of Car Nicobar. Access to proper street lighting is vital for the safety and convenience of residents.
Lastly, Jolly highlighted the delay in commencing the construction of a Civil Helipad at the proposed site in Kakana. The Tribal Council of Car Nicobar surrendered the site approximately 2 to 3 years ago, but the work on the helipad has yet to begin.
As Jolly’s letter draws attention to these critical issues, it is expected that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration will take swift action to address the concerns raised and work towards the development and welfare of Car Nicobar and its inhabitants.