Lt. Governor inaugurates Online Building plan Approval system

Port Blair, Oct.21: The Lt. Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency, Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.) has inaugurated Online Building plan Approval System (OBPAS) to bring the transparency and accountability in the building plan approval system. OBPAS simplifies the procedures and streamline the processes so as to enhance 'Ease of Doing Business' in construction permits and thereby attracting better investment opportunities. It is one of the best practices adopted under Port Blair Smart City initiatives.

As on date, PBMC approves building plans manually and it takes closely two to three months' time. With the OBPAS platform, henceforth, all building plans will be sanctioned within 15 days.

OBPAS is developed as an end to end automated solution, wherein no human intervention is required at any stage and thus saves substantial amount of time and resources of PBMC. Registered architects or users can verify the status of submitted building plan approvals through online and would give clear picture of file movements at the various levels.

Concubine weakens bond

TMI Bureau

Port Blair, Oct 23: Apart from rising prostitution at various locations in A&N Islands, another destructive relationship arises in the name of Concubines in the society. It is well known to the islanders that the influx of Bangladeshies in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands has affected a lot in many ways viz. they are encroaching land, consuming electricity and water, fearlessly. Experts believe that large number of people, suspected to be Bangladeshi, also has local documents.

But, now it can been seen destroying relationships in happy families in these Islands. A group of women alleges that, their relationship with their husbands are weakening due to the concubines (a woman who lives with a man but has lower status than his wife or wives) and their husbands used to neglect look after their wife and children and other family members. We have knocked every door from NGOs/ Women Welfare Associations to Govt. agencies for Women protection, but in vain.

Accordingly to reliable sources, some govt. servants in forces deny to enter their wives name into service book, because of the concubines. Consequently, the genuine dependents of the persons get affected in many ways.

In views of the drastic situation, it is high time to call for National Register of Citizenship (NRC) to check influx of foreigners in Andaman & Nicobar Islands to safeguard the interests of the residents being affected by migrants from Bangladesh.

Triangle love ended mysteriously; Police interrogation reveals story; two arrested

Port Blair, Oct 23: The A&N Police has solved a blind murder case and arrested two accused. A complaint about the missing of Eshan Dutta @ Subham, S/o Ashok Dutta (19 yrs), R/o Gurudwara Lane was reported at PS Aberdeen on Oct 13. After extensive search, gone through numerous CCTV cameras, door to door enquiries and combing operation of jungle, police could finally ascertain that the missing boy had gone in a white Wagon R car. The investigation team was able to pin point the person with whom the missing person was last seen. After, a thorough interrogation, the accused namely Sidharth Sharma (24 yrs), a boat operator in Water Sports Complex admitted to have dumped the dead body of the missing person in a pit near Chidyatapu. He had also tried to destroy evidences to hide his tracks. Further, preliminary interrogation revealed that the main accused was a young woman who was the girlfriend of the deceased and the reasons behind the murder appear to be love triangle and some differences between accused girl and deceased.

As per the version of the accused persons, the missing boy was killed by lacing his drinks with sleeping pill/ rat poison and the deceased collapsed, immediately after consumption, then the accused person tried to dump the body to cover the track. The investigation is in initial stage, facts and sequence of events and possible complexities of more persons involved in the crime in being investigated, the Police sources says.

Padauk thieves caught red handed at Korang Nallah Reserved Forest

Port Blair, Oct 23: Acting on a tip-off, the forest officials of the Middle Andaman Forest Division followed the foot trails of the accused into the Korang Nallah Reserved forest in a clandestine way by taking alternate but longer route to the crime.

Under the guidance of Shri SP Roy incharge-Range Officer Betapur, a team led by him included Shri NS Sandran, Forester, Shri Swapan Kumar Das, Mazdoor, Shri Susheel Minj, Mazdoor, Shri Nirmal Halder, Mazdoor and Shri Santosh Sarkar, Mazdoor have undertaken the operation. According to forest officials, upon reaching near the crime scene, the team discreetly noticed a Pit Saw Machan and two persons near it with a Padauk log lying on the machan, one of the accused was sharpening the pit saw at that time.

One of the accused namely Shri Gopal Roy, S/o. Late AC Roy was chased down and arrested on the spot. Whereas, the other accused Shri Jashmanta Halder, S/o- Shri Basanta Halder, R/o Pinakinagar managed to flee but was later apprehended from Jaipur Village, Betapur. Both the accused were arrested and a forest offence case was registered for violating the provisions of Indian Forest Act (IFA), 1927.

It is one of the major successful operations earned out by Middle Andaman Forest Division in which the culprits were caught red handed at the crime scene itself.

0.474 Cbm of Round logs of Padauk, 1 No. Pit saw, plastic rope (12mm)- 2pcs and Iron wedge - 02 Nos. were seized from the crime spot.

The DFO Middle Andaman has appealed to the general public to pass any credible and relevant information regarding illegal movement of timber or other forest produce to the nearest beat office/ Range office or on the below mentioned phone numbers so that the Forests of these beautiful Islands can be preserved for future generations.

DFO Office Rangat: 03192274210; R.O Rampur Range (Rangat): 03192- 274204; R.O Betapur Range: 03192-270103; R.O Bakultala Range : 03192- 277541; R.O Bajalungta Range (Kadamtala): 03192-267019; R.O Long Island Range : 03192-215960; R.O Mobile Squad Range : 03192-275353. The identity of the informer will be kept secret, a communication from DFO, Middle Andaman said here.

ANIIDCO proposes to set up eco-tourism resorts in Long, Aves, Smith Island and Shaheed Dweep on PPP mode

Port Blair, Oct 16: Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Limited (ANIIDCO) is a Government Undertaking of A&N Administration, incorporated under Companies Act, 1956. All the shares of the Corporation are owned by A&N Administration. ANIIDCO is managed by the Board of Directors nominated by the Lt. Governor. The annual turnover of the Corporation is Rs 379 crores for the year 2018-19.

ANIIDCO has contributed in sustainable development of the Islands since beginning through its entrepreneur action as follows:

ANIIDCO is operating seven IOC Retail Outlets at Junglighat, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Swaraj Dweep, Saheed Dweep, Hut Bay and Campbell Bay. ANIIDCO is also operating four Consumer Outlets in R.K. Pur, Little Andaman, Teressa, Katchal & Kamorta. ANIIDCO is in the process to open five new POL outlets at Baratang Island, Kadamtala, Billiground, Ferrargunj and Car Nicobar. 

ANIIDCO is running milk plant and sale milk and milk products at reasonable price after observing huge loss in the business.  ANIIDCO is collecting raw milk from the farmers of Shaheed Dweep and North & Middle Andaman after offering better price to enhance their livelihood and during the financial year 2018-19, 8,20,000  ltrs have been collected from the farmers.

ANIIDCO is operating Megapode Resort, Dolphin Resort, Hornbill Nest Resort, Waves Restaurant, Andaman Teal House and plans to operate other guest houses-Hawabill Nest at Shaheed Dweep, Hawksbill Nest at Rangat, Turtle Resort at Diglipur and V-Vet Guest House/Restaurant at Hut Bay through private sector participation.

ANIIDCO has rented out the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex at Marina Park to promote water sports and tourism activities.  A five star world class beach resort is being operated through Private Partner Taj Group in Swaraj Dweep. ANIIDCO is an approved IATA Air Ticketing Agency and offering package tours to various parts of the islands.

ANIIDCO has been appointed as Project Management Agency for implementation of Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects in A&N Islands under the aegis of Islands Development Agency (IDA) and supported by NITI Aayog. In the first phase, it is proposed to set up eco-tourism resort in Long, Aves, Smith Island and Shaheed Dweep on PPP mode. It is proposed to set up eco-tourism resorts having 220 rooms in Long Island, 120 rooms in Shaheed Dweep, 70 rooms in Smith Island and 50 rooms in Aves Island.  ANIIDCO is in the process of inviting bids for the projects.

In addition, 12 other projects have been identified for holistic development at Amkunj Beach, Rangat; Raman Baghicha Beach, Rangat; Karmatang Beach, Mayabunder; Kalipur Beach, Diglipur; Ramnagar Beach, Diglipur; Rutland island, South Andaman; North Bay, South Andaman; Goodwill Estate, Port Balir; Beodnabad; Flat Bay island near Chouldhari, South Andaman; Wright Myo Creek, Ferrargunj Tahsil and Buttler Bay & kalapather Beach at Little Andaman. NITI Aayog is in the process of appointing Consultant for implementation of the projects. These projects will boost the economy of these Islands and there will be paradigm shift in the profile in the hospitality industry in A&N Islands. 

ANIIDCO has been designated as a Financial Institution by Government of India. The C&F Division has provided financial assistance to industrial concerns for setting up technically and financially viable projects in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

ANIIDCO functions as the nodal agency for procurement and distribution of quality steel of SAIL to various Government Departments.  The General Public are also procuring quality steel at reasonable rate from ANIIDCO. 

ANIIDCO is supplying liquor throughout the Islands in 13 shops/outlets under exclusive licence from the A&N Administration.    

ANIIDCO has been appointed as nodal agency for setting up of Coconut & Coir Processing Project in the A&N Islands. Accordingly, ANIIDCO has appointed ITCOT Consultancy and Service Ltd., Chennai for preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) for setting up of Coconut and Coir Processing cluster in A&N Islands. Based on the DPR, decision would be taken for setting up of Coconut and Coir Processing Cluster on PPP mode. 

Based on the decision of A&N Administration, ANIIDCO is exploring the possibility of procuring stone aggregates from outside A&N Islands. 

ANIIDCO is committed to continuously improving its social responsibilities to make positive impact on society. ANIIDCO intended to create a positive footprint within the society to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Islanders by continually aligning its CSR activities to promote education, health, sanitation facilities, skill development and Rural Development projects by spending at least 2% of its profit before tax for each financial year. ANIIDCO is also aligning its business activities to have direct and indirect impact on society.

Contribution made by ANIIDCO towards CSR activities during the last five years as follows:

Financial Year     Amount (Rs in lakh)

2015-16                          51.14

2016-17                         54.46

2017-18                         58.17

2018-19                         65.00

2019-20                         76.00 (projected)

During the financial year 2018-19, ANIIDCO also provided financial relief to stranded tourist at Swaraj Dweep, a communication from said.

Mass tree plantation by ANMF under "Jal Shakti Abhiyan"

Port Blair, Oct 16: Leading with the example, the Andaman and Nicobar Media Federation (ANMF) on Oct 15, 2019 have organized a mass tree plantation under "JalSakthiAbhiyan". The venture was executed at Doordarshan Colony, Port Blair with the assistance of Forest Department.

In the programme, Chairperson, Port Blair Municipal Council, Shri N.K Udhaya Kumar was the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, PBMC Chairperson urged residents to extend support to civic body in ensuring cleanliness in the city. Other officials and public representatives also addressed the gathering and highlighted the objectives of JalSakthiAbhiyan.

In his welcome address, Shri K Ganeshan, President, Andaman and Nicobar Media Federation highlighted the need and approaches to address the objectives of "JalSakthiAbhiyan". He said that in the course of development, we kept on filling ponds and encroaching spaces of natural water resources. Resulting to this, today we are left with countable natural sources of water. Ground water level has gone down due to elimination of natural water resources. As a result of reduction in natural water sources like pond, lakes and wells, we are left with no other option to completely rely on rain water to fulfill our water requirements, He added. Shri Ganeshan told that all these forced us to think of water and water resources conservation and JalSakthiAbhiyan is the outcome of it. Suggesting approaches to address the objectives of JalSakthiAbhiyan, Ganeshan urged the gathering to plant more and more trees with firm commitment of taking care of its life till it becomes capable enough to protect out life. Ganeshan called upon the gathering for rain water harvesting and requested to ensure that no rain water goes waste. He also suggested for proper disposal of drain water through soak pit. He requested residents of Doordarshan colony to take utmost care for protection and conservation of plated saplings. On behalf of ANMF, Shri Ganeshan extended his gratitude to Forest Department for responding to the first call and providing every possible assistance in organisisng the tree plantation programme and also PBMC.

The programme was also attended by Shri Ayyub Hassan, Divisional Forest Officer, Forest Department, In the presence of Shri Nilesh Kumar Kalbhor IIS PIB, Port Blair Director and Staff of Doordarshan Kendra- Port Blair, residents of Doordarshan Colony, media persons, staff and officials of PBMC.

Over hundreds of tree saplings were planted and installed with guard rails.

Construction of road using shredded plastic at Car Nicobar by APWD begins

Car Nicobar, Oct 16: For the first time in Car Nicobar, shredded plastic has been used for the construction of road work. Administration has been insisting on using 8-10% shredded plastic in bituminous road work as recommended by CRRI. APWD, Construction Division, Car Nicobar on Oct 12, 2019 in the presence of the Deputy Commissioner, Nicobar District, Dr. Monica Priyadarshini had started using shredded plastic 8-10% in the ongoing road work 'Improvement of internal road from Kinyuka School to Nicobari Round Hut at Chukchucha for a length of 2.3 kms.

This has been an initiative taken by APWD, Car Nicobar for the judicious use of existing plastic waste in public welfare, which in turn minimize the burden of plastic waste from the environment of this territory.

ANC prepared to thwart any breach: CINCAN

Port Blair, Oct 09: "The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is fully committed to the growth and security of these strategic islands. Foreign invasions are a reality. Even developed countries are facing such challenges. But ANC is prepared to thwart any such attempt. Fleet accretions as also forces are being done in consultation with the Union Government as per procedures. But there is nothing to worry for people in these islands", said Vice Admiral Bimal Verma, Commander-in-Chief, ANC on Oct 07, 2019. Speaking to scribes on the 19th Raising Day celebration of the tri-services command, Vice Admiral Verma, who will superannuate next month after serving the forces for decades, said would become a formidable force with more feet accretions, inductions and augmentation of related supportive infrastructure in a gradual manner. Several important projects of strategic significance are underway.

Outlining the operational readiness of the Command, Vice Admiral Bimal Verma said that several defence exercises have been conducted in the recent year. The past four years have been eventful for the ANC will many sanctions and accretions approved. Defence of Andaman and Nicobar Exercise is scheduled to be held from Oct 14 to 18 after its success last time when major assets from mainland participated. Major military exercises with littoral countries were also conducted. Joint patrolling throughout these islands has been set every month while deployment in the strategic Landfall Islands has been ensured.

To a question, the CINCAN said that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of 648 islands. "The survey conducted last year included all rocky formations. The final report has been submitted to the local administration about 648 islands in this territory all of which span over an area of 1 sq.kms. Shibpur runway is ready for civilian operations. Andaman Airways has evinced interest to start operations under the UDAAN scheme for which all clearances has been accorded. Currently the Command has no plans to start Dornier Aircraft services to Diglipur in North Andaman which is well connected by sea and road unlike the southern group of islands," said Vice Admiral Bimal Verma.

In 1999, after the Kargil War, Andaman and Nicobar Islands received more attention. The Group of Ministers (GoM) report on Reforming the National Security System recommended the replacement of the FORTAN, under the Indian Navy, with a Joint Andaman and Nicobar Command which will control the assets of the tri-services and the Coast Guard on the islands. The GoM had recommended that the Commander of this Joint Command would report to the proposed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). The Andaman and Nicobar Command was in place by the end of September 2001 and Vice Admiral (later Admiral and CNS) Arun Prakash was the first Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN).

Surprise inspections of food vending stalls; 232 samples collected for testing

Port Blair, Oct. 9: The officials of Food Safety Department were carried out surprise inspection of temporary food stalls, hawkers selling food articles nearby various pooja pandals in and around the city from 05th Oct, 2019 onwards. In this regard, previously an advisory was also issued to all such food business operators to strictly adhere to rules with good sanitary and hygiene practices. Despite, during inspection, food business operators were found violating provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act, Rules and Regulations. Actions as deemed fit under FSS Act, 2006 are being initiated against repetitive offenders including imposition of penalties.

A special drive has also been launched to ascertain the quality of sweets, savories and milk based sweets. Bake houses and sweet stalls are being inspected and so far 232 Nos. of samples have been collected for testing.

Furniture shop proprietor possessing sawn padauk timber from illegal source, arrested

Port Blair, Oct 09: Acting on a tipoff, the Forest Officials of South Andaman Division conducted a search in the house and premises of Mr. Sushen Dhali, Proprietor of M/s. S.N. Furniture & Glass, Kadakachang on 09.10.2019 and found about 0.1008 cbm. (06 pieces) hand sawn padauk timber collected from illegal source. As he failed to produce any valid documents for the timber, he was arrested for violation of the provisions of Indian Forest Act, 1927 and later released on bail.

The team was led by Mr. Panchanam Halder, Forest Ranger, Mobile Squad and assisted by the Forester Mr. Najariyus Bara and Forest Guards Mr. Uttam Kumar Mistry, Mr. Keshabananda Ganguly, Mr. N. Saheed, Mr. Tarakeshwar, Mrs. M. Khadeeja Bibi and other forest workers.

The Divisional Forest Officer, South Andaman has, further, appealed to the general public to pass on credible information pertaining to illegal activities related to forest & wildlife over phone No.256178 (Mobile Squad), 255344 (Mannarghat Range), 224540 (Tushnabad Range), 287336 (Manglutan Range), 252334 (Garacharma Range), 281585 (Jirkatang Range) & 255228 (Divisional Office). The identity of the informer will be kept secret, a communication from the Divisional Forest Officer, South Andaman said here.