Andaman and Nicobar Administration

Directorate of IP&T

Information & Publicity Division

 

 

Port Blair July 25, 2014

 

 

Press Release

 

 

 

 

LG reviews issue of construction of dykes

& sluice gates in South Andaman

 

        Port Blair, July 25: The Hon’ble Lt. Governor reviewed the issues regarding construction of dykes and sluice gates in South Andaman in a meeting held recently at Raj Niwas. It may be recalled that the matter regarding construction of dykes and sluice gates was raised by the Hon’ble Member of Parliament in a meeting with the Hon’ble Lt. Governor in which the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (APWD) was asked to review the status and prepare an action plan. Subsequently in February, 2014, the Hon’ble Member of Parliament, the Chief Secretary and Adhyaksha, Zilla Parishad, South Andaman had visited various sites in South Andaman at Teylerabad, Sippighat, Ograbranj etc. During the course of inspection, it was brought out that the Zilla Parishad (South Andaman) after the tsunami had constructed around 24 kms of earthen bund in around 18 villages. However, sluice gates had not been installed by the Zilla Parishad. As a result, ingress of sea water continued although some of these bunds are being used as pathways. During the inspection, Zilla Parishad (SA) was asked to prepare estimates for sluice gates. Accordingly, estimates for 20 works in 18 villages have been submitted by them to the Directorate of Agriculture. As directed by the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, a team of officials including Commissioner-cum-Secretary (PWD), Secretary (Agriculture) and SE, PRIs visited various sites and have recommended that the required budget should be provided to Zilla Parishad (SA) for construction of sluice gates expeditiously.

 

        The Committee also reported that at some sites pilferage of sluice parts has occurred and that sometimes mishandling of sluice gates for catching fish etc. affects its functioning. Further, problem also occurs when marine animals get caught in the valve.

 

        Directions were given by Hon’ble LG that the proposal for construction of sluice gates at the above mentioned sites be processed and also adequate steps be taken to ensure proper operation, maintenance and watch & ward of sluice gates.

 

        Directions were also given by the Hon’ble Lt. Governor to APWD to expedite completion of projects at Mithakadi and Mathura-Brindaban. He also directed APWD and Agriculture Departments to expedite the construction of sluice gates at Wandoor and Andabeda. It was pointed out to the Hon’ble LG that decision on the earlier project for construction of sea dyke with sluice gates at Sippighat was dropped in 2011 as the area may fall in submergence zone due to creation of the proposed sweet water lake. However, no further decision has been taken in this regard. Hon’ble LG directed the APWD and DC, South Andaman to examine all aspects in the matter, analyse the various options available before the Administration and submit a report in this regard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

LG releases novel “The Last Wave”

Reiterates Administration’s commitment for development keeping the ecology and welfare of our tribes to the fore

 

        Port Blair, July 25:  A novel titled “The Last Wave” authored by Shri Pankaj Sekhsaria was released by the Lt Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) A. K. Singh, at a simple function at Raj Niwas here this afternoon. The book ‘The Last Wave’ is a story of lost love, but also of a culture, a community, an ecology poised on the sharp edge of time and history.

 

        Speaking on the occasion, the Lt. Governor agreed with the author’s perception that the Islands are one of the most fascinating places and adored by all the visitors. He reiterated the Administration’s commitment in carrying out all developmental activities, and pushing ahead all major projects keeping the ecology and the welfare of the tribal population to the fore.

 

        Earlier, the author, Shri Pankaj Sekhsaria shared his views on the novel. He said that the fascinating aspects of the A&N Islands encouraged him to write the novel. He has penned this fictional tale, which offers lyrical insights into the pristine archipelago which is a tourist delight.

 

 

        Shri Pankaj Sekhsaria is an author, researcher, writer, photographer, campaigner and academic. He has travelled extensively in the Islands for nearly 20 years as part of his work with the environment action group ‘Kalpavriksh’.  He is currently writing up his doctoral thesis on the Cultures of Innovation in Nanotechnology Research for Development in India.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kargil Vijay Diwas

 

        The Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands, Lt. Gen (Retd.) A.K. Singh will lead the islanders in paying tributes to the Kargil War Martyrs on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas at Kargil War Martyrs Memorial in the premises of TGCE on 26 July 2014 at 0930 hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inauguration of Andaman College

 

        The Hon’ble Lt. Governor, A&N Islands, Lt. Gen (Retd.) A.K. Singh will inaugurate the Andaman College (ANCOL) at a function to be held at Haddo, Port Blair on 26 July 2014 at 4.00 p.m. in the presence of guests of honour, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament and Prof. (Mrs.) Chandra Krishnamurthy, Vice Chancellor, Pondicherry University.