The Mini India

TMI Bureau Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 13: The local island community is well aware that, in many instances, our external security agencies remain uninformed about illegal poaching activities unless alerted by fishermen or the general public regarding suspicious occurrences in the jungles or along the shores. Additionally, immigrants arriving by ships or flights from Bangladesh via West Bengal and other mainland Indian states often enter these islands for contractual work, with authorities frequently losing track of their whereabouts. For example, in May 2024, due to a surge in crime rates and concerns that anti-social elements may be hiding within residential or commercial areas in the South Andaman District and North & Middle Andaman District, authorities issued orders under Section 144 of the Cr.P.C. for compulsory tenant verification as an emergency measure. This action underscores serious questions about the efficiency of internal security agencies on the islands. Meanwhile, a...

Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 30: A 2.5-year-old girl, born with a congenital condition where her esophagus (food pipe) was not properly formed, has successfully undergone a highly specialized surgery at ANIIMS (Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences). Immediately after birth, a team of ANIIMS surgeons performed emergency surgery, placing a feeding tube in her abdomen through the stomach to ensure she could receive nutrition. For over two and a half years, the child was fed through this tube, enabling her to gain adequate weight in preparation for a reconstructive surgery to create a functioning food pipe. On September 25, 2024, a complex surgery was performed to create a new esophagus for the child. During the procedure: The artificial feeding tube was removed, and the opening in the stomach was closed; A tunnel was created in the chest, and the stomach was carefully separated from surrounding organs; Using the blood supply from key arteries, the stomach was elevated be...

Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 30: The Food Safety Department took swift action after receiving information about a rat infestation affecting cakes and sweets displayed for sale at Hotel Sree Karpagam in Bathu Basthi, Sri Vijaya Puram. During an inspection of the restaurant, Food Safety Officials discovered major violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related Rules and Regulations, 2011. The inspection revealed that the Food Business Operator (FBO) had failed to implement adequate pest control measures, resulting in rodent activity inside the premises. In accordance with Section 32 of the FSS Act, 2006, the restaurant was ordered to close immediately, and all food business activities at the premises were suspended until further notice, in the interest of public health. The adjudication process is currently underway against the FBO for these violations. Meanwhile, the Food Safety Department has launched a special drive during the festive season to monitor the hygiene an...

In its latest National Electricity Plan (Vol. II - Transmission), the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has outlined a groundbreaking proposal: a 1,150 km undersea high-voltage power cable to link Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with Paradip in Odisha. Estimated to cost ?31,000 crore for the first phase, this ambitious project aims to establish a reliable power connection between the islands and the Indian mainland. The CEA report details a ±320 kV, 250 MW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link, using voltage source converter (VSC) technology. This connection, capable of scaling up to 500 MW, would be the first of its kind in India, connecting the remote islands to the mainland via an undersea cable. Power Scenario in ANI According to statistics released by CEA, Andaman & Nicobar Islands (ANI) had installed capacity of 92.71 MW coming from diesel generation sets. Of this, around 62 per cent was owned by the UT administration while the remaining 38 per cent wa...

TMI Bureau Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 23: When an employee receives a transfer order to the Southern or Northern group of islands, they prepare mentally for a specific tenure as outlined in the transfer policy. However, they often face numerous challenges, including the lack of accommodation, government quarters, guest houses, mess facilities, boat or ship services, and even reliable mobile connectivity-challenges that affect both male and more to female employees. In particular, police personnel, exhausted by their stressful duties and isolated from their families, are vulnerable to developing addictions, including alcoholism, which can negatively impact their lives. The prolonged and unjustified extension of postings in these remote islands leads to frustration, helplessness, and a decline in productivity, potentially causing depression. Despite completing their designated tenure, many employees find themselves trapped in these remote locations due to favoritism and influence, with...

Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 09: On 08.10.2024, Lt. Governor, A&N Islands and Vice- Chairman, Islands Development Agency met Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, A&N Islands along with 09 other public representatives in Raj Niwas Conference Hall at Sri Vijaya Puram. Shri H.G.S Dhaliwal, IPS, DGP, A&N Police, Smt. Dilraj Kaur, IAS, Chief Secretary (i/c), Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner (South Andaman) and Smt. Niharika Bhatt, IPS, SP (South Andaman) were also present. Hon'ble MP raised key issues for the Islands including PRI funds, healthcare improvement, road repairs, port & shipping infrastructure, LNG project, water crisis, Plan Board meeting, Central University and local job creation. Lt. Governor appraised the delegation about various tourism, hospitality and infrastructure projects such as International Container Transhipment Terminal, Future-ready Greenfield Airports with dual runway in Sri Vijaya Puram, Great Nicobar Islands, Deep water port ...

Sri Vijaya Puran, Sept 25: The Directorate of Health Services, in collaboration with the Directorate of Shipping Services, organized a Multi-Specialty Health Camp for the Andamanese Tribe aboard the newly launched hospital ship, MV Shompen, on September 23, 2024. The ship, inaugurated by Chief Secretary Shri Keshav Chandra on September 20, embarked on its maiden voyage to Strait Island. A medical team, including doctors, specialists, and support staff, provided comprehensive healthcare services to 20 tribal members, addressing issues like hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and skin infections. Vision tests were conducted, and 7 individuals were recommended glasses. Mental health counseling and a yoga session were also offered to promote well-being. After the camp, the ship sailed to Rangat Bay to transport four emergency referral cases, including myocardial infarction and stroke patients, to G.B. Pant Hospital. The medical team ensured their safe transfer, providing necess...

Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 25: A campaign demanding greater respect for India's martyrs at the historic Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has gained momentum. The movement calls for the jail, a "National Memorial," to be declared a "National Pilgrimage Site." Activists are advocating for free entry to the light and sound show for island residents and a nominal fee of Rs.30 for outside tourists. The organizers argue that, just as the central and state governments provide free religious pilgrimages, similar provisions should be made for free visits to Cellular Jail, also known as "Kala Pani." Supporters emphasize the importance of including the jail's revolutionary history in school curricula. They believe that officially recognizing the site as a national pilgrimage location would be a fitting tribute to the martyrs and freedom fighters who were imprisoned there. The campaign coincides with the birth anniversary of revolutionary marty...

Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 25: The 67th Police Constable Batch of the Andaman and Nicobar Police donated a substantial amount of Rs.57,000/- (Fifty-Seven Thousand Rupees Only) towards the treatment of a woman who was involved in a tragic accident at VIP Road near Police Line area, where she lost her elder daughter and her infant in the womb. Her treatment is currently underway at G.B. Pant Hospital in Sri Vijaya Puram, and she will be going to Chennai for further care. After speaking with her family members, they expressed, "You have come as divine beings and helped our family; God may bless you all." Whenever anyone is in trouble, this police batch is always ready to lend a helping hand. “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough” - they says.