The Mini India

Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 27: It was a significant achievement in our nationís fight against the ongoing illegal drug trade with the seizure of the huge quantity of illegal drugs by Indian Coast Guard (ICG) of Andaman Nicobar Command in Andaman Seas creating history in the maritime domain in India. Based on an input, Andaman Nicobar Command took an operation on Nov. 25 and apprehended a Myanmarese Fishing boat named "Soe Wai Yan Htoo" in Andaman seas which was carrying approx. 6000 kgs of prohibited drug Methamphetamine. The six crew members, who were identified as Myanmarese nationals onboard the Fishing vessel were also apprehended, said the Commander-in-Chief ANC, Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, AVSM, VM while interacting with the mediapersons at HQ ANC here today. The press conference was also addressed by the DGP, A&N Islands, Shri Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, IPS. Addressing the press conference, the CINCAN stated that this operation stands as the testament & unwa...

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 ...