Port Blair, Sept. 15: Highlighting the problems being faced by residents of Long Island due to withdrawal of M.L. Peema vessel, from Long Island -Yerrata Jetty route, the Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration to resume the service of the vessel.
In his letter, the Member of Parliament mentioned that the vessel M.L. Peema was the only ‘safe’ means of transportation between Long Island and Rangat but since 8th September 2021, the vessel has been withdrawn due to the non-availability of Engine Oil. Such sudden withdrawal has put the residence of long island in big trouble.
The Member of Parliament added that people who need to visit Rangat area for various needs like treatments, banking works, daily purchases, official duties, schools etc. are facing huge difficulties.
He added that now in case of urgency, they have to travel by small Dinghy, which is not only expensive but also risky for people.
The MP requested the Chief Secretary to instruct the concerned department to make the vessel M.L. Peema operational as soon as possible for the convenience of the people of Long Island and also the MP has requested the Chief Secretary to provide an additional ferry for Long Island as standby, as it used to be the normal practice earlier, for emergency cases.