Paliwal Convenes Meeting to Discuss and Resolve Issues Pertaining to NH4

Details

Port Blair, Oct. 13: A meeting was convened under the Chairmanship of Commissioner –cum-Secretary (PWD), Ms Nandini Paliwal, IAS on Oct.11, 2023 in the main Conference Hall of Secretariat to discuss different issues related to bad conditions of NH4 in different stretches and issues being faced in movement of vehicles carrying essential supplies of LPG, POL and other goods to North and Middle Andaman.

The meeting was attended by all concerned senior Officials of Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Officials of NHIDCL, IOCL and representatives of Transporters. In the meeting, elaborate discussions took place on all aspects of the issue. It was emphasized that the road needs to be made motorable at the earliest by undertaking immediate repairs along different stretches so as to ensure smooth and regular movement of vehicles and timely provision of essential supplies to North and Middle Andaman District. The Commissioner (PWD) reiterated and emphasised that ANI Administration will provide all support and facilitation to NHIDCL in carrying out the repairs.

After hearing the issues raised by Transporters and the steps being taken by NHIDCL to resolve the matter, the following decisions were taken for immediate implementation:

- NHIDCL to immediately deploy 10 teams on important   works    from 12.10.2023 and it will be ensured that all stretches are motorable in the next 2 – 4 days. APWD will share the details of contractors with NHIDCL so that NHIDCL can deploy additional manpower & machinery at work sites from tomorrow itself. NHIDCL will ensure that repairs are carried in a way that atleast half of the road is open for vehicular traffic.

- The transport companies/owners to ensure that the work of transportation is continued and essential supply and movement of trucks is not stopped. Administration will extend all support to make roads safe for transport. On this, transport companies assured that movement of vehicles carrying essential supplies would continue as usual.

- Administration will review the daily availability of POL stock to Baratang, Mayabunder, Diglipur and be in constant touch with the Deputy Commissioner (N&M) and other agencies to ensure that transportation of POL is maintained and supply is replenished.                

- Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department will review the daily availability of POL stock to Baratang, Mayabunder, and Diglipur and be in constant touch with the Deputy Commissioner (N&M) and other agencies to ensure that transportation of LPG is maintained and supply is replenished.                                                

- STS buses plying on said roads would be kept operational and Transport Department will render any assistance that may be requested by the other vehicles, trucks plying on the stretches. 

- Deputy Commissioner (N&M) & and Secretary (Transport) will take feedback from the ground and appraise the status of the work of NHIDCL twice a day for the next one week till the roads are repaired properly and are motorable.

With the above decisions being taken for immediate implementation, it was assured by all concerned agencies that these decisions would be immediately implemented in public interest. Andaman and Nicobar Administration is constantly monitoring the situation regarding the repairs of NH4 and provision of supplies in North and Middle Andaman including those of LPG, POL and other essential items. It is assured that there is no shortage of any of the essential items in the N&M District and regular supply of these items would be maintained in future as well.