Suggests Chief Secretary to Dispatch Essential Commodities for Great Nicobar

Port Blair, Oct. 18: The Member of Parliament, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma today requested the Chief Secretary of Andaman & Nicobar Administration to withdraw the seven-day quarantine rule in Great Nicobar Island for the convenience of the public. He also requested to schedule a passenger ship with cargo or a cargo ship for Great Nicobar Island as soon as possible so that all essential commodities reach the Islands within few days.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of A & N Administration today the Member of Parliament mentioned that he has been informed by residents of Great Nicobar Island that presently the District Administration of Nicobar District is sending all incoming passengers to seven-day long quarantine, while in all other places of this Union Territory, this seven-day quarantine system has already been withdrawn.

Sharma also mentioned that at present almost 100 percent of Islanders have got the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and a large number of people have got two doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Considering this, the period of quarantine has been reduced or withdrawn in all other Islands but for reasons unknown in Great Nicobar people are being sent for seven days quarantine. This is not only causing unnecessary problems to people but also reducing the overall performance of various government departments and offices.

The Member of Parliament pointed out that the Great Nicobar presently is facing a shortage of potatoes, onions, tomatoes and eggs due to delay in the transfer of cargo from Port Blair to Campbell Bay.

Considering the above issues, the Member of Parliament today requested the Chief Secretary to withdraw this seven-day quarantine rule for the convenience of the public and also to schedule a passenger ship with cargo or a cargo ship for Great Nicobar Island.