- Details
- Denis Giles
- Hits: 2871
Compensation Sanctioned; Directives Issued On Preventive Steps to Avoid Such Disasters
Port Blair, Dec. 19: The Lt. Governor, Lt. General (Retd) AK Singh has sanctioned Rs one lakh as compensation to the next of kin of the deceased in the boat tragedy at Dhani Nallah, North & Middle Andaman on Dec.16.
To avoid such untoward incidents in future, the Lt. Governor directed the Fisheries Department to inform the public and the fishermen community that any illegal activity being undertaken in fishing boats will result in cancellation of licence. Deputy Commissioners have been directed to keep a strict vigil in this regard. In case of need, alternative safe arrangements be made so as to provide basic minimum service to the people.
The Lt. Governor also desired that a sensitization and education programme should be launched involving PRIs, Education Department and local revenue officials in this regard.
The Lt. Governor ordered the Secretary Shipping to assess and submit an action plan by Jan 5th as to where the deployment of boats is necessary to alleviate problems of the local population. These boats may be redeployed from existing fleet/hired boats till the Department makes alternative arrangements.
Directing strict enforcement, the Lt. Governor said that the Shipping Department should ensure that all boats ferrying passengers have safety gear irrespective of type of boat.
It may be recalled that this unfortunate incident occurred at Dhani Nallah North & Middle Andaman when an engine dinghy overloaded with 25 passengers coming from Cutberth Bay to Betapur capsized in the sea. Of the 25 passengers, 19 reached the shore safely. However, six people could not be saved. Out of the six, the bodies of the five have been recovered. However, search operation by the Naval divers and other agencies to trace Ganga Mandal (80yrs female) is still continuing.
- Details
- Denis Giles
- Hits: 3039
Port Blair, Dec. 18: The Chief Secretary Anand Prakash IAS today inaugurated another free centre of tailoring and fashion designing opened by the Andaman and Nicobar State Cooperative Union at Haddo No: 2, for the benefit of the rural women.
Anand Prakash is his address on the occasion stated that time has come when all womenfolk, especially of the rural areas need to know that their identity also keep same importance which their counterparts have. He recorded his happiness to witness such a good number of womenfolk who came for skill training.
The CS also stated that skill trainings are good for those who want to establish their independency. Such trainings are the root of social and economic developments and hence more and more women should come forward for such trainings made available free of cost by the Union. The Chief Secretary also praised Kuldeep for the overall development of the people of these islands.
In his welcome address the Chairman of ANSCU Kuldeep Rai Sharma said that the Union is always taking care for upbringing of the womenfolk of these islands, especially in the rural areas. He said that since there is no scope or very little scope of employment in Govt. Sector, it is high time for everyone to have some skill related training and create self help groups or cooperatives and earn their livelihood independently.
He also informed that as on date the ANSCU has opened 21 such training centres where about 1500 ladies and unemployed girls have got training. Many of them have started their own business. The team of ANSCU has also proposal to cover the entire Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The DGM NABARD Thanvi on the occasion stated that after passing out, the womenfolk may avail loan from the ANS Cooperative Bank and start their business. He has also suggested that these trainees may also be trained in preparing clothing of men.
The Secretary Cooperation NK Sharma has recorded his pleasure to the fact that ANSCU is doing very well in cooperative sector.
Ward Councillors Hema Rao and Nair were also present in the function beside PRI members, Vice Chairman ANSCU Biswarup Banjerjee, MD ANS Cop Bank Ravinder Rao, Ramlal GS ANSCU and other dignitaries. The Director ANSCU PG Paul has proposed vote of thanks.
- Details
- Denis Giles
- Hits: 2802
LG condoles death; ex-gratia relief being released
Port Blair, Dec. 16: In an unfortunate incident that took place in the sea at North & Middle Andaman, six people lost their lives. An engine dinghy was coming from Cutberth Bay to Betapur. As the engine dinghy was overloaded with 25 passengers, the boat capsized in the sea. Of the 25 passengers, 19 reached the shore safely. However, six people could not be saved and were missing. Of them two each were male, female and children. Their names are Ganga Mondal, 80, Female, Ajit Baroi, 25, Male, Sekhar Biswas, 22, male, Jharna Das, 22, female, Ankush Das, 1, male, Supriya Mondal, 2.5, female.
The 19 people who could be saved have been shifted to the PHC Billiground and given medical aid, two of whom were given IV fluid. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard airlifted two dead bodies from the sea near Panchawati while one body was found near the shore. The dead bodies of an adult male, an adult female and a child have been shifted to PHC Billiground.
Upon receiving intimation about the disaster, the Deputy Commissioner, North & Middle Andaman, Shri Sanjay Kumar, Assistant Commissioner, Rangat, Smt. Menaka, DySP and Tehsildar, Rangat rushed to the accident site at Dhaninallah to supervise the operations. The entire operation is being monitored closely by the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Revenue), Shri Mohanjeet Singh.
Meanwhile, the Andaman & Nicobar Command, divers from Navy and Coast Guard swung into action immediately. CG helicopters were immediately pressed to service during this hour of emergency. Forest team was the first to response and they rescued one person stranded in an uprooted tree.
The Police team from OP Betapur and PS Billiground also reached the spot immediately and are assisting in search & rescue operation. A team of six divers from Navy also landed at Nimbutala helipad but operations could not be launched due to sunset. Further, operations of divers will be launched from day break. The Police team is still in the field but due to darkness search & rescue operations have been hampered.
The Lt. Governor, A&N Islands, Lt. Gen (Retd) A.K. Singh has expressed profound grief on this unfortunate incident. He has extended his condolence to the bereaved members of the families of the deceased persons. Ex-gratia relief to the next of the kin of the deceased is also being released by the Administration.