Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 10: Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has taken up with the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways the long-pending issues of Reconstruction of Panighat Jetty and Extension/Dredging of the Slipway at Panighat to address the severe hardships faced by the residents and fishing community residing under the jurisdiction of Hope Town Panchayat.
Reconstruction of Panighat Jetty: The Panighat Jetty, built during the British era, collapsed in 2023 after decades of neglect. It earlier facilitated about 10 passenger-cum-vehicle ferry trips daily between Port Blair and Panighat, reducing pressure on the Bambooflat Jetty and providing a shorter route for residents of Hopetown, Chunnabatta, North Bay and surrounding areas. Since its collapse, residents are compelled to travel over 25 km via Bambooflat, causing additional time and expense. The MP has urged the Ministry to initiate necessary immediate steps for reconstruction of the jetty and as a temporary relief, the UT Administration may be directed to arrange pontoon facilities to ensure safe and smooth passenger transportation until the permanent structure is rebuilt.
Slipway Extension/Dredging at Panighat: The existing slipway, meant to support local fishermen, has become inaccessible during low tide, forcing fishermen to undertake costly and physically exhausting methods to bring boats ashore for repairs. Shri Bishnu Pada Ray has requested an urgent technical survey and suitable measures either by extending the slipway or dredging the area to ensure year-round access, safeguarding the livelihood of the fishing community. The MP emphasized that swift action by the Ministry will restore vital infrastructure, improve connectivity, and relieve the prolonged suffering of residents and fishermen in the region.