Safety measures mounted at isles sea beaches
THE DAILY TELEGRAMS, Oct. 29, 2006
Port Blair, Oct 28
Safety measures required to be taken for tourists at various beaches in
this Union territory were discussed at a meeting chaired by the District
Magistrate, South Andaman here today. A number of decisions were taken in
the meeting, which was attended among others by SP(D), South Andaman
District, Spl. Secretary (Tourism), Dy. Provost Marshal, ANC.
The District Magistrate informed that the recent unfortunate incident of
drowning of two persons at Radhanagar beach at Havelock, calls for taking
immediate emergency measures for the safety of the tourists at various
beaches. Permanent measures also need to be taken at the earliest. At
Radhanagar beach itself around 300-004 tourists are visiting every day
during peak tourist season. Three incidents of drowning have happened in the
area in the last three years.
In the wake of the death of two tourists at Radhanagar, the SDM, South
Andaman & Spl. Secretary (Tourism) and Director, Health Services had visited
the site at Radhanagar and taken a stock of the situation. Besides, the
emergency first aid post has been commissioned at the place and a Deputy
Tehsildar/ Executive Magistrate has been deployed at Havelock.
According to the decisions taken in the meeting, the A&N Command has
agreed to the request of the Administration for providing lifeguards,
divers, boats, etc at Radhanagar beach from Monday i.e. on 30.10.2006 till
Tourism Department can provide the same. The arrangements shall be extended
to other beaches in due course. The Command has also agreed to provide
training to divers, lifeguards and home guard personnel as requested.
Police Department will be the Nodal Agency for training of personnel.
It was suggested by the Command representative that there are some
ex-Navy persons residing in this territory who are good divers and
lifeguards. With some training by the Command, their services could also be
utilized. The Command will provide the list of such persons and further
action in the matter shall be taken in consultation with the Police and
Tourism Department. It was suggested that marking of sites at beaches,
lighting and all other requirements as long term measures should be put in
place at the earliest. It was decided that the representative of Command,
Police, Tourism Department as well as ALHW shall be meeting at the sites to
make the requirements. Tourism Department will coordinate and provide
requisite financial arrangements in this regard.
As per the decision, an ambulance and medical help will be arranged at
the beach with nursing assistant. The SDM informed that the BSNL tower at
Radhanagar is not functioning due to some dispute between the Electricity
Department and BSNL. The Deputy Commissioner spoke over phone to the CGM
BSNL and the Superintending Engineer, Ele. Department. The SE assured that
the matter will be resolved. The Asstt. Commissioner (HQ) shall take
necessary action for issuing directions to all tourist boat operators for
making provisions of adequate safety jackets etc in the boat.
It was also decided in the meeting that the Tourism Department will
convene a meeting of tour operators, Hotels/ resorts to sensitize and advise
them on taking necessary measures/ care. It was felt necessary to hold
monthly coordination meeting with all Departments at District level to sort
out the field level problems between the Departments.
On being asked about taking up similar safety measures in other beaches of
tourist attractions, the DC said that these immediate safety measures would
be followed by permanent safety measures in all the beaches of tourist
attractions in these islands at the earliest.
On another question from a scribe about re-starting the paying guest
accommodation scheme, the Special Secretary and Director (Tourism), Smt
S.K.P. Sodhi informed that the Tourist department would soon advertise the
re-opening of paying guest accommodation schemes inviting public
participation in the scheme.