Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 20: With Ganesh Chaturthi and Durga Puja approaching, Hindu Rashtra Shakti has urged the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to address two sets of civic concerns, designate the newly constructed vehicle ferry jetty near Chatham for idol immersion and undertake urgent road repairs across several areas of Sri Vijaya Puram.
In separate representations addressed to the Lieutenant Governor, Member of Parliament, Chief Secretary and other senior officials, the organisation sought immediate intervention on arrangements for the upcoming festivals, citing concerns over immersion facilities, traffic movement, road conditions and public safety.
The group has proposed that the newly constructed vehicle ferry jetty located in front of Chatham be designated as the exclusive immersion point for Ganesh and Durga idols from all Puja committees. It said the Chatham Bridge site remains restricted because of its damaged and unsafe condition, while Junglighat has been proposed as an alternative.
According to the representation, Junglighat has faced operational difficulties during previous immersion ceremonies, including inadequate arrangements, low-tide conditions and stagnant sea water. The group said these factors had resulted in difficulties during immersion, including idols remaining partially submerged.
It also raised concerns about traffic congestion in Junglighat and Prem Nagar, saying the narrow roads become heavily congested during immersion processions. The residential character of the area, it said, also creates disturbance for surrounding neighbourhoods.
Before any decision on the proposed Chatham jetty arrangement, Hindu Rashtra Shakti has requested a joint ground survey involving representatives of the organisation, Ganesh and Durga pandal committees, Port Management Board, Marine Police, Fire Brigade, Disaster Management and other relevant stakeholders. The proposed inspection would assess the site’s suitability and identify technical or logistical concerns before the immersion arrangements are finalised.
The organisation has also sought a cleanliness drive on the morning following immersion. It proposed involving the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council, local NGOs, NCC cadets, students from JNRM, B.Ed and Law colleges, the Coast Guard and other volunteers to remove debris and restore the area.
The representation further requested directives against the playing of vulgar Bollywood songs at pandals and during immersion ceremonies, as well as a prohibition on gambling activities within pandal premises.
Separately, the organisation has sought one-time semi-permanent patching of potholes at Haddo, Bathu Basti, Garacharma, Mohanpura Bus Stand and surrounding areas covering municipal and panchayat wards ahead of the festivals.
It said roads in these areas have large potholes, undulations and depressions, creating difficulties for vehicles and pedestrians. The group singled out Mohanpura Bus Stand as a particular concern because it serves as a major transit point for devotees travelling to different pandals.
The representation said festival-related movement would increase with the transportation of deity idols, visitors and dignitaries. It raised concerns over possible traffic congestion and risks to two-wheeler riders, elderly people and children, particularly at night or during rainy conditions.
Hindu Rashtra Shakti has requested that the road repairs be undertaken on a priority basis to facilitate the movement of idols and devotees and reduce the possibility of traffic disruption and accidents during the festive period.
