Sri Vijaya Puram, Sep 14: Hindu Rashtra Shakti has renewed its appeal to the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to consider the newly constructed Vehicle Ferry Jetty at Chatham as a possible designated site for the immersion of Ganesh and Durga idols, citing safety and operational concerns at existing locations.
The organisation, in a reminder to the Administration, said no action or response had been received on its earlier representation. It has sought an early decision, saying arrangements for the upcoming immersion ceremonies require coordination among the Administration, Puja Committees, law-enforcement agencies, emergency services and other stakeholders.
The appeal comes against the backdrop of restrictions at the Chatham Bridge site, which the representation describes as damaged and unsafe. Junglighat, considered as an alternative, also faces several concerns, according to the organisation, including tidal limitations, congestion, narrow approach roads, disturbance to residential areas and operational difficulties during large-scale immersion processions.
Hindu Rashtra Shakti has therefore asked the Administration to examine whether the Chatham Vehicle Ferry Jetty can accommodate the ceremonies after assessing its technical, safety, environmental and operational suitability through the competent authorities.
The organisation has specifically requested a joint ground survey of the jetty involving representatives of Hindu Rashtra Shakti, Ganesh and Durga Puja Committees, the Port Management Board, Marine Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Disaster Management authorities and other concerned stakeholders.
According to the representation, such an inspection would allow the authorities and participating organisations to assess the site firsthand, identify safety and logistical requirements and determine its practical feasibility before taking a final decision.
The appeal also includes a post-immersion cleanliness proposal. If the jetty is found suitable and receives approval, the organisation has asked the Union Territory Administration to consider a cleanliness drive after the ceremonies in coordination with the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council, local NGOs, NCC cadets, educational institutions, volunteers and other organisations as considered appropriate by the authorities.
The representation has also called for measures to preserve the sanctity and dignity of the religious ceremonies, including appropriate regulation of activities within pandal premises and during Visarjan processions.
With the immersion ceremonies approaching, Hindu Rashtra Shakti has urged the Administration to intervene and act on the proposal at the earliest, reiterating that its earlier appeal remains without a response.
