Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 13: A 150-metric-tonne-capacity storage godown and office-cum-residence will be constructed at Baratang at an estimated cost of ₹2.39 crore to strengthen the supply of ration commodities to Fair Price Shops (FPS) in Baratang and Kadamtala, improving storage capacity and supporting uninterrupted distribution of essential foodgrains in the remote areas.
The proposal submitted by the Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs has received approval from the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dr. Dinesh Sharma. The project is expected to improve the storage and distribution infrastructure of the Public Distribution System (PDS), through which essential foodgrains are supplied to eligible beneficiaries.
The estimated cost of the project is ₹2,38,75,126, approximately ₹2.39 crore. The proposed facility will combine a storage godown with an office-cum-residence to support the department’s operations in the area.
The project assumes significance for Baratang and Kadamtala, where geographical constraints and transportation challenges can complicate the movement of essential commodities. Additional storage capacity closer to the areas being served is expected to help improve the availability of ration supplies and facilitate more timely replenishment of Fair Price Shops.
Under the PDS, dependable supply arrangements are essential to ensuring that eligible households receive their entitled foodgrains. Delays in transportation, inadequate storage capacity or interruptions in replenishment can affect the distribution chain, particularly in remote settlements. The proposed godown is intended to strengthen this supply network by providing additional space to store essential commodities.
The facility is also expected to play an important role during natural disasters and other emergency situations. Maintaining adequate stocks locally can help reduce dependence on immediate transportation from other locations when adverse conditions disrupt normal supply arrangements.
In island territories, where communities are spread across different geographical locations, the availability of essential commodities can be affected by weather conditions, transport connectivity and logistical limitations. A storage facility with adequate capacity can therefore provide a buffer against supply disruptions and support the continuity of public distribution services.
The administration has described the project as a step towards strengthening food security in remote island areas. It has reiterated its commitment to making the PDS more effective, reliable and robust so that essential foodgrains reach eligible beneficiaries in a timely and convenient manner.
However, the actual benefits will depend on how efficiently the facility is operated after construction. Regular replenishment, proper stock management and coordination with Fair Price Shops will be important to ensure that the additional storage capacity translates into a dependable supply of ration commodities.
The availability of sufficient stocks during emergencies will also require advance planning and monitoring to ensure that commodities remain accessible when normal transportation routes or supply schedules are disrupted.
The project is expected to strengthen the essential-commodities supply system serving Baratang and Kadamtala, with the principal objective of improving the reliability of ration distribution for residents in the region.
The approval marks an infrastructure investment in the last-mile delivery of essential foodgrains, an important component of food security in remote communities. Once completed and operational, the facility is intended to support smoother distribution and improve the resilience of the Public Distribution System in the two areas.
