Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 30: Residents of Car Nicobar, the Nancowry Group of Islands and Campbell Bay in Great Nicobar could face difficulties accessing festive supplies and travelling to meet family members ahead of Diwali on November 8, with a representation to the Lieutenant Governor seeking additional passenger sailings and special cargo arrangements to address recurring transportation constraints.
The representation seeks timely transportation of permitted firecrackers and essential commodities to the Southern Islands, along with additional passenger ship services before, during, and, if possible, after the festival.
The request highlights the dependence of communities in the Southern Islands on shipping services for the movement of goods and passengers. Limited transport options can complicate festive preparations, particularly when supplies must be brought in from elsewhere, and travel plans depend on vessel schedules.
The representation states that residents face difficulties obtaining firecrackers every year because of inadequate transportation and supply. It seeks arrangements to ensure that legally permitted fireworks reach the islands well before Diwali, subject to applicable safety and regulatory requirements.
The request comes as preparations for the festival gather pace across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, the availability of festive goods in the Southern Islands remains a concern raised in the representation, which calls for advance planning to prevent residents from facing shortages during the celebrations.
Additional passenger services sought
The representation also seeks special passenger sailings connecting Car Nicobar, the Nancowry Group of Islands and Campbell Bay. The proposed services would operate before Diwali, during the festival and, if feasible, immediately afterwards.
The objective is to facilitate travel for residents wishing to visit relatives and celebrate with their families. Where services are limited, passengers may have fewer options to plan journeys around the festival, making additional sailings particularly relevant during periods of increased travel demand.
The request does not specify the number of additional trips required or indicate whether the Directorate of Shipping Services has approved any changes to existing schedules.
Cargo supplies include fuel, LPG and groceries
Beyond passenger connectivity, the representation calls for special cargo or vessel arrangements to transport LPG cylinders, petrol and diesel, groceries, food supplies, household necessities and new clothes ahead of the festival.
Timely cargo movement is important for island communities that rely on shipping to replenish supplies. Any delay in transportation can affect the availability of goods, particularly when demand rises during a major festival.
The representation has asked Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dinesh Sharma to intervene and direct the concerned departments to strengthen passenger and cargo services before, during and after Diwali.
The concerns over firecracker availability come amid wider scrutiny of festive prices and supply arrangements in the islands. The Lieutenant Governor has separately directed departments to curb black marketing and overpricing and strengthen market inspections ahead of Diwali. However, the specific availability of firecrackers and other festive goods in the Southern Islands would need to be assessed locally.
With Diwali scheduled for November 8, the focus now is on whether additional shipping arrangements and advance cargo supplies can be organised in time. The representation seeks administrative intervention, but does not confirm that any additional services or consignments have been approved.
For residents of Car Nicobar, Nancowry and Campbell Bay, the issue extends beyond festive shopping to reliable transport, access to essential commodities and the ability to travel to meet family members. The response to the request will determine whether these logistical concerns are addressed before the festival.
