Sri Vijaya Puram, May 18: Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray has raised concern over the continued absence of basic civic amenities for several residents of Brookshabad and Austinabad under Ward No. 21, urging the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to immediately intervene and resolve the issue.
In a letter dated May 13 addressed to the Chief Secretary, with copies marked to concerned Secretaries and departmental heads, the MP highlighted the prolonged delay in providing road connectivity, drinking water supply and electricity connections to affected residents in the area.
According to the communication, the issue had earlier been raised by the MP on November 3, 2025, followed by repeated follow-up efforts with officials and departments concerned. However, the MP stated that no tangible action has been taken so far despite several months having passed.
The MP expressed dissatisfaction over what he described as an indifferent approach by the Administration and concerned departments towards addressing the grievances of local residents.
He pointed out that more than five months have elapsed since the matter was first formally raised, but neither an action taken report nor an acknowledgement, as required under Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) guidelines, has reportedly been furnished by the authorities concerned.
The MP said residents from the affected areas have continued approaching him seeking intervention for provision of essential facilities including roads, electricity and drinking water.
According to the letter, Bishnu Pada Ray had personally met the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of APWD and the Power Department along with local residents in the presence of the Chief Engineer of APWD and municipal officials on November 3 last year. The issue was also discussed recently with the Superintending Engineer of the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council, but the MP stated that no concrete response has been received so far.
Seeking urgent intervention from the Chief Secretary, the MP requested that land be identified and set apart wherever necessary for construction of roads in the affected localities.
He also called for erection of electric poles and provision of electricity and street lighting facilities in coordination with the Electricity Department.
Further, the MP urged authorities to immediately lay water pipelines to all households in the area and requested that treated water be supplied through water tankers on a temporary basis until permanent water supply arrangements are completed.
The letter noted that such interim tanker supply arrangements are already being provided in other areas and could similarly be extended to the affected residents.
The MP stated that denial of essential civic facilities for such a prolonged period was unfortunate and stressed the need for immediate action in larger public interest.
The issue has once again highlighted concerns relating to civic infrastructure gaps and delays in provision of basic amenities in certain residential pockets of the islands.
No official response from the Administration regarding the latest communication had been made public till the filing of this report.
