Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 28: The lack of an ultrasound facility at Shaheed Dweep’s Primary Health Centre and the absence of a night ship service emerged among key public concerns during Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dinesh Sharma’s two-day visit to the island, as he directed departments to address issues raised by residents within a defined timeframe.
During an inspection of the Primary Health Centre, Sharma reviewed the diagnostic laboratory, dispensary and wards and directed that cleanliness be maintained and pending repairs taken up promptly. He also ordered early completion of the under-construction 10-bedded ward. Interacting with patients, he took note of the demand for an ultrasound machine and the absence of night ship connectivity and asked the Health Department to take appropriate action.
The issues extended beyond healthcare at a Jan Samvad programme, where the Panchayat Pradhan flagged the need for an ambulance at the hospital, arrangements for fertilisers to support vegetable cultivation, repairs to rural roads and construction of a new Community Centre.
Sharma subsequently met Administration officers to review the issues raised at the public interaction. He directed them to resolve the matters at the earliest, keep him informed of action taken and examine proposals according to prescribed rules while ensuring time-bound implementation.
The Lieutenant Governor also visited the Shaheed Dweep police station and reviewed facilities and the challenges faced by personnel. He was briefed on the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), lock-up and prison-facility cleanliness and available sports facilities. He directed police personnel to maintain regular patrolling, step up action against drug abuse and illegal trafficking by foreigners, and ensure necessary assistance and security for tourists.
Civic cleanliness featured prominently during the visit. At Bharatpur Beach, one of 70 beaches covered under the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, Sharma participated in a cleanliness drive linked to the campaign and World Tourism Day celebrations and administered the Swachhata pledge to officials, the Panchayat Pradhan, sanitation workers and members of the public.
At Government Senior Secondary School, Shaheed Dweep, he urged students and others to treat cleanliness as part of everyday conduct. He appreciated the students’ rendition of Vande Mataram and advised teachers to remain punctual, continue learning and earn respect through dedication and hard work. He also directed preparation of a concrete action plan to improve the quality of education in the Islands and encouraged Hindi as a major medium of teaching and learning.
At the Anganwadi Centre, Sharma reviewed its functioning, curriculum and activities while interacting with children and mothers. He stressed balanced and sustainable development through local culture and values, education, employment and tourism.
He also visited the Muthukumarswamy Temple and Radha Krishna Temple and offered prayers.
Sharma separately met delegations of the BJP and Congress and discussed matters concerning the development of Shaheed Dweep. He assured representatives of political parties that Lok Niwas would remain open to issues and concerns raised by Islanders.
