Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray has raised serious concerns over the death of Barun Mazumder, a resident of Dharmapur under Shivapuram Gram Panchayat, who was swept away by floodwaters on 5th October 2025. The MP attributed the tragedy to the absence of a proper bridge over Loukhi Nallah in Mayabunder Tehsil, highlighting repeated administrative lapses that have contributed to fatalities at the same site.
According to Bishnu Pada Ray, this is the 15th death reported in the area due to lack of a permanent bridge. The MP criticized the administration’s failure to respond effectively over the years and expressed shock that no senior officials, including the Deputy Commissioner, have visited the family or offered condolences. He described the situation as reflecting “a complete collapse of governance, indiscipline, and insensitivity toward human life.”
The MP recalled that during his previous tenure (2014–2019), the construction of a steel bridge at Loukhi Nallah had been sanctioned and materials were placed on-site. However, the then Deputy Commissioner of North & Middle Andaman canceled the sanctioned work and proposed an RCC bridge without proper authority or approval. This decision caused indefinite delays, which Bishnu Pada Ray argues have contributed to multiple fatalities.
Ray noted that the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD) later prepared a revised estimate of ₹6.02 crore for an RCC bridge. The project remains stalled due to pending land allocation for the approach road, and despite his follow-ups during review meetings and visits in May and September 2025, no progress has been made.
The MP also criticized the administration’s engagement with remote areas, alleging that official visits are often limited to guesthouse meetings and photo opportunities without actual field inspections or interaction with affected residents. He pointed to similar gaps across the Islands, including poor rural roads, shortages in drinking water, unfilled school positions, collapsing healthcare and agriculture systems, and mismanagement in shipping and fisheries services, all of which have led to widespread public dissatisfaction.
Bishnu Pada Ray warned that continued administrative indifference could escalate into serious law and order issues stemming from public frustration.
To address the issue, the MP demanded immediate actions, including compensation and ex-gratia relief for Barun Mazumder’s family, accountability for officials responsible for delays, immediate sanction of funds and land clearance for the ₹6.02 crore RCC bridge project, temporary crossing arrangements such as a wooden bridge, and mandatory field inspections by departmental Secretaries to resolve long-standing grievances.
“The people of these Islands are losing faith in the Administration due to continuous neglect. Restoring confidence requires justice, accountability, and prompt action,” Bishnu Pada Ray said, emphasizing the urgency of rectifying governance failures.
