Commuters, confusion, chaos

Commuters, confusion, chaos

Last week at CMBT, the conductor of a D-70 bus abused an old man, who had wanted to go to Ambattur OT, for absolutely no reason. The man had got into the bus thinking that it was going towards Ambattur, but it was bound to Velacherry. 'It was just a mistake, and it is human to err.'
This is not a single incident. It happens everyday, sometimes to many, often to the elderly and to women. The reason, as most commuters say, is the sheer callousness of the MTC drivers. 'one cannot expect anything from them.'
Speaking to Talk Team, Kamesh Rao, a resident of Arumbakkam and working with a marketing company, says, 'I usually travel by bus all over Chennai to meet many clients. Wherever I go, I never find any difficulty in boarding a bus, be it Parrys Corner or Pattabiram. It is only here at CMBT, particularly the 70-series buses (D-70, C-70 and so on) I find very difficult to board.'
There are no bays for these buses here. Understanding the commuters' plight, initially, the MTC officials had marked two places (stops) for buses of this series. This was done to differentiate buses coming from Ambattur and Velachery. During those days, commuters did not find it difficult to board buses, as they would stop at the designated points. But things have become bad, and now chaos reigns'.
Supporting Kamesh's version, Kumarappan, a retired Railways employee and a resident of Thirumullaivayil, said, 'We have to crowd the entrance every time. And most of the drivers stop their buses wherever they wish. We have to rush to the bus and ask the driver, which way it goes. Some drivers never respond'.
But, here, we should mention that there are a few conductors, who help and guide the old and inform them. Kumarappan said, 'The authorities should take note of the plight of the commuters, and must take steps to 're-introduce' the old system, where these buses used to stop at the marked spots', said another regular commuter.
To lessen crowding on selected routes, the MTC rolled out new Yellow line and Blue line services last week, including in the 70-series. While welcoming the step by the government, the regular commuters from CMBT towards Ambattur and Velacherry also expect a solution to the problem. Will the concerned officials take note of it?
-G Saravanan

The Daily Telegram (reproduction)

Local News
Circuit Court from Dec 8
Port Blair, Nov 29
Mr Justice Pratap Kumar Ray and Mr Justice M M Sarkar, Judges of Calcutta High Court, shall be holding Circuit Court here on and from Dec 8 to 22, 2006, a communication from the Registrar said here today.
BIS’ annual day celebration
Port Blair, Nov 29
The Blair International School will be celebrating its annual day at 5 pm in the Dr. B R Ambedkar auditorium tomorrow (Nov 30). Smt Ayesha Sheriff will be the chief guest on the occasion, a communiqué from the school said here today.
Livelihood resource centre
Port Blair, Nov 29
The Community Enterprise Forum International (CEFI) has setup a livelihood resource centre in Port Blair, which aims at providing support for rebuilding livelihood of communities in the islands. It has also setup a call centre ‘Infoline’, which provides information and services on various livelihood activities and tourist information. It will have a toll free number 1800 3453 200. Beside this, touch screen information kiosk, community information centre and infoline website and infoline weekly – development gateway to the islands will be made available for the general public.
Executive committee members for TC
Port Blair, Nov 29
The Tribal Council, Chukchucha, Car Nicobar has appointed S/Shri O K Thomas, L Davidson and Amin Moosa as its Executive committee members. They have also been nominated as authorized representative and spokesman at Port Blair on behalf of the Council.
Maha yagnam at Buniyadabad
Port Blair, Nov 29
‘Sreemad Bhagavata Saptah Maha Yagnam’ will be performed at Lord Sree Ayyappa Temple, Buniyadabad, Port Blair from Dec 1 to 8, 2006. Brahmashree Shree Chaitanyaji from Karnataka will inaugurate the programme at 3 pm on Dec 1. From Dec 2 Vishnu Vandana will be held daily from 6 am to 5.30 pm, a communication said here.
Two-day science & craft exhibition at Girls School gets underway
Port Blair, Nov 29
A two-day Science & Craft exhibition, organized under the aegis of Govt. Girls Senior Secondary School got underway with its inauguration by the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Education), Shri Arvind Ray at the school premises here this afternoon. Among others, the Chairman, PBMC, Shri Sher Singh was also present on the occasion. A variety of models based on basic Science principles and Craft exhibits is on display in the exhibition.
In his brief address on the occasion, after witnessing the models and exhibits, Shri Ray lauded the students for participating in the exhibition and displaying various science models and Crafts exhibits. He said, such activities will help develop the overall personality of the students, which will be of immense use to them in moulding their career. He also gave away a trophy to the Principal of the school, which the students of school have bagged in the national level cultural programme competition held at Bhopal recently.
A colourful cultural programme consisting of folk songs & dances of different States of the Country and modern songs & dance as well was presented by tiny tots of the school. The 4th prize winning song and dance presented by the students of this school in National level cultural programme competition at Bhopal, reflecting the miniature nature and unity in diversity in these islands drew loud applause from the audience.
Earlier, the Principal of the school, Smt. Sushilawati welcomed the chief guest and those present on the occasion.
CGWWA celebrates its 12th anniversary
Port Blair, Nov 29
The 12th anniversary of Coast Guard Wives Welfare Association (CGWWA) also known as ‘Tatrakshikas’ was celebrated at the CG Indoor Sports Complex this morning. Speaking as the chief guest on the occasion, Smt Ayesha Sheriff called upon the Coast Guard ladies to keep up the good work. Turning to ‘good parenting’, she said that children must be provided with a sound base and spiritual and moral values must be kept intact during their upbringing. Earlier, she also lit the traditional oil lamp marking the beginning of the celebration.
The CGWWA President, Smt Ila Sharma released the ‘Tatrakshika’ magazine. An open house discussion on good parenting was also organised during which a number of queries were raised by the ladies present on the occasion. The panelists, drawn from different fields cleared their doubts. The UTI Bank here also made a presentation about its schemes designed for women. A cultural programme including songs, dances and skit were also presented by the CG ladies.
DoP stall to highlight postal schemes Port Blair, Nov 29
The Department of Posts here will be putting up a stall during the ‘Bharat Nirman Public Information Campaign’ at Wimberlygunj from Dec 3 to 7, 2006. Various postal schemes launched by the GoI for the welfare of citizens especially for rural masses will be on offer in its stall with a special focus on Saving Bank Schemes and Rural Postal Life Insurance. Personal Accident Insurance from Oriental Insurance Co. will be available on select SB schemes on highly discounted rates.
The Postal Deptt. would also make a lucky draw for all the people opening Savings Bank account, taking Rural Postal Life Insurance Policies during this PIC. Attractive prizes will also be given to the winners during the valedictory function on Dec 7, 2006. The Director of Postal services has invited the residents of these islands to visit the postal stall and avail the benefits offered during the campaign.
Skill upgradation for physically challenged people Port Blair, Nov 29
The Dr. B R Ambedkar Govt. Polytechnic, under the scheme of Community Polytechnic, has trained 15 physically challenged candidates in Electrical Wiring and Motor Mechanic trade. Since inception the institution has trained 1438 candidates in non-formal courses. The non-formal courses are covered under various scheme viz. Community Polytechnic, Community Development Program, Technical Vocational Education Training in which short-term courses are offered in Computer Application, Motor Mechanic, A.C.& Refrigeration, Turner, Welding, and Fashion & Apparel Designing courses.
The tracer study revealed that from the above pass outs 50% are self employed 10% Govt. employed and 10% are in private sector. These courses are also offered through extension centre in Diglipur, Rangat, Hutbay, Campbell Bay & Mayabunder. This is the first time the institution took the privilege to train the physically challenged candidates and plans to create more facilities for such trainees, an official communication said here today.
President cup soccer
Port Blair, Nov 29
In the group A match of the ongoing IX President of India Cup State Level Soccer championship 2006, Port Blair defeated Wimberlygunj by 15-0. Sadik of Port Blair zone scored 6 goals. In group B the match played between Campbell Bay and Mayabunder ended with a draw, while in match 2 in the same group Little Andaman defeated Diglipur by 2-0.
Coop. Societies to meet
Port Blair, Nov 29
A sector wise meeting of office bearers, members and officials of Cooperative Societies and Directors of Line Department will be convened jointly by A&N State Cooperative Union and Cooperative Department in the conference hall of Office of the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, VIP road at 10 am.
Accordingly, a meeting of Fisheries Cooperative Societies will be held on Dec 7, Primary Agricultural Credit Cooperative Societies will be held on Dec 14, Unemployed Youth Cooperative Societies and labour contract Cooperative Societies will be held on Dec 21 and Milk Cooperative Societies and Industrial Cooperative Societies will be held on Dec 28.
The concerned Cooperative Societies can avail this opportunity to put forward their suggestions and problems faced in day to day functioning of their societies so that proper redressal of their problems and improvement in their functioning can be achieved. The important issues emerging out of these meetings will be taken up by A&N State Coop. Union with the A&N Administration, a communication received here said.
Isles team beats Pondy
Port Blair, Nov 29
In the second match of the 52nd National School football championship currently being held at Dehradun, Island team defeated Pondicherry by 9 goals to nil.
Meanwhile, the first match played against Chandigarh, island team lost by 2-0 goals, a communication received here said.
Dedicated Bus Services for Students Commenced Port Blair, Nov 29
With a view to facilitate the school students to visit Science Centre for attending Educational programmes, the Science Centre procured a 45 seater fully built bus for the mobility of the students. The Director of Sports, Art & Culture, Shri Lucas Robert inaugurated the bus services in a function arranged in this connection in the Auditorium of Science Centre today. More than 100 students from various schools of South Andaman participated in the inaugural function at Science Centre.
In a brief speech Shri Lucas Robert advised the students to take full advantage of this bus services to attend all innovative educational programmes, which are being conducted by the Science Centre from time to time.
Later the students were taken on a “Nature study tour” to various places of scientific interest in the south Andaman area namely the medicinal garden of Agriculture Department at Sippighat and the Experimental garden/Arboretum of Botanical Survey of India at Dhanikari, a communication from the Curator received here said.
IGNOU term end exam from Dec 1
Port Blair, Nov 29
The Term-End Examination December-2006 of Indira Gandhi National Open University will be held from Dec 1 to 29, 2006. The university has established 536 examination centres in total, which includes 33 overseas centres and 14 centres in jails for jail inmates. Examination intimation slips have been issued to 2,95,000 eligible students, who had applied for appearing in the term-end examination. The detailed hall ticket status is also available on IGNOU website www.ignou.ac.in. Students may download these details from the website and appear in examination alongwith their Identity cards.
The examination centres have also been instructed to allow the students to appear in the examination, even if they do not possess the examination intimation slips but their names exist in the list of the examinees for that centre alongwith the IGNOU Identity Card.
Students are also advised to possess the identity cards issued by the university during the examination and should not carry mobile phone with them at the time of the examination. Students will not be allowed to appear in the term end examination if they do not have valid identity card of the university issued to them by their respective regional centre. All the students are advised to contact Regional Director, IGNOU Regional Centre, Port Blair for seeking any clarifications on 30th November, an IGNOU communiqué said here today.
Tickets for Swaraj Dweep
Port Blair, Nov 29
MV Swaraj Dweep is scheduled to sail for Chennai on Dec 2, 2006 at 1100 hrs. Medical examination, embarkation of passengers and excess baggage will be loaded from 0830 hrs to 1030 hrs. Passengers reporting late will not be allowed to board the vessel. The vessel will sail soon after the embarkation of passengers and completion of other formalities from Haddo wharf.
Tickets including all quota tickets can be obtained from the computerized ticketing counter of the Directorate of Shipping Services between 0900 hrs and 1300 hrs and 1400 hrs to 1600 hrs in all working days, a DSS communiqué said here today.
Livelihood development support to fishermen by FSSS
Port Blair, Nov 29
As part of Relief and Rehabilitation Project supported by SOS, Layettes for tsunami & earthquake affected victims and follow up programme to provide livelihood support to the victims, Friends Society in Social Services (FSSS) provided the fishnets support to the fisherman of Tirur & Harpatabad village, a distribution programme was held at Rajiv Gandhi Community hall, Tirur.
In presence of Shri Veer Bahadur Singh, Sarpanch, Tushnabad Panchayat, the fish nets was distributed to the fishermen. Shri Bahadur appreciated the grass root level working method of the project officials. He expressed that friends society getting success in field due to its need base activities & coordination with villagers. On behalf of villagers and Tushnabad Panchayat he expressed his whole-hearted support in project activities.
Shri Sharad Pant, Programme Manager, FSSS, expressed his thanks for the active participation of villagers and PRI members in project activities, he said that without participation of villagers no scheme or plan can get success at village level. The programme ended with vote of thanks proposed by the village volunteer Mrs. Bina Pani Baroi, a communication received here said.
PBMC Chairperson visits municipal wards to fix priorities for developmental works
Port Blair, Nov 29
The Chairperson, Port Blair Municipal Council, Shri Sher Singh today visited Ward No. 18 & 16 to identify and fix priorities for common works to be under taken in wards. The Chairperson listened to the demands, Councillor Ward No. 18 and visited the sites for construction of check dam/weir at Austinabad, construction of PHC, park at Chidambaram Basthi and New Pahargoan villages and the site for construction of health club in Ward No. 18. He issued necessary directions to the officers concerned to initiate appropriate action at the earliest.
During his visit to Ward No. 16, Councillor Ward No.16 stressed the need for developing the vacant land available adjacent to the Govt. Press, as a Way side Amenities for the benefit of the tourists and general public. The Chairperson appreciated the proposal and asked the Secretary, PBMC to initiate appropriate action to get the land allotted in favour of the Council for the purpose. He also directed the EE (Work), PBMC to develop the park at South point as desired by the Ward Councillor.
The Chairperson was accompanied by Smti Vasantha, SVC, Shri D. Eshwar Rao, JVC, Shri Arumugam and Shri Sanjeev Reddy Councillors of respective Wards, Smti Parmeswari, Smti Sheela Singh, Smti M Raja, Shri J K Nair, Councillors and officials of the Council.
Meanwhile, the PBMC Chairperson proposes to visit Ward 15 & 14 from 10 am on Nov 30, 11 & 12 from 10 am on Dec 1, 9 & 10 from 10 am on Dec 4, 7 & 8 from 10 am on Dec 5, 3 & 4 from 10 am on Dec 8 and 2 & 1 from 10 am on Dec 9.
The general public have been informed that the Chairperson, SVC. JVC, Secretary, Supdt. Engineer, Executive Engineer (Works) & Water) Public Health Officer, Assist. Architect, Asst. Engineer (PIg.,) and Sanitary Officer will be available in their respective office up to 10.00 a.m. and from 2.00 p.m. onwards on the above dates.
Cong. Delegation meets Sonia Isles developmental issues highlighted
Port Blair, Nov 29
A number of issues pertaining to the welfare of the islanders and development of the islands were putforth when the ANTCC President, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma led a delegation to meet the AICC President, Smt Sonia Gandhi at New Delhi yesterday.
The memorandum of demands included, among other issues, reviewing of the Supreme Court decision on Shekhar Singh’s commission report, setting up of Legislative Assembly for A&N, alternate land for tsunami affected families whose land are submerged, waiving of loans upto 2 lakhs. Separate cadre for local officers, posting of medical specialists for various departments, implementation of Bharat Nirman Scheme and restoration of full quota of PDS items for the islands.
The delegation also highlighted for granting International airport status to Veer Savarkar Airport to boost tourism in the islands besides inclusion of Tribal Council of Nicobar district in schedule VI of the constitution, a communication from Gandhi Bhawan said here today.

This is blog for those who feel Andaman by their breath.