Port Blair, July 15: A delegation led by Miss V. K. Mariyam Bibi, Chairperson of the Education & Social Justice Committee of the Zilla Parishad South Andaman, along with PRI members and representatives from the fishermen community, recently met with Shri Vishwendra, Secretary of Fisheries, to address the long-standing demand for land allotment to fishermen.

During the meeting, Ms. Mariyam Bibi highlighted that in 2005, the A&N Administration had constituted a committee to select beneficiary and decided to settle 150 fishermen on land bearing Survey No. 179/1/A situated at Namunaghar village under Ferrargunj Tehsil. A press note issued by the Administration (Note 4-5/(E) 2005-2006/TS/DF/2043 dated November 29, 2005) published a selected list of fishermen in the Daily Telegram and asked them to submit sworn affidavits and willingness certificates to the Director of Fisheries.

Fishermen from areas such as Haddo, Dairy Farm, Junglighat, Chunnabatta, Aberdeen Bazaar, Prem Nagar, and Anarkali duly submitted the required documents. However, despite these efforts, the fishermen community representatives reported that they have yet to receive any land or house-site.

The delegates requested prompt action to settle the fishermen at the allotted land. Secretary Vishwendra listened attentively and assured the delegates that he would investigate the matter with the concerned authorities and take appropriate steps to resolve the issue at the earliest.