SRI VIJAYA PURAM | NOVEMBER 10, 2026 | DWEEP TULIKA | ANDAMAN NEWS
Our Rights Organization (ORO) has approached the Chief Secretary (Vigilance), Andaman and Nicobar Administration, seeking an inquiry and immediate remedial action over alleged inadequate toilet facilities, poor sanitation, lack of lighting and dangerous overhanging tree branches along the Sri Vijaya Puram–Diglipur convoy route through Middle Strait and Baratang.
In a representation dated November 10, 2026, ORO Chairman C. Saravanan highlighted difficulties reportedly faced by residents of North and Middle Andaman, tourists and other passengers travelling along the route. The organisation has sought intervention from the Administration, stating that the condition of public facilities at important stopping points raises concerns about passenger safety, public health and basic dignity.
More Than 200 Passengers and 400–600 Tourists Reportedly Travel During Convoy Movements
According to the representation, more than 200 passengers and approximately 400–600 tourists travel through the convoy route during each convoy movement.
ORO alleged that adequate and functional toilet facilities are unavailable at designated waiting points at Middle Strait and Baratang.
The representation states that existing facilities at Middle Strait are insufficient, with several units reportedly non-functional. At Baratang, although toilet facilities have been provided, some are allegedly not operational or are poorly maintained.
The organisation said the situation causes particular hardship to women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities, who may have to wait for extended periods during convoy movements.
Gate No. 15 Toilet Block Raises Safety Concerns
The organisation alleged that the facility has damaged partition doors, inadequate maintenance and unhygienic surroundings. It further claimed that the premises lack a proper electricity connection and adequate lighting.
According to the representation, vehicles and buses travelling towards Sri Vijaya Puram reportedly halt at this location for more than an hour during early morning hours, generally between 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM.
Approximately eight to nine buses, along with other vehicles, may reportedly halt there during this period, increasing the number of passengers requiring access to toilet facilities.
ORO said the lack of functional toilets and lighting at such a stopping point creates particular inconvenience and safety concerns for women and elderly passengers.
Photographs enclosed with the representation show damaged toilet partitions and the condition of facilities at the locations identified by the organisation.
Dangerous Tree Branches Along Convoy Route
The representation also draws attention to reportedly dry, dangerous and overhanging tree branches along the convoy route.
ORO warned that branches falling during strong winds or adverse weather could cause accidents, damage vehicles and obstruct convoy movement.
It has requested that the Divisional Forest Officers of South Andaman and Baratang conduct an inspection of the route and arrange for the removal or trimming of dangerous branches wherever necessary, in coordination with the concerned authorities.
ORO Seeks Monitoring and Accountability
The organisation has questioned whether the concerned departments are conducting regular inspections and ensuring proper maintenance of public facilities along the route.
It has sought a mechanism for regular cleaning, sanitation, periodic inspection and maintenance of toilet facilities, along with adequate electricity, lighting and water supply at designated passenger waiting points.
In its representation, ORO has requested the Administration to:
Initiate an inquiry into the condition and maintenance of toilet facilities at Middle Strait, Baratang and Gate No. 15.
Repair damaged and non-functional toilets, including broken doors and partitions.
Provide electricity connections and adequate lighting at Gate No. 15 and other passenger waiting points.
Ensure sufficient separate and functional toilet facilities for men and women.
Establish regular cleaning and maintenance arrangements.
Inspect the convoy route and remove or trim dangerous overhanging tree branches.
Identify the departments and agencies responsible for maintaining the facilities.
Direct time-bound corrective measures and seek an action-taken report.
Essential Route, Basic Facilities Under Question
The representation notes that residents, government employees, patients, students, tourists and other travellers depend on the route for daily and essential transportation.
The organisation has requested the Chief Secretary (Vigilance) to take cognizance of the complaints and direct the concerned departments to undertake corrective action.
Copies of the representation have also been marked to the Deputy Commissioners of South Andaman and North and Middle Andaman, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, the Director General of Police and the Chief Port Administrator.
The representation establishes that ORO has formally raised these concerns with the Administration. However, the condition of all the identified facilities, the agencies currently responsible for their maintenance and the status of any corrective action remain to be independently established.
Dweep Tulika will seek the response of the concerned authorities regarding the maintenance of passenger amenities along this important inter-island route.