Campbell Bay: With public anger mounting over the prolonged LPG shortage in Great Nicobar and elected Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) representatives preparing for a mass agitation, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has assured that fresh stocks of domestic LPG cylinders will reach Campbell Bay by next Friday, offering temporary relief to thousands of affected residents.
The assurance came during a meeting between officials of the Civil Supplies Department and PRI representatives following widespread resentment over the non-availability of LPG cylinders for nearly three months.
According to PRI representatives, the Civil Supplies Department informed them that arrangements have been made to dispatch LPG cylinders to Campbell Bay by the coming week and that distribution is expected to commence immediately upon arrival. However, the representatives maintained that they would closely monitor the situation before deciding whether to withdraw the proposed agitation.
Earlier, the PRI members had submitted a formal notice to the Chief Secretary, informing the Administration of their decision to organise a peaceful public protest and Campbell Bay Bandh over the recurring disruption in LPG supplies, which has left residents struggling to manage their daily cooking needs.
The representatives alleged that the crisis has become a recurring phenomenon ever since the withdrawal of the regular TCI cargo service, resulting in erratic transportation of LPG cylinders and other essential commodities to Great Nicobar. They demanded a permanent and reliable mechanism for transporting essential supplies, fixing accountability for repeated disruptions, and ensuring that island residents are not forced to endure such hardships in the future.
While welcoming the Administration’s assurance, PRI leaders said the proposed agitation has not been formally withdrawn and will remain on hold pending the actual arrival and distribution of LPG cylinders.
Residents hope the promised supply next week will finally end months of uncertainty, but many insist that only a lasting solution to the fragile supply chain can prevent such crises from recurring.
