15 Deaths at Loukhi Nallah in N & M Andaman Over the Years Resulting from Lack of Bridge: MP Bishnu Pada Ray

Tarun Karthick

Sri Vijaya Puram, 13 October 2025

Expressing deep sorrow and concern, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has strongly condemned administrative negligence following the tragic loss of life of Mr. Barun Mazumder, a resident of Dharmapur beneath Shivapuram Gram Panchayat. Mazumder misplaced his life on fifth October 2025 after being swept away by floodwaters whereas returning house.

Mr. Ray highlighted that this marks the fifteenth fatality on the similar location over time because of the absence of a correct bridge over Loukhi Nallah in Mayabunder Tehsil. “The continued silence and inaction of the Administration, despite repeated incidents, reflect a complete collapse of governance, indiscipline, and insensitivity toward human life,” the MP said.

He expressed shock that no senior officers, together with the Deputy Commissioner or different native officers, have visited the bereaved household or provided condolences. “Such heartless behaviour tarnishes the image of the Administration and damages the credibility of the Modi Government, which stands for transparency, compassion, and accountability,” he added.

Recalling his earlier tenure (2014–2019), Mr. Ray famous {that a} metal bridge at Loukhi Nallah had already been sanctioned and supplies have been on-site. However, the then Deputy Commissioner unilaterally cancelled the work and proposed an RCC bridge with out correct authority or approval, inflicting indefinite delays and contributing to repeated fatalities.

The MP additional revealed {that a} revised estimate of ₹6.02 crore for the RCC bridge was ready by the APWD, however the mission stays stalled on account of pending land clearance for the strategy highway. Despite a number of follow-ups throughout overview conferences and website visits in May and September 2025, no progress has been made.

Mr. Ray additionally criticized the Administration’s functioning, alleging that almost all official visits to distant areas are restricted to guesthouse conferences and picture alternatives, with out correct subject inspections or interplay with affected residents. He pointed to comparable points throughout the Islands, together with poor rural roads, ingesting water shortages, vacancies in faculties, collapsing healthcare and agriculture methods, and mismanagement in delivery and fisheries providers, which have fuelled widespread public dissatisfaction.

Warning of potential legislation and order issues if neglect continues, Mr. Ray demanded instant motion, together with:

1. Compensation and ex-gratia reduction for the household of late Mr. Barun Mazumder.

1. Accountability for officers liable for cancelling the sanctioned bridge work and delaying the RCC bridge proposal.

1. Immediate sanction of funds and land clearance for the ₹6.02 crore Loukhi Nallah bridge mission.

1. Temporary crossing preparations (picket bridge) at Loukhi Nallah to make sure public security till the everlasting bridge is accomplished.

1. Mandatory subject visits by departmental Secretaries to evaluate floor realities and handle long-standing grievances.

“The people of these Islands are losing faith in the Administration due to continuous neglect. It is time to restore confidence by ensuring justice, accountability, and prompt action,” Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray concluded.