The 300 odd Jarawa live in an area which is 7 times that of Chennai. Is this justified: President ACCI
Port Blair, Jan. 17: A delegation of the Andaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by its President Shri G. Bhaskar had met the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh on 12th Jan. 2012 and discussed various issues pertaining to the development of the islands. Among the issues discussed were the closure of Andaman Trunk Road and the recent Buffer Zone Notification implemented by the A&N Administration.
The delegation impressed upon the PM that because of the Buffer Zone atleast 6% of the developmental activities in the islands is being affected. Moreover, before taking such a major decision no stake holders were consulted, the delegation said.
Creation of Buffer Zone has opened a Pandora’s Box, said G. Bhaskar while addressing a press conference at Hotel TSG Emerald View on 16th Jan. 2012. There is lots of resentment from the general public and this will put the islander’s way behind in terms of development especially the people of N&M Andaman, he said.
After creation of the Buffer Zone atleast 25 fishermen have been arrested and this has created a fear among the fishermen folks. Moreover the definition of commercial activities as notified in the Buffer Zone Notification is not justified. Such things have to be consulted with the stakeholders before it is finlaized, Bhaskar said.
Reacting further on the Buffer Zone Notification, the President ACCI said, the area in which the Jarawa live with a population of 300 and odd is almost 7 times that of Chennai. To add to it another 800 sq. Kms, 4 times that of Chennai has been added. Is this justified, he asked.
Buffer Zone will create a friction between the general public and the Jarawa, which would affect the tribe, he said.
When we have such good examples of Nicobarese flourishing after joining the mainstream, we should look at the Jarawa in a holistic way. Today they are in contact with the public and we should not push them back, the ACCI President opined.
We explained the Prime Minister that our Islands can be self-sufficient if sectors like Fisheries, Horticulture, Information Technology among others are paid due attention. We also told him that restrictions on converting land into commercial is a major bottleneck which is affecting the development of the isles, Bhaskar added.
Apart from this the delegation also took up issues pertaining to soaring air fares, implementation of tourism policy in letter & spirit etc.
Shri M.H. Jadwet, Past President joining the President ACCI further explained that it was a very cordial meeting with the Prime Minister with tea and samosa. He listened to our issues and assured to take it up at the appropriate level, Jadwet said
The Prime Minister never over reacted to the video clip flashed by the national television. He instead said that it is being done through the NGOs and others, Jadwet added.
Before returning, the delegation had also met the Minister of Tribal Affairs and Secretary and Civil Aviation Govt. of India. The Chamber placed that it is grateful to the Member of Parliament Shri Bishnu Pada Ray for having arranged the meetings at New Delhi.
“We are also grateful to the national media for raising the Jarawa issue. Because of the national media headlines we were well received and heard at New Delhi. Else we would not have got such importance”, the President ACCI commented before concluding the press conference.