Dear Members
i truly agree with Pankaj's view on the questions regarding development of
northern group and the closing down of ATR. Before going to Andamans and working
there i used to wonder about the Jarawas and there were many kinds of thoights
in my mind. But when i saw then first time and interacted with time and the
local people i found many controversial situations. Like the administration is
getting lot of funds for the protection of Jarawas. But i felt that these forest
dwelling tribes do not need protection of anykind except prevention of the
interference of the people in their territory. They are safeguarding the forests
of these islands and we all know the importance of forest in terms of
biodiversity, soil protection, climate change and many many. Especially in an
island ecosystem the forests are indespensible. Forest department is aware of
this and that's why eco-tourism has been given a priority as a source of revenue
generation and development as such is a big question in
itself...like for whom and at what cost. This was only my view i wanted to
share with you all.

thanks and regards

Stutee

Pankaj <pankaj@...> wrote:
Dear Col Cherian,

Let me ask a few questions:
a) Why is it assumed that the road is a sign of development, particularly in
an island system that in any case should have good shipping services?
b) Why is it that the proposal to close a small part of the Andaman Trunk
Road is being blamed for obstructing the development of the northern group
of the islands? Roads cannot be constructed to Little Andaman, to the
Nicobars or to Havelock and Neil. So are we denying them the oppurtunity of
development as well?
c) What is a 'little number of aboriginals'? How many would be a good number
to justify closing the road?
d) Is the survival of these 'little number' that have been living in these
islands for a few thousand years more important, or is it the perceived
convenience of the settlers who came three decades ago more important?
e) Do we want to find out what the development means to the Jarawas, or do
they have no choice but to be sacrificed for the development of the northern
group?
f) Is it right to force someone away from what is rightfully their land and
resources? The ATR is an encroachment in the land of the Jarawas and we are
suggesting that we should prevent them from coming to it?
g) Do we know that one of the main reasons for the construction of the
Andaman Trunk Road was the destruction of the forests of the Andamans. It
was constructed so that timber extraction could be made easier.
h) Do we know that it was the ATR that has and continued to facilitate
encroachment in teh forests of these islands?
i) Do we know which are the best protected forests in the Andaman islands
and who is responsible for this protection?
j) Do we know which is the biggest lobby opposing the closure of the ATR?

pankaj


----- Original Message -----
From: Col.K .V.Cherian <cherrycol99@...>
To: <andamanicobar@...>
Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 2004 1:26 PM
Subject: Re: [andamanicobar] Thoughts on Jarawa Policy


>
> Dear Members!
> Madhushree's point of view is valid and deserves
> attention. However, please note that one should not
> block development of Northern group of Islands for
> protecting little number of Aboriginals. Can't they be
> blocked from coming on to the ATR ?may be, by probably
> shifting their settlements further away.
> The point of view of modifying the AAJVS for better
> performance is valid and needs attention, but will the
> Administrators agree to this? The final authority for
> anything in Andamans lies with the Administration.
>
> This is because Andaman is the only one UT/ Territory
> of Democratic India being administered with out
> people's representation. We are still under the
> "Colonial Rule" within the democratic frame work of
> Indian constitution. For better administration there
> is a requirement of participation by the people which
> does not exist today here. The "Andaman Pradeshik
> Council" which was an elected advisory body to the
> Administration has been dissolved since years.
>
> Regarding the population inflation also, I'd blame the
> administration. No check or efforts to stop
> encroachers as well as unauthorized settlements has
> been made ,instead I hear that they are planning on
> rehabilitation of forest encroachers by allotting
> land. If you consider the ingress routes of
> encroachment / growth in settlement it can be checked
> very easily as there are only few entry points. Not
> only the population but also resources can also be
> controlled well, eg: plastic can be well checked.
>
> There are a lot to be done towards protection of the
> Aboriginals as well as the environment along with
> development. Thanks to Madhushree for her frank
> expression of facts. God Bless. - Cherry.
>
>
>
>
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