*The Light of Andamans :: Issue 48*

*Before volcanoes erupt...*



Time and again, while publications controlled by the administration condemn
the efforts of the people who strive for justice, The Light of Andamans has
always felt the need to reflect the pulse of the people and warn the
authorities about the looming resentment among the people.



By Zubair Ahmed



Port Blair: When the natives of Kalapatther protested against the sluggish
pace of construction of roads, the paper did voice their concern. The
perceptive ears and observant eyes did sense the bitterness among the public
at Campbell Bay, when it witnessed the pitiable condition of educational
institutions there. It has been constantly cautioning the administration
about the step-motherly treatment meted out to the farmers of South Andaman.


The canned anger in Hut Bay and its neighbourhood regarding the location and
design of the permanent houses was featured in detail by LoA in its 6 th and
7th Issues dated January 21 and 28, 2006. It had explicitly warned the
authorities about the discontentment of the Netajinagar residents and PRI
members.

There is nothing new or unexpected, in the way matters have culminated
during the last week with people coming out on the streets. The Deputy
Commissioner was gheraoed by the public and PRI members on 11 January 2006
at 5.30 pm at Hut Bay. Their demands were laid before him threadbare.

"We oppose the construction plan of permanent shelters away from the field
of work," Ashim Mirbahar, Pradhan, Netaji Nagar, said. He was dejected at
the insensitivity of the officials.

"They don't try to understand our problems, where are the farmers going to
keep their farm animals, where would they stack their paddy," he fumed. He
was referring to the decision of constructing the houses in pockets 2-3 km
away from their livelihood sources.

When under terrible pressure, the DC ultimately promised to look into their
concerns, they waited patiently. When things again started going off the
mark, and their housing dreams were shattered with the Ministry of Urban
Development and the local administration taking decisions without taking
into account their genuine concerns, they chalked out a peaceful
demonstration, that too, after submitting their charter of demands to the
concerned authorities.

Another issue, that has consistently found space inside this paper is the
indifferent treatment meted out to the farmers in South Andaman, who have
lost their land to the seawater ingression after the tsunami (Issue 25, 10
June 2006). Till now, the administration has not come out with any blueprint
regarding compensating them or allotment of alternate land. It is another
volcano, which may erupt anytime, if due consideration is not given. The
selection of sites in South Andaman for the construction of permanent houses
for the non-tribal tsunami victims from Southern group is another bone of
contention among the public in South Andaman.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

dear all,

i have just been introduced to this group by pankaj. my name is prachi and i
work for the hindu in mumbai. at present am in port blair to set up a
community radio initiave with seedsindia in wandoor.

i have been here for about 3 weeks and scheduled to leave on the 12th. have
been travelling to wandoor everyday for training and recording. hoping to do
a narrowcasting session on dec 9. i am blogging my project related stuff on
radiolighthouse.blogspot.com...

cheers.
prachi...


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dear Ravi,
Some of the points that you raise are certainly important:
It is certainly very important to understand and ask who should speak on
behalf of  whom? What right do NGOs, Profs, activists (or whoever else) have
to speak on behalf of the Jarawas, the Onges or anybody else? You might also
be right in saying that all of this is hogwash, but there sure has to be
some evidence and basis to what you are saying. I am sure you will agree
that it might otherwise be difficult to accept what you say. Just because
you feel and say it is hogwash, it does not become so.
I cannot claim to know everything but you might want to consider the long
history of the indigenous peoples in the islands, how the Great Andamanese
and the Onge have been virtually wiped out from the surface of the earth
because of hte kind of interventions and developments like we now see in the
case of the Jarawas.

This could be a long and complicated discussion and debate, but I would just
like to suggest that those who are articulating certain positions are doing
it with a lot of thought and with a lot of research that goes into it. I
don't say that you have to agree with what is being suggested, but
dismissing it as hogwash without understanding the context is perhaps too
hasty and certainly unfair.
In the case of the ATR itself, it is not just NGOs who have been talking of
the serious problems that the road has historically brought about.

I could provide with any number of references that prove this point,
starting with the Jarawas themselves.
You need only to look at the records of a few decades ago, when the Andaman
Trunk Road was being built and you will be surprised to see the number of
Jarawa attacks on the road construction labour and on construction camps.
They certainly could not have been doing this for fun. To my mind it is
clear that they had a problem with this tresspassing in their lands. Did we
bother about what they felt or wanted at that point of time. The answer is
an obvious no.
For all of us who are today very bothered about the state of the forests in
the isnalnds and the country, it might come as a surprise that one of the
main reasons for the construction of the Andaman Trunk Road was timber
extraction. Govt. documents of the 1960s say it clearly - that construction
of road will facilitate easy removal of timber from the forests.
Are you aware of the fact that the last of the best remaining tropical
evergreen forests in Andaman islands survive today only in the areas that
are protected as the tribal reserves - Jarawa Reserve in the Greater Andaman
Islands and the Onge Reserve in Little Andamans. There is satellite imagery
to prove this. The forests here are better than most other forest areas in
the islands, including in wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. This
could have been a much better situation if the ATR was not there; both for
the forests and for the Jarawas.
I would also like to discuss the point of 85% forest here raised by Col.
Cherian. You seem to be worried about the fact that the islands have 85%
forest cover and yet NGOs are more interested here nad not about what is
happening on the mainland.
National Forest Policy suggests that the country should have 33% forest
cover. So it is your contention Col. that the forests that we have in the
islands are unnecessary and that NGOs should argue and fight for these to be
cut so that we achieve the target suggested the National Forest Policy. One
does not deny that the situation in other parts of the country are not all
that great, but I don't understand how that can be a logic to be not
bothered about the forests in the islands. Approaches will have to be case
and site specific, and what is applicable in the Garhwal Himalayas of the
deserts of Thar cannot obviously be made applicable to the island systems
like the A&N.

Coming back to the point of the ATR...
Here is a quick listing of a set of people who have in the last few years
expressed their serious concerns about the impact of the Andaman Trunk Road,
both on the forests and the Jarawa community -
a) Dr. RK Bhattacharya, Director of the Anthropological Survey of India,
2003
b) Dr. KB Saxena, Former Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment, GoI
c)Bhaktawar Singh, Former Dy. Supt. of Police, who is credited with
establishing first contact with the Jarawa. He had said that the ATR should
be closed and boat service be started to connect various parts of the
islands.
d) Ujwal Mishra, Former Supt. of Police, Andaman District
e) Sri DS Negi, a few years ago. He went on to become the Chief Secretary of
the islands.
f) Shekhar Singh, Supreme Court Commissioner to look into forest and
environment related matters of the islands.

If all this and more is hogwash, I would like to see the evidence for that.

There is the other issue of the ATR being the lifeline of the islands.
I wonder what you mean by a lifeline. A lifeline is one that is the most
resilient and avaialble for use in the case of an emergency and / or a
disaster. In island systems reliance on road transportation is asking for
serious trouble.
The first thing to become unoperational in the aftermath of a huge
earthquake is a road network, as I understand it happened immediately after
the earthquake and tsunami of December 2004. Road systems as we all know are
among the worst affected in such situations. I am not sure what kind of
lifeline it is that snaps when needed most. The extention of hte lifeline
logic in the island system means that places not accessible by road like the
Ritchies, Little Andaman or the Nicobars are not important. For an island
system like the A&N, there can be nothing more important that a good,
reliable, safe and efficient shipping service, and those in the islands will
know how much scope is there for improving this.


pankaj




C/o Kalpavriksh
Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa,
908 Deccan Gymkhana
Pune 411004, India
Tel: 020 - 25654239
Web: www.kalpavriksh.org

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ravi Goel" <ravigoel25@...>
To: <andamanicobar@...>; <amghaisas@...>;
<defendingwildindia@yahoogroups.com>; <forestrights@yahoogroups.com>;
<kalpavriksh@yahoogroups.com>; <durgeshkasbekar@...>;
<nathistory-india@...>; <sanaln@...>;
<newreka@...>; <jaimesh@...>;
<duttasuchandra@...>; <vivekkubal@...>;
<wildlife-india@...>
Sent: Friday, December 01, 2006 7:01 PM
Subject: RE: [andamanicobar] Modernity taking its toll on tribals


> Whatever will happen will happen.
>
> I dont agree with this mentality of trying to save the purity of the race
> and tribal business.
>
> Why only the Jarwas or Onges, Wy not the Adivasis wo live in every state
> in
> the country; why not the basters, why not the tribes of the North East?
> Why
> not the other not even known tribal people of the mainland. Arent they
> important? Wasnt thier remaining tribals while the rest of us integrated
> with the mainstram?
>
> Who are you and the professors and the NGO's to decide whether they muct
> remain in isolatio or not? Arent sentinelese still hostile, meaning they
> refuse to integrate or tolerate any non tribal in thier area?
>
> If you really wish to save the Onges and Jarawas, there is only one way -
> completely remove all settlers that were settled by the britishers
> generations ago andbring them lock, stock and barrel to the mainland.
>
> Also please note that the Jarawas are coming to Port Blair, to our family
> trading house to demand fruits and eatables and they dont need the ATR to
> traverse.
>
> Remove everybody from Middle Andaman if you really wish to cease the
> guaranteed integration of the Jarwas with Indian main stream.
>
> All this hog wash about ATR is utter drivel and will not be able to even
> slow down the integration forgot about stopping it.
>
> All this disease nonsense is also hog wash; thier immune system are better
> than yours and mine.
>
> If the moderator allows this email to go thru and begin constructive
> discussion rather than they way you want it sanitised discussions, I will
> appreciate it.
>
> With due respect,
>
> Ravi Goel
>
>
>>
>>HindustanTimes.com » Print Editions » Lucknow » Live » Allahabad »
>>Story
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>Modernity taking its toll on tribals
>>K Sandeep Kumar
>>Allahabad, November 28
>>
>>  SUDDEN EXPOSURE to the modern world is causing great stress on the
>>tribal population of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and making the
>>tribals vulnerable to contracting dangerous diseases that could even
>>result in the tribes becoming extinct.
>>
>>These are the findings of Prof Vijoy Shankar Sahay, Head of Allahabad
>>University (AU) Anthropology Department and a member of the special
>>committee of experts formed by the Union Ministry of Environment and
>>Forests to look into the 'Forest and Allied matters in Andaman and
>>Nicobar Islands'. The committee would submit its report to the
>>Ministry by December end.
>>
>>"I am convinced that unless immediate check and balances are placed
>>on the ground, we could end up loosing some of the oldest and purest
>>tribes of the world very soon," said Prof Sahay, who just returned
>>after a 15-day trip to Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
>>
>>Prof Sahay said that in Andaman and Nicobar islands there are two
>>distinct racial groups of primitive tribes: Negritoes in the Andamans
>>(Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas and Sentinelese) and Mongoloids in
>>the Nicobar (Nicobarese, Shompens).
>>
>>"The total population of these tribes is around 26,825, which
>>accounts for about 9 per cent of the total population of these
>>Islands.
>>
>>More than 98 per cent of the tribal population is constituted by
>>Nicobarese who are settled in the Car Nicobar Island.
>>
>>The population of other tribes is very small and is declining over
>>the past several decades," he said.
>>
>>Andaman and Nicobar Administration has rehabilitated Great Andamanese
>>numbering hardly 40 to 45 in Strait Island and Onges, around 98 to
>>100, in Dugong Creek and South Bay of Little Andaman Island.
>>
>>Shompens having a population of 175 live deep in the jungles of Great
>>Nicobar Island. Jarawas, numbering around 266, live in the jungles of
>>South and Middle Andaman were hostile till recently.
>>
>>During the last couple of years, they have shown a willingness to
>>come out of their isolated world and mingle with the mainstream
>>population. The 200-250 Sentinelese live in the North Sentinel Island
>>and are still unapproachable, he added.
>>
>>Prof Sahay said that all the tribes are in a state of transition from
>>their primitive life-styles to a more modern way of life.
>>
>>"The Nicobarese were the first to adjust to this.
>>
>>They have almost lost their tribal nature and are as modern as any of
>>the settler community.
>>
>>The Onges and Andamanese are changing slowly. They keep many aspects
>>of their tribal culture, at the same time have adopted many things
>>from the mainstream population.
>>
>>The Jarawas have just started coming out of their seclusion. The
>>Sentinelese have not yet shown any willingness to shed their hostile
>>attitude towards outsiders," Prof Sahay explained.
>>
>>The changes in their environment due to the rapid growth of the
>>settler population, the sharp decline in their population and the
>>transition from the primitive nature to the modern civilisation are
>>all causing great stress on them.
>>
>>"These have their health impact also. The health needs of the
>>primitive communities are unique.
>>
>>The most dangerous development is the opening of the Andaman Trunk
>>Road that has made tribes like Jaravas vulnerable to addiction of
>>tobacco products, becoming dependant on handouts from people,
>>vulnerable to venereal diseases as well as HIV and AIDS.
>>
>>Unless adequate checks and balances are introduced immediately, we
>>may end up losing these primitive tribes," he warned.
>>
>>Prof Sahay said that the committee formed by the Union Government
>>would hand over its report as well as its recommendations to the
>>Union Ministry of Environment and Forest by December end and
>>expressed hope that proper action would help India save one of its
>>most valuable treasure.
>>
>>
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Tried the new MSN Messenger? It's cool! Download now.
> http://messenger.msn.com/Download/Default.aspx?mkt=en-in
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>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>



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*Saving the fishing sector*



Now, it is up to the administration to protect and preserve the fisherfolk
for tomorrow's better industrial development in the fishing sector.   Needless
to say, it is one of the important sectors for the island's economy, which
should be, improved many folds for the future development and welfare of the
islanders.



By P.M.Mohan



The fisherfolk are the most important component of the coastal environment
and living marine resources.   Because of them only, the utilization of
these resources can be achieved in better manner.  So, it is essential to
develop and strengthen this community as a best community for this island
groups.   After 2004 December 26th, the disaster tsunami affected the
fisherfolk community in large, which leads to a great loss to their
livelihood such as residence, crafts, gear, etc.

The study suggested that the maximum fisherfolk community is from 10 years
category.   Dam Roy and Dorairaj (1994) and Atlanta Ghosh (2002) also
reported this factor earlier.  This classification of category made them to
feel a different kind of attitude that they are insecure, and they have an
inclination for shifting of job or place.   This attitude should be removed
from their mind to save the fishing industry of this island.

The migrant fisherfolk have come with family and also adopt family
government norms very strictly. So, the population increments are not having
any explosive effect on this community in near future.

The educational status of their children shows that 50 % of their children
are studying in schools. It is comparatively larger compared to any menial
labourer's community.   Moreover, the remaining population also should be
brought in line. It is essential to motivate them for education, if possible
on fishery related sciences. It becomes more essential to this island
community's improvement as well as for the exploitation of fishery
resources.

This community mainly concentrates on fishing activities only so, it is
essential to develop their skill by scientific training to enhance their
effort as well as that of their children who have an aptitude for it.
  Similarly,
it is also important to enhance their marketing skills and processing
technique in small scale to enhance their profitability further.

The earning of these fisherfolk is at a very low. The authorities should
take appropriate action to improve their earning by identifying their
shortcomings. The social life of these fisherfolk shows they continue to
live Below Poverty Line. This almost matches with the national scenario of
the fisherfolk.

The crafts and gear data suggest that at least 60% of their population have
their own crafts and gear.   Alagaraja reports (1987) suggest there is an
increment of crafts in these islands. However, the crafts ownership data
suggest that the persons who are having crafts may vary in numbers from one
to three. These boats are dinghy without motors or with outboard motors or
diesel engines.   Since, crafts are old model as well as outdated ones, the
administration might consider providing them with sophisticated equipment,
which may provide a state-of-the-art technology that will enhance the
quality of fishing. This may enhance their performance and bring improvement
to fishing industry.   But mere possession of sophisticated equipment might
not be sufficient for good performance on the field.  So, the administration
should take care on this aspect and develop a way to enhance the fishing
capability of the community.

The tsunami has provided great opportunity to plan this activity and enhance
the same at the earliest. James (1984) also reported on the similar line for
the utilization of the confiscated vessels of the Administration, i.e., some
of which are of a very sophisticated nature with all facilities on
board.   These
boats may be supplied at concessional rate to the fisherfolk for the better
utilization.

The gear (gill net), which the fisherfolk use are Farsa Nylon jaal,
Kappatharani Nylon Jaal, Bangadi Nylon Jaal and Surmai Nylon Jaal with a
mesh size of 3, 4, 4.5 to 5 and 14, respectively.  This can now be
regularized by way of providing natural tread net instead of synthetic tread
alongwith the size of net and also regularized by way of right mesh size
which is essential for the sustainable fishing activities.   Moreover, the
survey also suggests that most of these materials are lost.  So, when it is
replaced the above norms can be followed and the sustainable growth of the
industry monitored.

Moreover, to the craft and gears the other fishing accessories such as
icebox, anchor, hook and line, sinker, float, etc. also missed or lost by
the tsunami's impact.   These materials also need to be provided with a
wider perception of advanced technology, in view of the need for the of
growth of this industry.

The survey also informed that major source of investment on these crafts and
gears are from the bank loan only and not in 100 % subsidy.   In these
circumstances, instead of pressurizing the fisherfolk to pay the loan or
withdrawal of the loan is not essential.  This amount may be provided as a
very long-term loan through their co-operative society that may enhance the
government investment as well as the growth of the industry.

Since, there is lot of problem on the availability of fish due to deep-water
nature of the island ecology. The condition here are not like near shore
environment that exists on the mainland and restriction on fishing, due to
the different environment condition, along with the different kind of
legislation, which has worsen this problem further.   So, it is also an
essential need to provide a safe, sophisticated technology to venture for
long distance fishing during the time of bad weather as well as during
regular fishing season.

The species of catch by these fisherfolk suggest that they are good
marketable species only. However, considering the amount of catch, it shows
very poor result, which is not at all profitable for the efforts they put
in, in these activities.  So, the administration should take care of this
aspect and find a way to improve the production rate at across the board.

Since, these islands have the concept of development of downthrown through
co-operative society web concept which of course, has failed in the
fisherfolk welfare activities.   It is one of the gray areas for the
development of fisherfolk. So, the administration should concentrate and
develop an effective co-operative society movement among the fisherfolk
community and make it mandatory for their livelihood.   This will also help
for the availability of statistics for this community along with monitoring
and importing new technique for the welfare of their goodness.

Further, the submergence of agricultural land around the coastal areas may
become a good ground for aquaculture, especially for prawn and cultivable
fishes. The fertilizer already used in this ground may grow good amount of
algal mate which is essential for aquaculture.  Moreover, the submergence of
all the land should not be used as full level aquaculture.   Instead of that
half of the land can be used for the first year aquaculture and second year
aquaculture in the other half of the land and leave the first half for
natural reclamation of the environment till next year.   This will also
solve the problem of endangering the environment by natural reclamation.  This
can be achieved by way of constant monitoring.

The fisherfolk also informed that they may switch over to other job because
of survival needs. So, the proper counseling as well as proper aid for their
better prospects in this industry should change the psychology of the
fisherfolk.   If not, this will lead to the loss of this community. Now, it
is up to the administration to protect and preserve them for the tomorrow's
better industrial development in the fishing sector.   Needless to say, it
is one of the important sectors for the island's economy, which should be,
improved many folds for the future development and welfare of the islanders.


The author is the Head, Department of Ocean Studies and Marine Biology,
Pondicherry University, JNRM Campus.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

*The Light of Andamans :: Issue 49 :: 2 December 2006*


*Happy Tsunami*



While many lost much to the tsunami, there were many who gained much as
well. A new report assesses one of those who stood to profit from it. The
NGO sector.



By Tanaz K Noble



The December 2004 tsunami that claimed over 7,000 lives from the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands has undoubtedly seen much tragedy, but the tragedy proved to
be a cash cow for some. Almost two years later, a report prepared by
Mohammed A. Abid, former director, Social Welfare, Andamans, uncovers the
mysterious role of the NGOs, and their rather unprofessional approach and
dealings. The report found their role as dubious, and lacking in motivation,
accountability and transparency, among other things.

Over 75,000 applications for tsunami compensation were sent from Port Blair
itself to the administration. Port Blair, of course, was the least affected,
with thousands of those applications turning out to be hoaxes. Nearly 230
NGOs set up their stalls on every available inch of land. It seemed more of
a mela than a tragedy.

"Eventually, about 25-30 organizations remained which have continued to work
in the islands over the last one and half years…" says Abid's report.

The report goes on to describe the efforts of some organizations as
"entirely supply driven" and that they failed to "take into account their
actual requirements: There have been instances of NGOs sending consignments
of Maggi Noodles, Pepsi, sweaters and blankets to the islands, which
remained unused there."

One of the most disturbing findings of the report was that majority of the
NGOs did not have any systems for ensuring any form of accountability and
transparency in their functioning. The report states that majority of the
NGOs "did not share any information regarding the quantum, sources or manner
of utilization of their funds with the beneficiaries, elected
representatives or the administration." It is common knowledge that crores
of funding was donated at their disposal for ongoing tsunami work. "Only 22
out of 44 NGOs have responded to the administration's request for providing
information regarding their activities, financial outlays and expenditure
incurred on various projects."

The scathing report went on to list out the problems being churned out by
the various NGOs varying from widespread concern for the quality of material
and services provided by NGOs, to lack of initiative in lobbying with
municipal councilors and civic authorities in ensuring child rights. The
report states: "The quality of construction work undertaken by the Bharitya
Jain Sangathan has not been found satisfactory in many places and other
organizations have been unable to show satisfactory progress of works
undertaken by them… Interventions of NGOs have not been based on credible
social research… Programmes have been formulated without doing adequate
fieldwork and house-to-house surveys… Many NGOs have followed a policy of
'parity' in hiring local personnel offering them salaries much higher than
the local employment rates…The role of 'child rights ' organizations has
been the most problematic. One only has to make a trip to Hut bay to see
what a mess children's groups have made there."

"In March 2005, the NGOs formed the 'child rights group' and requested the
Director (Social Welfare) that they may be allowed to undertake a survey of
orphan and single parent children. The data collected was never shared with
the administration for more than a year…" states the report.

The report specifically disapproves of the work by NGOs in the Nicobar
Islands.  "These organizations are driven by their own agendas and they have
heedlessly introduced new concepts, ideas, schemes and projects without
taking into account the socio-cultural milieu of the district." He goes on
to state that the ideas proposed by the NGOs were mostly "of dubious value
for the local communities," adding, "Many of them actually end up
undermining the resilience and social capacity of the people rather than
strengthening them." The tribal leadership bitterly complained that OXFAM
only made 'fake promises' and showed callous disregard for the social norms,
customs and decision making systems of the community. "The toilets
introduced by UNICEF-OXFAM, have been a virtual disaster since they did not
take into account prevalent practices and water resource availability."

The report also questions the unwillingness of organizations to reach out to
people in remote and difficult islands like Chowra, Terressa and Katchal.
The programmes of most of the NGOs have been confined to Car Nicobar,
Kamorta and the non-tribal areas of Campbell Bay."

But despite the report's endless list of problems, Human rights Law Network
in the advocacy, the network of Nehru Yuvak Kendras, academic and research
organizations like the Tata institute of social sciences and MS Swaminathan
research foundation were praised to have made valuable contribution in the
process of relief, recovery and regeneration. It was also suggested for
NGOs, especially OXFAM-CEFI, to take the administration into their
confidence before embarking on a project.

In conclusion, the report stated that, "An output budgeting of the
activities of non-government organizations would perhaps reveal that the
tangible results of social activism have not exactly been commensurate with
the efforts and resources invested by different organizations and sometimes
may even seem to contradict the very principles and goals espoused by them."


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

*The Light of Andamans :: Issue 49 :: 2 December 2006*
**

*Permanent shelters: admn. embarks on damage control*



By Staff Reporter



Port Blair: Stung by the unhappy incident resulting in police lathicharge on
agitators at Hut Bay on November 16 on the issue of permanent shelters, the
administration has embarked upon a damage control mission to prevent any
discontent amongst the tribal people from flaring up into another
controversy.

The Relief Commissioner Dharam Pal accompanied by Joint Secretary (Revenue)
Raj Kumar, Project Manager, CPWD VK Malik alongwith Ankita Mishra, and NS
Bundela Deputy Commissioner, and Superintendent of Police, Nicobar
respectively visited Little Nicobar and adjacent islands from November 24 to
26. They visited Little Nicobar where 41 permanent shelters are to come up.
They also visited the villages of Pillopanja, Pillobha, Pillolo, Pilopathia
and Afra Bay further down south on November 25. The team also interacted
with the villagers.

The team later went to Great Nicobar, interacted with the officials and PRI
members and discussed their problems. It also inspected the north-south
road. The issue of providing a jetty at Shastri Nagar, shortage of teachers
and the need for a lady doctor in Campbell Bay also came up during the
discussion.

The administration is doing everything under its command to hasten up the
construction of permanent shelters.

This is perhaps the first time that a team of such senior officials paid a
visit to little known Little Nicobar. The team had to stay in small islands
where the accommodation and other facilities were nowhere commensurate to
their status.

The people were overjoyed to find such officials in their community.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

*The Light of Andamans :: Issue 48*
**
*Hutbay Lathicharge: Unanswered Questions*



By Staff Reporter



Port Blair: The brutal lathicharge and vindictive attack on the unsuspecting
tsunami victims of Little Andaman on the night of November 16, is only the
third such case in the post independence history of Andaman & Nicobar
Islands. However, it is the first case of arson associated with a public
agitation.

The first case of police action against demonstrators was way back in 1962
when the APWD mazdoors had turned violent and police had to resort to
coercive action. It had resulted in the irate mob chasing the then
Development Commissioner BK Halve, who had taken shelter in the Police Fire
Brigade quarters. His jeep was toppled.

The second lathicharge was resorted to, to quell the outrage at the death of
Periaswamy in Police custody in 1998.

What led to lathicharge and arson at Hut Bay is not yet clear.

The demonstrators had left the Tahsil office for Police Station to
accomplish their ' Jail Bharo Andolan'. There was no hint of anger, outrage
or physical demonstration of intent to indulge in arson. The Tahsil office
was totally vacated leaving save a few IRBn jawans and police constables.
Tahsildar's jeep, a parting gift from the Indian Army retreating after
relief operation, was standing in front of the office. The leaders of the
agitation refuse to believe that any of the demonstrators were the cause of
it. It is a serious allegation and hence they would prefer to be anonymous.
But they have a strong feeling that it was the handiwork of the police and
IRBn jawans to discredit the protestors. They have demanded a thorough
inquiry to nail the culprit.

But was the situation serious enough to call for such brutal lathicharge?
"Police has to exercise extreme restrain before resorting to lathicharge or
lobbing teargas shells," said a retired police officer. "Policemen suffer
serious injuries yet they keep their calm and avoid any precipitate action
against a mob of 1,000 odd demonstrators. It is highly deplorable," he
continued. It could take an even uglier turn. According to eye witnesses
policemen pushed the women demonstrators back. Some of them fell down. A
bottle was hurled at the police and lathicharge was ordered.

Who was the miscreant who lobbed the bottle? Was he from amongst the
demonstrators or someone hired for the job? Another unsolved mystory is how
the power went off just at the right time, allowing the IRBn to chase the
demonstrators over barbed wire fencing? KS Singh, District commissioner had
been to Hut Bay to conduct an inquiry. People hope that he would probe these
vexing questions and come out with detailed satisfactory answers.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dear Ravi,

   U have not told me the exact location of ur Rivertrail site. All I know is
thst it is close 2 Mumbai. Since my husband and I r keen 2 visit the place and
get our daughter 2 know the country better, we aud love 2 visit it.

   Regards,

   Rina

Ravi Goel <ravigoel25@...> wrote:
           Dear Rina,

Its a myth that the local tribals of Andaman have never been contact with
civilisation.

Some of the tribals like Onge's and Karens have fully integrated with
civilisation.

Sentinelese are still hostile - meaning they understand that the lives they
lead are better than the life we lead and do not wish to integrate. Their
wishes have been honoured by declaring thier island as national park and is
off limits to everybody.

Jarawas have been exposed to civilisation since more than 150 years since
the time the britishers settled on Ross and made Middle Andamana and Port
Blair thier jail hub and rest of the island they harvested wood in such
great numbers. They were till recently hostile but are now desirous of
integrating as you cannot put tribal and civil people on the same land mass
and expect both to grow independently and remain mutually exclusive.

Please note that tribals are great trekkers / walkers / swimmers and thay
can easily trek 20 Km distance between government of India notfied Jarawa
territory and what the Jarwas belive is thier territory i.e entire middle
andman. it is sheer stupidity to believe that ATR has caused the inter
mingling of tribals and rest of the world.

The only way would have been declare middle andaman as national park and
declare it off limits to tourists like Nicobar that is a bit difficult to
understand as Nicobarese have almost completely integrated with
civilisation.

Please do visit our camp site to under stand that genuine ecotourism is
possible, highly beneficial to locals (employed, get business, do business),
government (we pay service taxes @ 12.24, pay many license fee etc, buy
thier power etc.) and operators like us (we get livelihood close to our
hearts)

Please note that Australia, Galapagos island, kenya, Costa Rica etc. are
miles ahead of us in understanding and implementation with massive turn over
and enrichment bought to the locals and areas saved, protected and growing.

Ravi Goel
Regards

Ravi Goel

>Dear Ravi,
>
> I know of Help Tourism and their work. In fact, I was among the first
>journalists to write about their work for Hindustan Times. Where the Forest
>Depqrtment is concerned, they have started a venture just an year ago.
>Incidentally, their tents and facility are on the beaches facing the Bay of
>Bengal, which are parts hitherto inaccessible to people. This is what I
>referred to.
>
> The Andamans , I feel cannot be compared to any other part of the
>country, since the tribals there have never been in contact with the
>civilised world. A large part of the tribal population was wiped out by
>something as common as measles. This must be taken into account before we
>think of anything.
>
> Do let me know if you are into any projects, though. As an environment
>journalist, I am extremely interested in this subject.
>
> Rina Mukherji
>
> Kolkata
>
>Ravi Goel <ravigoel25@...> wrote:
> Dear Rina,
>
>You will surprised to know that the Sundarban project is running in an
>island called Bali with assistance from WWF and is being run by a superb
>eco
>tourism organisation called "Help Tourism".
>
>The forest department and WWF are assisting but the project is being
>completely run by Help Tourism on the lines of community tourism with 100%
>local employment.
>
>You can reach Help Tourism at 0353 - 2433683 / 2535893 or talk to Asit Da
>at
>09831031980 or visit thier website www.actnowornever.com to know more about
>them and thier thoughts. They are also the perhaps only genuine eco tourism
>organisations in the North Bengal, Sikkim and entire North East with
>multiple properties being run on model eco tourism. They also do great home
>stays at Tinchulay, Gorumara, Neora Valley, Rincehnbong and many other
>places.
>
>I completelt agree with you on the numbers though I feel that Andaman is
>easily absorb with zero impact upto 1 person per square kilometer per day.
>25 to 45 per island is not a sustainable number as it will create a very
>high price barrier dis-enabling the middle class from experiencing the
>destination if you have to invest crores to create a decent low impact
>infrastructure. Heli tourism is also out of question for the same reason.
>
>Boat based tourism is not fully feasible (though sustainable for high
>paying
>customers i.e Rs. 5000 {its only 125USD but high as of now for the average
>midlle class Indian} per person per day minimum) as MS class inter island
>boats that can take the rough sea with out the guest feeling she/he is in
>danger or throwing up, are completely safe and navigable around the year
>including 8 months of monsoon in andaman that really makes the ship feels
>like an amusement park stomach churning ride are expensive and permission
>procedure so difficult (for all the right reasons) that you will need
>massive resources to go thru the process. Though I personally advocate Boat
>based navigation as modern 4 stroke engines causes zero or minimal
>pollution, are very fuel efficient and it is possible to convert the
>engines
>to run on natural gas / LPG / Bio diesel and i the future even fuel cells
>and solar power. Saw one beautiful concept boat being made by Praga marines
>with assistance from the nobel laurete Mr. Ramanjams' son who is also a
>scientist at the cochin boat show.
>
>I also advocate fuel cells or battery operated or natural gas based
>Recreational Vehicles (RV's) with 6 bunks (4 adults and 2 children) and
>chemical toilet running on the ATR with locally employed driver and
>personal
>tour assistant as another means of low impact tourism as it does not
>involve
>construction, wood etc. and after the use ful life is over almost 100% is
>recyclable on the mainland.
>
>Thanks for sharing your ideas with us. Please do stay in the conversation.
>
>Warm regards,
>
>Ravi Goel
>
>
>
>
>Its a public/private/
>
> >Dear Ravi,
> >
> > It is nice to know about your keenness to opt for ecotourism in the
> >Andamans. The Forest department has recently unveiled a similar project
>in
> >the Sundarbans. WWF is running another nice venture here.The nicest part
>is
> >-the prices are affordable, and people get to see sights that are /were
> >otherwise inaccessible owing to these parts being inaccessible to
> >outsiders.
> > Any ecotourism venture ought to generate employment to locals. They
> >should be made responsible as stakeholders in the venture, In the
>Andamans,
> >where many tribal groups are yet to be exposed to the civilised world, it
> >would not be spossbile to follow the same model. However, the numbers
>could
> >be confined to just 20-25 at a time. Local architecture and local food
> >could be opted for, so that very little pressure is exercised on the
> >environment.
> > It is better to use chopeers and steamers than roads for bringing in
> >tourism traffic. This can ensure the minimum damage to the fraagile
> >ecosystem in these parts.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Rina Mukherji
> > Kolkata
> >
> >Ravi Goel wrote:
> > Hi,
> >
> >Genuine Ecotourism - Responsible, sustainable, participative with entire
> >community is the only way tourism must happen in Andaman.
> >
> >Its also the only other industry (other than agri and fisheries) that
> >Andaman has as an option and the only one that can create employment,
> >contribute to the local people and provide revenues to the government for
> >its growth and some more.
> >
> >I was in Andaman for over 3 weeks and was sorely disappointed and shocked
> >by
> >the irresponsible and mass LTC tourism being rampantly encouraged that is
>a
> >severe and ravaging strain on the delicate eco systems and the
> >infrastructure of the islands, while contributing nothing to the local
> >economy except seedy third grade hotels and taxi/bus operators.
> >
> >We run EcoMantra Nature Awareness and Travel, a genuine ecotourism and
> >community tourism based project near Mumbai and after 5 years of
>operations
> >have a rudimentary understanding of the model of ecotourism and eco
> >guidelines that India must adopt and practise to unlock the tremendous
> >value
> >of India as a travel destination for the sensitive nature lovers. And not
> >drug addicts Isaerali and European backpackers that is flocking to and
>have
> >ruined Himachal Pradesh and will ruin Andaman with Wandoor already a
> >serious
> >drug centre.
> >
> >We look forward to your and all members in reading's opinions and ideas
>on
> >the guidelines and eco practises i.e kind of tourist, how will they be
> >oriented, the restrictions on the numbers etc.
> >
> >We will than include these ideas and prepare a guideline which will than
>be
> >submitted to the Indian Tourism Ministry and administration of the
>islands
> >as a model and draft which they can use as a framework to prepare an
> >official guidelines with the consensus of the local people and the
> >ecotourism services providers.
> >
> >Regards,
> >
> >Ravi Goel
> >
> >__________________________________________________________
> >Connect with your friends who use Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. Click!
> >http://www.msnspecials.in/wlmyahoo/index.asp
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >---------------------------------
> >Access over 1 million songs - Yahoo! Music Unlimited.
> >
> >---------------------------------
> >Access over 1 million songs - Yahoo! Music Unlimited.
> >
> >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>__________________________________________________________
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>

__________________________________________________________
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

 Hi All,
Pls try to see the film"Emerald Forest"a very pertinant one to be seen,before we
go into medernising the tribals.
I was about the aborginals of the 'Amazone Rivier'.
The River is still in the limelight of the Daily Media.
L.Ajith.


On Sat, 02 Dec 2006 manish chandi wrote :
>total hogwash
>--- Ravi Goel <ravigoel25@...> wrote:
>
> > Whatever will happen will happen.
> >
> > I dont agree with this mentality of trying to save
> > the purity of the race
> > and tribal business.
> >
> > Why only the Jarwas or Onges, Wy not the Adivasis wo
> > live in every state in
> > the country; why not the basters, why not the tribes
> > of the North East? Why
> > not the other not even known tribal people of the
> > mainland. Arent they
> > important? Wasnt thier remaining tribals while the
> > rest of us integrated
> > with the mainstram?
> >
> > Who are you and the professors and the NGO's to
> > decide whether they muct
> > remain in isolatio or not? Arent sentinelese still
> > hostile, meaning they
> > refuse to integrate or tolerate any non tribal in
> > thier area?
> >
> > If you really wish to save the Onges and Jarawas,
> > there is only one way -
> > completely remove all settlers that were settled by
> > the britishers
> > generations ago andbring them lock, stock and barrel
> > to the mainland.
> >
> > Also please note that the Jarawas are coming to Port
> > Blair, to our family
> > trading house to demand fruits and eatables and they
> > dont need the ATR to
> > traverse.
> >
> > Remove everybody from Middle Andaman if you really
> > wish to cease the
> > guaranteed integration of the Jarwas with Indian
> > main stream.
> >
> > All this hog wash about ATR is utter drivel and will
> > not be able to even
> > slow down the integration forgot about stopping it.
> >
> > All this disease nonsense is also hog wash; thier
> > immune system are better
> > than yours and mine.
> >
> > If the moderator allows this email to go thru and
> > begin constructive
> > discussion rather than they way you want it
> > sanitised discussions, I will
> > appreciate it.
> >
> > With due respect,
> >
> > Ravi Goel
> >
> >
> > >
> > >HindustanTimes.com » Print Editions » Lucknow »
> > Live » Allahabad »
> > >Story
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >Modernity taking its toll on tribals
> > >K Sandeep Kumar
> > >Allahabad, November 28
> > >
> > >  SUDDEN EXPOSURE to the modern world is causing
> > great stress on the
> > >tribal population of the Andaman and Nicobar
> > Islands and making the
> > >tribals vulnerable to contracting dangerous
> > diseases that could even
> > >result in the tribes becoming extinct.
> > >
> > >These are the findings of Prof Vijoy Shankar Sahay,
> > Head of Allahabad
> > >University (AU) Anthropology Department and a
> > member of the special
> > >committee of experts formed by the Union Ministry
> > of Environment and
> > >Forests to look into the 'Forest and Allied matters
> > in Andaman and
> > >Nicobar Islands'. The committee would submit its
> > report to the
> > >Ministry by December end.
> > >
> > >"I am convinced that unless immediate check and
> > balances are placed
> > >on the ground, we could end up loosing some of the
> > oldest and purest
> > >tribes of the world very soon," said Prof Sahay,
> > who just returned
> > >after a 15-day trip to Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
> > >
> > >Prof Sahay said that in Andaman and Nicobar islands
> > there are two
> > >distinct racial groups of primitive tribes:
> > Negritoes in the Andamans
> > >(Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas and Sentinelese)
> > and Mongoloids in
> > >the Nicobar (Nicobarese, Shompens).
> > >
> > >"The total population of these tribes is around
> > 26,825, which
> > >accounts for about 9 per cent of the total
> > population of these
> > >Islands.
> > >
> > >More than 98 per cent of the tribal population is
> > constituted by
> > >Nicobarese who are settled in the Car Nicobar
> > Island.
> > >
> > >The population of other tribes is very small and is
> > declining over
> > >the past several decades," he said.
> > >
> > >Andaman and Nicobar Administration has
> > rehabilitated Great Andamanese
> > >numbering hardly 40 to 45 in Strait Island and
> > Onges, around 98 to
> > >100, in Dugong Creek and South Bay of Little
> > Andaman Island.
> > >
> > >Shompens having a population of 175 live deep in
> > the jungles of Great
> > >Nicobar Island. Jarawas, numbering around 266, live
> > in the jungles of
> > >South and Middle Andaman were hostile till
> > recently.
> > >
> > >During the last couple of years, they have shown a
> > willingness to
> > >come out of their isolated world and mingle with
> > the mainstream
> > >population. The 200-250 Sentinelese live in the
> > North Sentinel Island
> > >and are still unapproachable, he added.
> > >
> > >Prof Sahay said that all the tribes are in a state
> > of transition from
> > >their primitive life-styles to a more modern way of
> > life.
> > >
> > >"The Nicobarese were the first to adjust to this.
> > >
> > >They have almost lost their tribal nature and are
> > as modern as any of
> > >the settler community.
> > >
> > >The Onges and Andamanese are changing slowly. They
> > keep many aspects
> > >of their tribal culture, at the same time have
> > adopted many things
> > >from the mainstream population.
> > >
> > >The Jarawas have just started coming out of their
> > seclusion. The
> > >Sentinelese have not yet shown any willingness to
> > shed their hostile
> > >attitude towards outsiders," Prof Sahay explained.
> > >
> > >The changes in their environment due to the rapid
> > growth of the
> > >settler population, the sharp decline in their
> > population and the
> > >transition from the primitive nature to the modern
> > civilisation are
> > >all causing great stress on them.
> > >
> > >"These have their health impact also. The health
> > needs of the
> > >primitive communities are unique.
> > >
> > >The most dangerous development is the opening of
> > the Andaman Trunk
> > >Road that has made tribes like Jaravas vulnerable
> > to addiction of
> > >tobacco products, becoming dependant on handouts
> > from people,
> > >vulnerable to venereal diseases as well as HIV and
> > AIDS.
> > >
> > >Unless adequate checks and balances are introduced
> > immediately, we
> > >may end up losing these primitive tribes," he
> > warned.
> > >
> > >Prof Sahay said that the committee formed by the
> > Union Government
> > >would hand over its report as well as its
> > recommendations to the
> > >Union Ministry of Environment and Forest by
> > December
>=== message truncated ===
>
>
>
>
>_______________________________________________________________________________\
_____
>Yahoo! Music Unlimited
>Access over 1 million songs.
>http://music.yahoo.com/unlimited


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dear Rina,

Its a myth that the local tribals of Andaman have never been contact with
civilisation.

Some of the tribals like Onge's and Karens have fully integrated with
civilisation.

Sentinelese are still hostile - meaning they understand that the lives they
lead are better than the life we lead and do not wish to integrate. Their
wishes have been honoured by declaring thier island as national park and is
off limits to everybody.

Jarawas have been exposed to civilisation since more than 150 years since
the time the britishers settled on Ross and made Middle Andamana and Port
Blair thier jail hub and rest of the island they harvested wood in such
great numbers. They were till recently hostile but are now desirous of
integrating as you cannot put tribal and civil people on the same land mass
and expect both to grow independently and remain mutually exclusive.

Please note that tribals are great trekkers / walkers / swimmers and thay
can easily trek 20 Km distance between government of India notfied Jarawa
territory and what the Jarwas belive is thier territory i.e entire middle
andman. it is sheer stupidity to believe that ATR has caused the inter
mingling of tribals and rest of the world.

The only way would have been declare middle andaman as national park and
declare it off limits to tourists like Nicobar that is a bit difficult to
understand as Nicobarese have almost completely integrated with
civilisation.

Please do visit our camp site to under stand that genuine ecotourism is
possible, highly beneficial to locals (employed, get business, do business),
government (we pay service taxes @ 12.24, pay many license fee etc, buy
thier power etc.) and operators like us (we get livelihood close to our
hearts)

Please note that Australia, Galapagos island, kenya, Costa Rica etc. are
miles ahead of us in understanding and implementation with massive turn over
and enrichment bought to the locals and areas saved, protected and growing.

Ravi Goel
Regards

Ravi Goel

>Dear Ravi,
>
>   I know of Help Tourism and their work. In fact, I was among the first
>journalists to write about their work for Hindustan Times. Where the Forest
>Depqrtment is concerned,  they have started a venture just an year ago.
>Incidentally, their tents and facility are on the beaches facing the Bay of
>Bengal, which are parts hitherto inaccessible to people. This is what I
>referred to.
>
>   The Andamans , I feel cannot be compared to any other part of the
>country, since the tribals there have never been in contact with the
>civilised world. A large part of the tribal population was wiped out by
>something as common as measles. This must be taken into account before we
>think of anything.
>
>   Do let me know if you are into any projects, though. As an environment
>journalist, I am extremely interested in this subject.
>
>   Rina Mukherji
>
>   Kolkata
>
>Ravi Goel <ravigoel25@...> wrote:
>   Dear Rina,
>
>You will surprised to know that the Sundarban project is running in an
>island called Bali with assistance from WWF and is being run by a superb
>eco
>tourism organisation called "Help Tourism".
>
>The forest department and WWF are assisting but the project is being
>completely run by Help Tourism on the lines of community tourism with 100%
>local employment.
>
>You can reach Help Tourism at 0353 - 2433683 / 2535893 or talk to Asit Da
>at
>09831031980 or visit thier website www.actnowornever.com to know more about
>them and thier thoughts. They are also the perhaps only genuine eco tourism
>organisations in the North Bengal, Sikkim and entire North East with
>multiple properties being run on model eco tourism. They also do great home
>stays at Tinchulay, Gorumara, Neora Valley, Rincehnbong and many other
>places.
>
>I completelt agree with you on the numbers though I feel that Andaman is
>easily absorb with zero impact upto 1 person per square kilometer per day.
>25 to 45 per island is not a sustainable number as it will create a very
>high price barrier dis-enabling the middle class from experiencing the
>destination if you have to invest crores to create a decent low impact
>infrastructure. Heli tourism is also out of question for the same reason.
>
>Boat based tourism is not fully feasible (though sustainable for high
>paying
>customers i.e Rs. 5000 {its only 125USD but high as of now for the average
>midlle class Indian} per person per day minimum) as MS class inter island
>boats that can take the rough sea with out the guest feeling she/he is in
>danger or throwing up, are completely safe and navigable around the year
>including 8 months of monsoon in andaman that really makes the ship feels
>like an amusement park stomach churning ride are expensive and permission
>procedure so difficult (for all the right reasons) that you will need
>massive resources to go thru the process. Though I personally advocate Boat
>based navigation as modern 4 stroke engines causes zero or minimal
>pollution, are very fuel efficient and it is possible to convert the
>engines
>to run on natural gas / LPG / Bio diesel and i the future even fuel cells
>and solar power. Saw one beautiful concept boat being made by Praga marines
>with assistance from the nobel laurete Mr. Ramanjams' son who is also a
>scientist at the cochin boat show.
>
>I also advocate fuel cells or battery operated or natural gas based
>Recreational Vehicles (RV's) with 6 bunks (4 adults and 2 children) and
>chemical toilet running on the ATR with locally employed driver and
>personal
>tour assistant as another means of low impact tourism as it does not
>involve
>construction, wood etc. and after the use ful life is over almost 100% is
>recyclable on the mainland.
>
>Thanks for sharing your ideas with us. Please do stay in the conversation.
>
>Warm regards,
>
>Ravi Goel
>
>
>
>
>Its a public/private/
>
> >Dear Ravi,
> >
> > It is nice to know about your keenness to opt for ecotourism in the
> >Andamans. The Forest department has recently unveiled a similar project
>in
> >the Sundarbans. WWF is running another nice venture here.The nicest part
>is
> >-the prices are affordable, and people get to see sights that are /were
> >otherwise inaccessible owing to these parts being inaccessible to
> >outsiders.
> > Any ecotourism venture ought to generate employment to locals. They
> >should be made responsible as stakeholders in the venture, In the
>Andamans,
> >where many tribal groups are yet to be exposed to the civilised world, it
> >would not be spossbile to follow the same model. However, the numbers
>could
> >be confined to just 20-25 at a time. Local architecture and local food
> >could be opted for, so that very little pressure is exercised on the
> >environment.
> > It is better to use chopeers and steamers than roads for bringing in
> >tourism traffic. This can ensure the minimum damage to the fraagile
> >ecosystem in these parts.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Rina Mukherji
> > Kolkata
> >
> >Ravi Goel wrote:
> > Hi,
> >
> >Genuine Ecotourism - Responsible, sustainable, participative with entire
> >community is the only way tourism must happen in Andaman.
> >
> >Its also the only other industry (other than agri and fisheries) that
> >Andaman has as an option and the only one that can create employment,
> >contribute to the local people and provide revenues to the government for
> >its growth and some more.
> >
> >I was in Andaman for over 3 weeks and was sorely disappointed and shocked
> >by
> >the irresponsible and mass LTC tourism being rampantly encouraged that is
>a
> >severe and ravaging strain on the delicate eco systems and the
> >infrastructure of the islands, while contributing nothing to the local
> >economy except seedy third grade hotels and taxi/bus operators.
> >
> >We run EcoMantra Nature Awareness and Travel, a genuine ecotourism and
> >community tourism based project near Mumbai and after 5 years of
>operations
> >have a rudimentary understanding of the model of ecotourism and eco
> >guidelines that India must adopt and practise to unlock the tremendous
> >value
> >of India as a travel destination for the sensitive nature lovers. And not
> >drug addicts Isaerali and European backpackers that is flocking to and
>have
> >ruined Himachal Pradesh and will ruin Andaman with Wandoor already a
> >serious
> >drug centre.
> >
> >We look forward to your and all members in reading's opinions and ideas
>on
> >the guidelines and eco practises i.e kind of tourist, how will they be
> >oriented, the restrictions on the numbers etc.
> >
> >We will than include these ideas and prepare a guideline which will than
>be
> >submitted to the Indian Tourism Ministry and administration of the
>islands
> >as a model and draft which they can use as a framework to prepare an
> >official guidelines with the consensus of the local people and the
> >ecotourism services providers.
> >
> >Regards,
> >
> >Ravi Goel
> >
> >__________________________________________________________
> >Connect with your friends who use Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. Click!
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> >
> >
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Dear Ravi,

   I know of Help Tourism and their work. In fact, I was among the first
journalists to write about their work for Hindustan Times. Where the Forest
Depqrtment is concerned,  they have started a venture just an year ago.
Incidentally, their tents and facility are on the beaches facing the Bay of
Bengal, which are parts hitherto inaccessible to people. This is what I referred
to.

   The Andamans , I feel cannot be compared to any other part of the country,
since the tribals there have never been in contact with the civilised world. A
large part of the tribal population was wiped out by something as common as
measles. This must be taken into account before we think of anything.

   Do let me know if you are into any projects, though. As an environment
journalist, I am extremely interested in this subject.

   Rina Mukherji

   Kolkata

Ravi Goel <ravigoel25@...> wrote:
   Dear Rina,

You will surprised to know that the Sundarban project is running in an
island called Bali with assistance from WWF and is being run by a superb eco
tourism organisation called "Help Tourism".

The forest department and WWF are assisting but the project is being
completely run by Help Tourism on the lines of community tourism with 100%
local employment.

You can reach Help Tourism at 0353 - 2433683 / 2535893 or talk to Asit Da at
09831031980 or visit thier website www.actnowornever.com to know more about
them and thier thoughts. They are also the perhaps only genuine eco tourism
organisations in the North Bengal, Sikkim and entire North East with
multiple properties being run on model eco tourism. They also do great home
stays at Tinchulay, Gorumara, Neora Valley, Rincehnbong and many other
places.

I completelt agree with you on the numbers though I feel that Andaman is
easily absorb with zero impact upto 1 person per square kilometer per day.
25 to 45 per island is not a sustainable number as it will create a very
high price barrier dis-enabling the middle class from experiencing the
destination if you have to invest crores to create a decent low impact
infrastructure. Heli tourism is also out of question for the same reason.

Boat based tourism is not fully feasible (though sustainable for high paying
customers i.e Rs. 5000 {its only 125USD but high as of now for the average
midlle class Indian} per person per day minimum) as MS class inter island
boats that can take the rough sea with out the guest feeling she/he is in
danger or throwing up, are completely safe and navigable around the year
including 8 months of monsoon in andaman that really makes the ship feels
like an amusement park stomach churning ride are expensive and permission
procedure so difficult (for all the right reasons) that you will need
massive resources to go thru the process. Though I personally advocate Boat
based navigation as modern 4 stroke engines causes zero or minimal
pollution, are very fuel efficient and it is possible to convert the engines
to run on natural gas / LPG / Bio diesel and i the future even fuel cells
and solar power. Saw one beautiful concept boat being made by Praga marines
with assistance from the nobel laurete Mr. Ramanjams' son who is also a
scientist at the cochin boat show.

I also advocate fuel cells or battery operated or natural gas based
Recreational Vehicles (RV's) with 6 bunks (4 adults and 2 children) and
chemical toilet running on the ATR with locally employed driver and personal
tour assistant as another means of low impact tourism as it does not involve
construction, wood etc. and after the use ful life is over almost 100% is
recyclable on the mainland.

Thanks for sharing your ideas with us. Please do stay in the conversation.

Warm regards,

Ravi Goel




Its a public/private/

>Dear Ravi,
>
> It is nice to know about your keenness to opt for ecotourism in the
>Andamans. The Forest department has recently unveiled a similar project in
>the Sundarbans. WWF is running another nice venture here.The nicest part is
>-the prices are affordable, and people get to see sights that are /were
>otherwise inaccessible owing to these parts being inaccessible to
>outsiders.
> Any ecotourism venture ought to generate employment to locals. They
>should be made responsible as stakeholders in the venture, In the Andamans,
>where many tribal groups are yet to be exposed to the civilised world, it
>would not be spossbile to follow the same model. However, the numbers could
>be confined to just 20-25 at a time. Local architecture and local food
>could be opted for, so that very little pressure is exercised on the
>environment.
> It is better to use chopeers and steamers than roads for bringing in
>tourism traffic. This can ensure the minimum damage to the fraagile
>ecosystem in these parts.
>
> Regards,
>
> Rina Mukherji
> Kolkata
>
>Ravi Goel wrote:
> Hi,
>
>Genuine Ecotourism - Responsible, sustainable, participative with entire
>community is the only way tourism must happen in Andaman.
>
>Its also the only other industry (other than agri and fisheries) that
>Andaman has as an option and the only one that can create employment,
>contribute to the local people and provide revenues to the government for
>its growth and some more.
>
>I was in Andaman for over 3 weeks and was sorely disappointed and shocked
>by
>the irresponsible and mass LTC tourism being rampantly encouraged that is a
>severe and ravaging strain on the delicate eco systems and the
>infrastructure of the islands, while contributing nothing to the local
>economy except seedy third grade hotels and taxi/bus operators.
>
>We run EcoMantra Nature Awareness and Travel, a genuine ecotourism and
>community tourism based project near Mumbai and after 5 years of operations
>have a rudimentary understanding of the model of ecotourism and eco
>guidelines that India must adopt and practise to unlock the tremendous
>value
>of India as a travel destination for the sensitive nature lovers. And not
>drug addicts Isaerali and European backpackers that is flocking to and have
>ruined Himachal Pradesh and will ruin Andaman with Wandoor already a
>serious
>drug centre.
>
>We look forward to your and all members in reading's opinions and ideas on
>the guidelines and eco practises i.e kind of tourist, how will they be
>oriented, the restrictions on the numbers etc.
>
>We will than include these ideas and prepare a guideline which will than be
>submitted to the Indian Tourism Ministry and administration of the islands
>as a model and draft which they can use as a framework to prepare an
>official guidelines with the consensus of the local people and the
>ecotourism services providers.
>
>Regards,
>
>Ravi Goel
>
>__________________________________________________________
>Connect with your friends who use Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. Click!
>http://www.msnspecials.in/wlmyahoo/index.asp
>
>
>
>
>
>
>---------------------------------
>Access over 1 million songs - Yahoo! Music Unlimited.
>
>---------------------------------
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>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

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Invitation for Book Release and Panel Discussion

Human Rights for Human Dignity

Published by
Amnesty International

Date: December 5, 2006 Time: 2.30 pm
Venue: Gandhi Peace Foundation, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, New Delhi


Chief Guest & Keynote Speaker:
Justice J S Verma, former Chief Justice, of India
Common Minimum Postulates (CMP) of Human Dignity

Panel:
Rajinder Sachar, former Chief Justice, High Court of Delhi
Group Rights and Human Dignity
Prof. Amit Bhaduri, Professor Emeritus, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi
Development with Dignity
Dr. Purna Sen, Program Director (Asia-Pacific), Amnesty International
Dignity, Human Rights and Gender


On December 5, celebrating the World Dignity Day, Amnesty International India is
launching its publication, 'Human Rights for Human Dignity: A Primer on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights' , in English and Hindi. We take the
pleasure of inviting you to our book release program and a panel discussion
thereafter on December 5 2006 (Tuesday), 2.00pm – 4.00 pm at Gandhi Peace
Foundation, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, near ITO, New Delhi.

'Human Rights for Human Dignity' presents an overview of economic, social and
cultural rights, outlines their scope and content, and gives examples of
violations and what can be done to address them. This primer highlights not only
the obligations of the governments within their own countries but also their
international obligations, and the human rights responsibilities of a wider
orbit of actors including international organizations and corporations.

Amnesty International (AI) has also planned its next global campaign on the
theme of 'Human Rights and Human Dignity'. As the international community has
repeatedly recognized, all human rights are universal, indivisible,
inter-dependent and interrelated. Human dignity requires respect for all human
rights of all people: there can be no higher priority than the right to live
with dignity. Amnesty International joins local communities and activists
worldwide in campaigning for economic, social and cultural rights of the
marginalised people.

Sixty years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the
aspiration for "a world free from want as well as fear" is unrealised for
millions. A massive shift in mindset is needed so that poverty is understood and
addressed as a condition driven and perpetuated by a web of indivisible human
rights violations. Bringing a human rights based approach and global activism,
through the lens of health & housing, and grounded in individuals' experience,
is the need of the hour.

The full realization of economic, social and cultural rights – including rights
to food, housing, health, education and work – requires significant human, ,
technological and variety of other resources. Yet limited resources can not be
accepted as the principal cause of widespread violations of these rights, and
cannot be used as an excuse to deny them to specific individuals and groups.
Ethnic minorities, indigenous peoples, women, members of opposition or religious
groups, people living with HIV/AIDS or mental disabilities and many others risk
injustice as a result of such discriminations and deprivations.

The Governments that are keen to encourage investments have often failed to
ensure that the big business respects its human rights responsibilities as well.
Moreover, they have exposed the population to exploitation through the denial of
the right to fair wages and decent working conditions. Functioning independently
or through international financial institutions, the governments have often
disregarded the rights of people elsewhere, supporting large-scale development
projects which have resulted in widespread homelessness and defiance of
indigenous peoples' rights. Violations of economic, social and cultural rights
are not just a matter of inadequate resources or policy; but a matter of
dignity.

AI wishes to join the mobilisation for concrete changes in policy and practice
to help create space for the marginalised to claim their rights and dignity.

We, therefore, invite you to join us for the book release and the panel
discussion, and express your solidarity for our campaign for the cause of
economic, social and cultural rights of all people.

Thanking you.

Sincerely

Mukul Sharma, Director
Joe Athialy, Campaigns and Communication Coordinator - 9868114470
Soumya Bhaumik, Human Rights Education Coordinator - 9811472549

Contacts:
Hitesh Gogia: 9811283747
Sundera Babu: 9811744919
Monami Banerjee: 9818448041




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total hogwash
--- Ravi Goel <ravigoel25@...> wrote:

> Whatever will happen will happen.
>
> I dont agree with this mentality of trying to save
> the purity of the race
> and tribal business.
>
> Why only the Jarwas or Onges, Wy not the Adivasis wo
> live in every state in
> the country; why not the basters, why not the tribes
> of the North East? Why
> not the other not even known tribal people of the
> mainland. Arent they
> important? Wasnt thier remaining tribals while the
> rest of us integrated
> with the mainstram?
>
> Who are you and the professors and the NGO's to
> decide whether they muct
> remain in isolatio or not? Arent sentinelese still
> hostile, meaning they
> refuse to integrate or tolerate any non tribal in
> thier area?
>
> If you really wish to save the Onges and Jarawas,
> there is only one way -
> completely remove all settlers that were settled by
> the britishers
> generations ago andbring them lock, stock and barrel
> to the mainland.
>
> Also please note that the Jarawas are coming to Port
> Blair, to our family
> trading house to demand fruits and eatables and they
> dont need the ATR to
> traverse.
>
> Remove everybody from Middle Andaman if you really
> wish to cease the
> guaranteed integration of the Jarwas with Indian
> main stream.
>
> All this hog wash about ATR is utter drivel and will
> not be able to even
> slow down the integration forgot about stopping it.
>
> All this disease nonsense is also hog wash; thier
> immune system are better
> than yours and mine.
>
> If the moderator allows this email to go thru and
> begin constructive
> discussion rather than they way you want it
> sanitised discussions, I will
> appreciate it.
>
> With due respect,
>
> Ravi Goel
>
>
> >
> >HindustanTimes.com » Print Editions » Lucknow »
> Live » Allahabad »
> >Story
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >Modernity taking its toll on tribals
> >K Sandeep Kumar
> >Allahabad, November 28
> >
> >  SUDDEN EXPOSURE to the modern world is causing
> great stress on the
> >tribal population of the Andaman and Nicobar
> Islands and making the
> >tribals vulnerable to contracting dangerous
> diseases that could even
> >result in the tribes becoming extinct.
> >
> >These are the findings of Prof Vijoy Shankar Sahay,
> Head of Allahabad
> >University (AU) Anthropology Department and a
> member of the special
> >committee of experts formed by the Union Ministry
> of Environment and
> >Forests to look into the 'Forest and Allied matters
> in Andaman and
> >Nicobar Islands'. The committee would submit its
> report to the
> >Ministry by December end.
> >
> >"I am convinced that unless immediate check and
> balances are placed
> >on the ground, we could end up loosing some of the
> oldest and purest
> >tribes of the world very soon," said Prof Sahay,
> who just returned
> >after a 15-day trip to Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
> >
> >Prof Sahay said that in Andaman and Nicobar islands
> there are two
> >distinct racial groups of primitive tribes:
> Negritoes in the Andamans
> >(Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas and Sentinelese)
> and Mongoloids in
> >the Nicobar (Nicobarese, Shompens).
> >
> >"The total population of these tribes is around
> 26,825, which
> >accounts for about 9 per cent of the total
> population of these
> >Islands.
> >
> >More than 98 per cent of the tribal population is
> constituted by
> >Nicobarese who are settled in the Car Nicobar
> Island.
> >
> >The population of other tribes is very small and is
> declining over
> >the past several decades," he said.
> >
> >Andaman and Nicobar Administration has
> rehabilitated Great Andamanese
> >numbering hardly 40 to 45 in Strait Island and
> Onges, around 98 to
> >100, in Dugong Creek and South Bay of Little
> Andaman Island.
> >
> >Shompens having a population of 175 live deep in
> the jungles of Great
> >Nicobar Island. Jarawas, numbering around 266, live
> in the jungles of
> >South and Middle Andaman were hostile till
> recently.
> >
> >During the last couple of years, they have shown a
> willingness to
> >come out of their isolated world and mingle with
> the mainstream
> >population. The 200-250 Sentinelese live in the
> North Sentinel Island
> >and are still unapproachable, he added.
> >
> >Prof Sahay said that all the tribes are in a state
> of transition from
> >their primitive life-styles to a more modern way of
> life.
> >
> >"The Nicobarese were the first to adjust to this.
> >
> >They have almost lost their tribal nature and are
> as modern as any of
> >the settler community.
> >
> >The Onges and Andamanese are changing slowly. They
> keep many aspects
> >of their tribal culture, at the same time have
> adopted many things
> >from the mainstream population.
> >
> >The Jarawas have just started coming out of their
> seclusion. The
> >Sentinelese have not yet shown any willingness to
> shed their hostile
> >attitude towards outsiders," Prof Sahay explained.
> >
> >The changes in their environment due to the rapid
> growth of the
> >settler population, the sharp decline in their
> population and the
> >transition from the primitive nature to the modern
> civilisation are
> >all causing great stress on them.
> >
> >"These have their health impact also. The health
> needs of the
> >primitive communities are unique.
> >
> >The most dangerous development is the opening of
> the Andaman Trunk
> >Road that has made tribes like Jaravas vulnerable
> to addiction of
> >tobacco products, becoming dependant on handouts
> from people,
> >vulnerable to venereal diseases as well as HIV and
> AIDS.
> >
> >Unless adequate checks and balances are introduced
> immediately, we
> >may end up losing these primitive tribes," he
> warned.
> >
> >Prof Sahay said that the committee formed by the
> Union Government
> >would hand over its report as well as its
> recommendations to the
> >Union Ministry of Environment and Forest by
> December
=== message truncated ===




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MANAGING PROTECTED AREAS
A GLOBAL GUIDE
Edited by Michael Lockwood, Graeme Worboys and Ashish Kothari

This authoritative handbook, produced by IUCN, spans the full terrain of
protected area management and is the international benchmark for all
professionals, students and academics worldwide. The book employs dozens of
detailed international cases studies, hundreds of concise topical snapshots,
maps, tables, illustrations and a colour plate section, as well as evaluation
tools, checklists and numerous appendices to cover all aspects of park
management from biodiversity to natural heritage to financial management.

The book establishes a conceptual underpinning for protected area management,
presents guiding principles for the 21st century, reflects recent work on
international best practice and provides an assessment of skills required by
professionals. The publication is relevant to the full range of management
systems worldwide, balancing more traditional, developed country approaches with
developing country systems including participatory, integrated, multi-sectoral
and value-driven approaches.

Published with IUCN.

Michael Lockwood is Senior Lecturer, Environmental Planning, School of Geography
& Environmental Studies, University of Tasmania, Australia. Graeme L. Worboys is
Vice-Chair, Mountains Biome, IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA).
Ashish Kothari is Vice-Chair, People and Equity, IUCN WCPA.

Contents:
Introduction . Part I: Setting the Context . Natural Heritage . Social Context .
Global Protected Area Framework . Values and Benefits . Threats to Protected
Areas . Governance . Process of Management . Building Capacity . Part II:
Principles and Practice . Establishing Protected Areas . Obtaining, Managing and
Communicating Information . Management Planning . Finance and Economics .
Administration . Sustainability Practice and Sustainable Use . Operations
Management . Natural Heritage Management . Cultural Heritage Management .
Managing Threats . Incident Management . Tourism and Recreation . Collaborative
Management . Community Conserved Protected Areas . Linking the Landscape .
Marine Protected Areas . Evaluating Management Effectiveness . Building Support
. Futures and Visions . Appendices, Bibliography, Index

Bibliographic details
Paperback Ł49.95 ISBN 1844073033
Hardback Ł120.00 ISBN 1844073025
Publication date: November 2006
800 pages; 246 x 189mm; Figures, tables, boxes, maps, colour photos, index



Ashish Kothari
Member, Kalpavriksh
Co-Chair, IUCN Theme on Indigenous/Local Communities, Equity, and Protected
Areas
Apt. 5 Shree Dutta Krupa
908 Deccan Gymkhana
Pune 411004
Tel: 91-20-25675450
Tel/Fax: 91-20-25654239
Email: ashishkothari@...
Website:  www.kalpavriksh.org



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

University researcher achieves a first in study of Andamans
28 November 2006


A University of Kent academic has carried out ground-breaking research into
one of the world's most remote and
inaccessible island groups. Maharaj Vijay Reddy's study of tourist
development in the Andaman and Nicobar
Islands has also seen him achieve a rare distinction, as few outsiders have
ever been granted permission to carry
out research in the territory.
Located in the Indian Ocean, more than 1,000 kilometres from the mainland of
India, the islands are home to
some of the world's most secretive aboriginal tribes, whose privacy is
strictly safeguarded by the Indian
government. The territory consists of 572 islands - of which only
approximately 38 are actually inhabited - and
about 90 per cent of the land is covered in dense rainforest. Formerly under
British colonial rule, the islands also
have a strong Indian military presence.
A research associate at the University of Kent at Medway's tourism research
centre, CENTICA, Mr Reddy said the
islands presented a challenge he couldn't resist. 'Very little information
about tourism in these islands had already
been published, so I really had to throw myself into a lot of active
research,' he said. 'It is difficult for outsiders to
carry out this kind of work, due to the presence of the Indian military and
the policy of the Indian government in
protecting the tribes.
'It was a difficult task even to reach the majority of the extremely remote
islands, especially as some of the sea
routes are turbulent. For example, the return journey to the Great Nicobar
Island during a visit in 2003 took
eight continuous days by ship.
'Very few people have taken the challenge on, but despite the difficulties
it was exciting to be carrying out such
original research.'
CENTICA - the Centre for Tourism in Islands and Coastal Areas - was launched
at the Medway campus in October
2006. The centre is led by Dr Mark Hampton, who also runs the University's
Tourism Management degree course.
Mr Reddy achieved another rare feat following the tsunami of 26 December
2004, which claimed the lives of more
than 7,000 people on the islands. Since the Nicobar group of islands are
official tribal reserves where neither
tourists nor researchers have been allowed, the entry of international aid
agencies - as well as foreign media -
was severely restricted.
Notices placed by the government reinforced the message, with warnings of
jail terms for encroachment into
reserved territories.
Having been commissioned by UNESCO - the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization - to
put together a report on the impact of the tsunami, however, Mr Reddy once
more gained rare access to parts of
the islands in 2005. 'The tsunami made the islands famous,' he said. 'The
impact was truly devastating, especially
in the Nicobar Islands. Some parts were actually broken into two or three
new islands. Great areas of homes and
natural vegetation were simply washed away. A few of my friends were among
those who lost their lives.'
Now back at the University of Kent, Mr Reddy is continuing his work into the
lasting impact of the tsunami on the
islands' growing tourism industry and on the communities now rebuilding
their lives.
His research work is also helping to select 'world heritage sites' in the
islands - such as Ross Island, the former
administrative headquarters in the days of British rule - which can then be
marketed as tourist attractions. Mr
Reddy's studies will also help with the official conservation of these
historic sites.

For further information, please contact Nick Ellwood, Marketing and
Communications Officer at the University of
Kent at Medway.
Tel: 01634 888879.
Mobile: 07706 666 242.
Email: N.J.Ellwood@...
News releases can also be found at: http://www.kent.ac.uk/news
Reference URL
http://www.kent.ac.uk/news
Keywords (click on a keyword for related items)
Social Sciences, Geography

For further information, please contact:
Nick Ellwood
Kent, University of
n.j.ellwood@...
01634 888879For further information, please contact:
Nick Ellwood
Kent, University of
n.j.ellwood@...
01634 888879

Dear Pankaj,

What are the implications of inclusion of Tribal Council of Nicobar Dist in
Schedule 6? Will this be a change for the better?

Regards,

Vivek

V.Vivekanandan
Chief Executive
South Indian Federation of Fishermen Societies
Karamana
Trivandrum 695 002

Ph: +91-471-2343711, 2343178
Res: +91-471-2501018
Mobile: +91-9847084840

E-mail: vivek@...

   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Pankaj
   To: andamanicobar@...
   Sent: Saturday, December 02, 2006 8:27 PM
   Subject: [andamanicobar] Cong. Delegation from isles meets Mrs. Sonia Gandhi


   Cong. Delegation meets Sonia
   Isles developmental issues highlighted
   THE DAILY TELEGRAMS, Nov. 30, 2006
   Port Blair, Nov 29
   A number of issues pertaining to the welfare of the islanders and
   development of the islands were putforth when the ANTCC President, Shri
   Kuldeep Rai Sharma led a delegation to meet the AICC President, Smt Sonia
   Gandhi at New Delhi yesterday.
   The memorandum of demands included, among other issues, reviewing of the
   Supreme Court decision on Shekhar Singh's commission report, setting up of
   Legislative Assembly for A&N, alternate land for tsunami affected families
   whose land are submerged, waiving of loans upto 2 lakhs. Separate cadre for
   local officers, posting of medical specialists for various departments,
   implementation of Bharat Nirman Scheme and restoration of full quota of PDS
   items for the islands.
   The delegation also highlighted for granting International airport status
   to Veer Savarkar Airport to boost tourism in the islands besides inclusion
   of Tribal Council of Nicobar district in schedule VI of the constitution, a
   communication from Gandhi Bhawan said here today.





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Mr Ravi !


I appreciate your judgement and would like you to keep bringing out facts to the
fore front as those who are reading the mail do not know the ground realities.
For eg How many NGOs or people have opposed the NHAI pulling out those 100  +
yrs old  trees  in the name of National development on the mainland. Here where
there is 85% forest cover people are talking about coservation. Realy it started
giving me also a feeling of gimics. Why the SC orders has not yet been executed
? Do we have any rule in the country to study the viability of executing a
supreeme court order. And for that meeting has to be held in Delhi at A&N
Adm cost inviting people few of them may not have even visited Andamans. Are the
locals lacking knowledge? I suggest that these challenging questions should be
forwaded to the Administrators who are policy makers also. Thanks.CHERRY


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

HOUSE FULL
The Hindu, December 3, 2006
PRACHI PINGLAY
After the tsunami of 2004, tourism is thriving again in the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands. Can the islands cope?



Everyone agrees that "low volume high-end tourism" is the best option for
the islands.


http://www.hindu.com/mag/2006/12/03/stories/2006120300370700.htm
IT is 6 a.m. at Phoenix Bay in Port Blair. The sun is already scorching and
the crowd waiting to get into a boat to Havelock Island is getting bigger
every minute. There are many people with tickets and many more without.
Groups of foreign backpackers, local traders, officers, tourists from
mainland (that is what the rest of India is called in the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands) are all haggling, quarrelling, bargaining and negotiating.
There does not seem to be any one point-person who can handle the situation.
It does get out of hand when one young girl, tired of trying to tell that
she has been coming here for the last two days and has been turned away,
decides to jump on the boat. She hurls herself in on the rope that holds the
boat to the harbour and is on the deck. People stare in shock and amusement.
Some cheer her, her friends join her in the same way, some try to shout at
her, some start complaining that they should be allowed too. The boat leaves
with one more couple clinging to the door. Others resume the bargaining,
negotiating et al. This scene perfectly symbolises the tourism industry of
the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
When the tsunami struck this cluster of islands on December 26, 2004, the
first to be hit in India, it was feared that the not-so-well-managed tourism
industry scene would only worsen. But incidents of tourists having to sleep
in the airport, makeshift accommodations like gurudwaras, temples and of
tourists having to wait endlessly for their inter-island ship tickets,
indicate a trend otherwise.
Many attractions
The emerald beaches are one of the finest in the world. However, the
potential is far from exploited due to several reasons like tribal reserves,
infrastructure challenges and lack of interest on the part of the
administration. With a renewed curiosity on the part of international as
well as Indian tourists, possibilities are opening up.
Mohammad Jadwet, President of the Andaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
says, "The tsunami brought the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the notice of
the world. On an average, we used to get one lakh tourists but it dropped to
around 50,000 after the tsunami. However, with Government's efforts like LTC
tourists and investments, it is picking up again. We may get more than a
lakh tourists this year."

With the Government's efforts to bring the islands back on the tourism map,
there has been a visible change. It has a scheme of sponsoring a package
tour in the Andaman's to promote tourism. Government employees come here for
around 10 days on an all-expenses-paid package tour. However, several doubt
the sustainable nature of attracting LTC tourists. The reason perhaps stems
from an unpleasant experience this year.
Around Durga Puja time in early October, there was a sudden increase in the
number of tourists. Several groups coming from different States were booked
at the same time in a limited number of hotels. Agents who booked from
mainland had assured them of accommodation whereas there was none available.
Due to this gap in communication, or reasons best known to the tour
operators, there was confusion and several families ended up staying in
places which were not up to their expectations.
Tourists and the local economy

  Deepak Govind, Director, Barefoot Group and President of Tourism Guild in
Port Blair, explained, "Agents complained as the incidents of people having
to sleep in airport and other places gives a bad name to the islands.
Mainland tour operators booked without ensuring adequate accommodation." He
also points out that such a high volume of numbers is not good for the
industry. Referring to the cheaper air travel (it is Rs. 4,000 to 5,000 one
way from Chennai or Kolkata) he said, "It has changed the whole scenario.
Lots of people are coming but the economy of Andaman's does not benefit from
LTC tourists. They come in holidays and their packages are included in
ticketing. Everything is done in the mainland. We want tourists to come and
spend their money here. High-end tourism will help the local economy."
Arif, a tour operator in Port Blair, is happily busy. "Actually, there is
not much to see in Port Blair. When tourists don't get tickets to go to
other islands we drive them around. Also, because there is such heavy
demand, we can demand better rates. But it is difficult for us to get their
tours organised, as these are big groups and confirmed tickets are difficult
to get."
High-end tourism or Eco-tourism is the only way for islands like
Lakshadweep, Maldives and Andaman and Nicobar. Snorkelling and scuba diving
are popular activities among the tourists. Rich coral reefs around these
islands, the emerald sea, white sand beaches and the dense forest cover give
Andamans all the USPs it needs.
However, infrastructure is a severe let down. Mr. Govind underlines the
inevitability of private operators. "Presently the fares for boat rides that
take tourists from Port Blair to Havelock or Neil Island are highly
subsidised. There are not enough boats with the administration. We want
private people to come. It can be more expensive but tourists should get
whatever they want. That is what the Department of Tourism thinks as well."
The Department of Tourism has big plans for the islands. With major
hospitality groups interested in developing the islands, there are plans of
opening up 15 islands for a 99-year lease, says Mr. Govind. This could
result in the islands becoming as good an attraction as the Southeast Asian
tourist destinations.
Severe shortage


However, Mohammad Jadwet cautions against shortage of skilled labour. "There
are ample opportunities right now. People say that there is unemployment
here but at the same time they do not have the skills to get absorbed. For
example, in tourism, hotels have to get their cooks or other hospitality
staff from the mainland."
Environmental activist, Sameer Acharya also warns against scarcity of water
and power. "Diesel generated power is very expensive and the administration
has to decide on how many tourists it will allow. Like Bhutan, where, the
number of tourists to be let in is decided at the beginning of the year. Let
them pay more to enter the Andaman's."
Everyone agrees that "low volume high-end tourism" is the best option for
the islands. However, as of now, the islands are getting a varied mix of
tourists. And a huge mix at that!
Flashing back to scene one - the sun continued to swelter and the
disappointed passengers who had been left behind begin a slow retreat when
two guys come up and assure one backpacker couple, "Shall I put you on the 1
p.m. ferry? Will get you on board for sure! Come here by 12 p.m." Hmmm!
Anything to soak in the emerald blue, to stroll on the spotless white sands,
to explore exotic corals and to come back with the sounds of shells and
conches and waves in your memories...
Printer friendly page

Dear Pankaj,
I believe that in any list of demands discussed items should be clearly
differentiated under two heads: mainland settlers in the islands and the
indigenous tribal groups. I use the term indigenous to make a distinction
between the earlier tribal groups and the newer lot of  settlers like those
from Ranchi etc. And why this continued negation of the Anthropoligical
Survey of India?
Lotika

On 12/2/06, Pankaj <pankaj@...> wrote:
>
>   Cong. Delegation meets Sonia
> Isles developmental issues highlighted
> THE DAILY TELEGRAMS, Nov. 30, 2006
> Port Blair, Nov 29
> A number of issues pertaining to the welfare of the islanders and
> development of the islands were putforth when the ANTCC President, Shri
> Kuldeep Rai Sharma led a delegation to meet the AICC President, Smt Sonia
> Gandhi at New Delhi yesterday.
> The memorandum of demands included, among other issues, reviewing of the
> Supreme Court decision on Shekhar Singh's commission report, setting up of
>
> Legislative Assembly for A&N, alternate land for tsunami affected families
>
> whose land are submerged, waiving of loans upto 2 lakhs. Separate cadre
> for
> local officers, posting of medical specialists for various departments,
> implementation of Bharat Nirman Scheme and restoration of full quota of
> PDS
> items for the islands.
> The delegation also highlighted for granting International airport status
> to Veer Savarkar Airport to boost tourism in the islands besides inclusion
>
> of Tribal Council of Nicobar district in schedule VI of the constitution,
> a
> communication from Gandhi Bhawan said here today.
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Cong. Delegation meets Sonia
Isles developmental issues highlighted
THE DAILY TELEGRAMS, Nov. 30, 2006
Port Blair, Nov 29
    A number of issues pertaining to the welfare of the islanders and
development of the islands were putforth when the ANTCC President, Shri
Kuldeep Rai Sharma led a delegation to meet the AICC President, Smt Sonia
Gandhi at New Delhi yesterday.
    The memorandum of demands included, among other issues, reviewing of the
Supreme Court decision on Shekhar Singh's commission report, setting up of
Legislative Assembly for A&N, alternate land for tsunami affected families
whose land are submerged, waiving of loans upto 2 lakhs. Separate cadre for
local officers, posting of medical specialists for various departments,
implementation of Bharat Nirman Scheme and restoration of full quota of PDS
items for the islands.
    The delegation also highlighted for granting International airport status
to Veer Savarkar Airport to boost tourism in the islands besides inclusion
of Tribal Council of Nicobar district in schedule VI of the constitution, a
communication from Gandhi Bhawan said here today.

*I hope you have gone through this news item that appeared in HT before Prof
Sahay's visit to the Islands. Please compare this report with the recent one
appeared in HT (**Modernity taking its toll on tribals posted by Mr Rahul)**.
  *

* *

*Prof. Sahai to study condition of Andaman tribes *



Head of Allahabad University's Department of Anthropology Prof VS Sahai will
visit Andaman and Nicobar Island in October to observe the condition of the
tribes in the islands.



Prof Sahai has been made a member of the Scientific Expert Committee formed
by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest to investigate the status of
forest and allied affairs in the islands.


Andaman and Nicobar islands are home to some of the fast-vanishing
aboriginal tribes of the world. Few of the tribes are isolated and remain
untouched with the outside world while most of them have accepted the social
changes occurring in the rest of the world. Four Negrito and two
Indo-Mongoloid races of tribes exist in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The
Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa and the Sentinelese belong to the Negrito
race while the Indo-Mongoloid group tribes include the Nicobarese and the
Shompen.


"The survival of these tribes is the main issue as their population has
reduced to an alarming extent. The government and several welfare
organisations are continuously attempting to inculcate the sustainable means
of living but the uncompromising attitude of few of the tribes have brought
them on the verge of extinction," informed Prof Sahai.



"The government has built homes, roads, jetties and several instruments of
civilisation in the islands.

The confrontation of these primitive tribes to the new world has also
desecrated the traditions of these tribes. The Jarawa tribe which is one of
the most primitive tribe has been affected by the Great Andaman Road passing
through their places of habitation. The Jarawa tribe peoples were reported
to have adopted the habit of begging and stealing instead of their inherent
character of hunting for survival", he added.



According to Prof Sahai a commission was formed by Ministry of Environment
and Forest to check the status of forest and other allied matters in Andaman
and Nicobar Islands. The commission was headed by Shekhar Singh who filed
his report recently.

The Ministry of Environment and Forest has formed a Scientific Expert
Committee to check the feasibility of Shekhar Commission report. The
five-member committee includes Emeritus Prof CR Babu from School of
Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, PC Kesavan from Department of
Atomic Energy, former Chief Conservator of Forests, Government of Tamil Nadu
S Kondas  and KV Raju from Institute of Social and Economic Change,
Bangalore besides Prof Sahai. The committee will stay here for about ten
days.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dear Ravi,
how do we determine that the islands need tourism, and who in the island
communities need tourism? Who owns and operates tourism enterprises and how
much of the income is retained? Who is the tourist? Unless we define these
issues, guidelines, and I have no complaint with your 8 point guideline,
except the systems for energy and waste management are just stated and there
is no more said, also become voluntary. The Sunderbans project is an attempt
to address these issues,but they also have problems;however they are going
ahead.Maybe they will find solutions.I think the growth argument doesnt
convince anybody except those who are operators.Mass tourism is growing
faster and the numbers are phenomenal. The figures you give for ecotourism
include many destinations that are far from eco.Some engagement across the
board with local stakeholders, who have many conflicts amongst themselves,
operators, policy makers should find some lowest common denominator which
can be the starting point for debate and for setting up projects. I
personally believe the leisure-pleasure periphery cant be converted to eco
tourism, but seeing is believing, so I am ready to change my opinion if it
doesnt reflect reality.
Finally, without seeking to be in the limelight, Jarawas have become objects
of enterprise. I think they can take their time rather than being pushed, we
also took hundreds of years to reach here.However, they have to learn from
the stages of civilisational progress and adapt it to their cultural value
and meaning.So i think we are not really in a position to speak for
them.Cantourism happen without the ATR? Lets try that
first.Lets prioritise with sensitivity, and that will carry the largest
numbers behind new ideas.We have to narrow the gap between the yes tourism
and no tourism believers, and then we can progress democratically.
Nina Rao


On 02/12/06, Ravi Goel <ravigoel25@...> wrote:
>
>   Dear Friends,
>
> This is the 8 Point Eco tourism Guidelines main categories that I have
> thought of and are practising at our model eco tourism eco camp
> "Rivertrail"
> near Mumbai.
>
> EcoMantra Eco Practises Guidelines for Certification for Eco Lodge / Eco
> Camp / Eco Retreat
>
> 1. Ecotecture: Design, Construction & Maintenance
>
> 2. Natural Terrain & Landscaping Management
> a. Natural areas and terrain
> b. Lawn and gardens (Minimal in open tree less areas only)
>
> 3. Energy Management: Design, Conservation & Creation
>
> 4. Water Management: Collection, Conservation & Creation
>
> 5. Waste Management: Reduce, Reuse & Recycle
> a. Liquid waste management
> b. Solid waste management
>
> 6. Pollution Management: Eliminating contamination of air, water and soil
>
> 7. Nature Awareness & Environmental Education: Entertaining & Engaging eco
>
> travellers using
> a. Interactive Nature Adventures
> b. Interactive Nature Activities and Nature Games
> c. Interactive Nature Workshops
>
> 8. Eco tourism Rating and Quality standards
>
> I believe that it effectively covers everything and look forward to your
> suggestions and advise.
>
> I am presently re structuring the guidelines (as of now its 18 pages in 10
>
> font size single spacing) and will share the same with you for editing,
> addition etc.
>
> Warm regards,
>
> Ravi Goel
>
> __________________________________________________________
> Eat well and eat right. Get tips on nutrition from Naini Setalvad
> http://content.msn.co.in/Lifestyle/AskExpert/Default07.htm
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dear Murali,

I disagree with you on the guideline part and completely agree with you on
the rest of your observations and thoughts. I have a few inputs.

First the disagreement - Indian does not have eco guide lines at national
levels. THough countless eco guidelines have been prepared by state level
administration, as soon as the concerned initiator of the guide lines is
transferred, the guidelines is thrown in the dust bin by the new secretary
or concerned officer. Bitter but true.

If there would be a guide line that is effective it must have been
percolated to the eco tourism operators and state level tourism secretaries
and ministry of tourism by now. If you go and scavenge, you will doubtless
find a very thick missing nothing verbose guidelines that nobody in thier
right mind will be able to follow to the tee or even read it cover to cover.
And I repeat, you will have to work patiently to lay your hands on the copy.

I have been hearing it since 5 years now that the administration is working
on the guide lines and it will be released and enforced any day now. But if
it is being made as top secret than God help us.

My first demand is that it must be based on the unique topography of each
destination in India based on internation successful case studies and bench
marks transformed with discussion with locals, eco tourism operators and
government to suit Indian conditions. That is easy to understand, very
brief, easy to implement and easy to orient the eco traveller guest in 15
minutes maximum, and easy to train the local participants in ecotourism in
less than 3 days. In other words it must not be bureacratic, it must not be
written in legal latin language, and it must not use more than 3 pages of
paper, single side double spacing and font size 12.

The guideline must be powerful enough to empower local administration to NOT
ALLOW third grade hotels doing DHABA-DARU tourism.

The guidelines must be fair and in argument free clear concise manner
regulate and categorise all eco tourism projects and provide star rating
based on accommodation, activities, food, community initiatives, local
participation, alternative energy, eco tecture and other eco practises etc.
So that the eco travellers can choose for themselves.

The guidelines must facilitate easy finances for all eco tourism projects
from a single window.

The guidelines must ensure a single "India Experience" online and offline
sales and marketing support for all eco tourism operators that allows a
hassle free transaction for the customers and in return generate a TAC and
participating fee for the department to cover up the cost of infrastructure
in all countries beside being online.

The guidelines must be empowered to repreimand and close down if necessary,
all eco resorts, eco tels and eco camps that do not deliver what they
deliver.

But yet the administration should not become the BIG BROTHER is watching
body as it will only encourage corruption but should come out as a powerful,
we will not tolerate bad experiences for the guest FACILITATOR.

Please note that 50 island being opened for tourism projects has been
dropped like a hot potato by the Andaman administration and they are now
focussing on opening up just 4 island and effectively managing the current
open to tourism islands numbering less than 40 out of total of 572.

The Andaman administration also understands and belives that ATR is the life
line of Andaman and are constantly repairing the same instead of considering
to close it as per the demands of some NGO's. The only concession they have
made is not showing the ATR in Jarwa territory on the MAP though it is very
much real and easy to get a permit.

I feel that if ecotourism guidelines like star hotel guidelines are
structured quickly and effectively implemented than the fly by night
operators who claim eco lodge or eco tourism services can be easily
controlled.

Home Stays must be allowed by only registered eco tourism operators where
the locals have a share in the organisation. Real Eco tourism operatos who
walk the talk. IS'nt easy but we at EcoManra Nature Awareness and Travel are
doing it and pay a very god salary, a good profit share, the price of land
being paid as lease fee within 2 years and thereafter the continueing lease
fee is pure profit for the land owner beside food and kitchen contract. Not
only does the money goes back to the local farmers and citizens but I find
it so easy to make them understand and deliver high quality services to my
guests and have ZERO local trouble, easy permissions and great rapport. What
I lose, I am gaining on the round about and more. The local is happy because
he makes more money than lot of highly qualified people in the city will and
I m happy because the venture is on Auto Pilot and am free to write long
emails to thousands of people and travel with out a worry about how is it
going with my guests in my absence.

One thing is for sure though, we as private ecotourism operators can only
create eco camps/ resorts.hotels/activities/food but we need 100%
administration support in roads, power, guidelines, errain management to be
able to deliver what eco travellers need and will pay for - A Memorable
Experience.

Warm regards,

Ravi Goel

>Dear Friends,
>
>I agree completely with Mr.Ravi Goel. Unfortunately in
>our country we have finest rules and guidelines to
>conserve environment. But poorly implemented/followed.
>While we have some good guidelines available for
>forest based ecotourism or sustainable tourism,we
>don't have adequate guidelines/directions for coastal
>and marine based tourism. Goa is one example where
>mass tourism has ruined the local ecology. Goa is
>slowly loosing its charm.
>
>Conservationist across the county need to be alert
>about coastal tourism in the coming days because
>
>1)In the absence of renewing existing livelihoods for
>the tsunami affected people in Andaman, the government
>is very keen to open up more areas for tourism and
>increase the visitation by mega promotion schemes.
>
>2) Government of India is planning to invest more on
>coastal tourism in the 11th plan programme and will
>attract private investments for opening up new areas.
>
>3) In the absence of proper guidelines and code
>everything will going to be painted as green tourism
>or ecotourism or nature tourism and so on. these three
>are heavily misused and abused in the Indian context.
>
>Real challenge before us are
>
>a) regulating high visitor numbers
>b) season nature of many tourism sites
>c) infrasture/amenities development
>d) community owned/run approach over community
>consulted/participation (which never happen in
>reality)
>
>Would like to work with like mined groups/individual
>on this issue.
>
>Regards,
>
>J.Murali
>Chennai
>murali_jana@...
>
>--- Ravi Goel <ravigoel25@...> wrote:
>
> > Hi,
> >
> > Genuine Ecotourism - Responsible, sustainable,
> > participative with entire
> > community is the only way tourism must happen in
> > Andaman.
> >
> > Its also the only other industry (other than agri
> > and fisheries) that
> > Andaman has as an option and the only one that can
> > create employment,
> > contribute to the local people and provide revenues
> > to the government for
> > its growth and some more.
> >
> > I was in Andaman for over 3 weeks and was sorely
> > disappointed and shocked by
> > the irresponsible and mass LTC tourism being
> > rampantly encouraged that is a
> > severe and ravaging strain on the delicate eco
> > systems and the
> > infrastructure of the islands, while contributing
> > nothing to the local
> > economy except seedy third grade hotels and taxi/bus
> > operators.
> >
> > We run EcoMantra Nature Awareness and Travel, a
> > genuine ecotourism and
> > community tourism based project near Mumbai and
> > after 5 years of operations
> > have a rudimentary understanding of the model of
> > ecotourism and eco
> > guidelines that India must adopt and practise to
> > unlock the tremendous value
> > of India as a travel destination for the sensitive
> > nature lovers. And not
> > drug addicts Isaerali and European backpackers that
> > is flocking to and have
> > ruined Himachal Pradesh and will ruin Andaman with
> > Wandoor already a serious
> > drug centre.
> >
> > We look forward to your and all members in reading's
> > opinions and ideas on
> > the guidelines and eco practises i.e kind of
> > tourist, how will they be
> > oriented, the restrictions on the numbers etc.
> >
> > We will than include these ideas and prepare a
> > guideline which will than be
> > submitted to the Indian Tourism Ministry and
> > administration of the islands
> > as a model and draft which they can use as a
> > framework to prepare an
> > official guidelines with the consensus of the local
> > people and the
> > ecotourism services providers.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Ravi Goel
> >
> >
>_________________________________________________________________
> > Connect with your friends who use Yahoo! Messenger
> > with Voice. Click!
> > http://www.msnspecials.in/wlmyahoo/index.asp
> >
>
>
>
>
>_______________________________________________________________________________\
_____
>Do you Yahoo!?
>Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta.
>http://new.mail.yahoo.com

_________________________________________________________________
Discover. Explore. Connect-Windows Live Spaces. Check out!
http://www.msnspecials.in/windowslive/livespaces.asp

Dear Friends,

This is the 8 Point Eco tourism Guidelines main categories that I have
thought of and are practising at our model eco tourism eco camp "Rivertrail"
near Mumbai.

EcoMantra Eco Practises Guidelines for Certification for Eco Lodge / Eco
Camp / Eco Retreat

1. Ecotecture: Design, Construction & Maintenance

2. Natural Terrain & Landscaping Management
a. Natural areas and terrain
b. Lawn and gardens (Minimal in open tree less areas only)

3. Energy Management: Design, Conservation & Creation

4. Water Management: Collection, Conservation & Creation

5. Waste Management: Reduce, Reuse & Recycle
a. Liquid waste management
b. Solid waste management

6. Pollution Management: Eliminating contamination of air, water and soil

7. Nature Awareness & Environmental Education: Entertaining & Engaging eco
travellers using
a. Interactive Nature Adventures
b. Interactive Nature Activities and Nature Games
c. Interactive Nature Workshops

8. Eco tourism Rating and Quality standards

I believe that it effectively covers everything and look forward to your
suggestions and advise.

I am presently re structuring the guidelines (as of now its 18 pages in 10
font size single spacing) and will share the same with you for editing,
addition etc.

Warm regards,

Ravi Goel

_________________________________________________________________
Eat well and eat right. Get tips on nutrition from Naini Setalvad
http://content.msn.co.in/Lifestyle/AskExpert/Default07.htm

Dear Rina,

You will surprised to know that the Sundarban project is running in an
island called Bali with assistance from WWF and is being run by a superb eco
tourism organisation called "Help Tourism".

The forest department and WWF are assisting but the project is being
completely run by Help Tourism on the lines of community tourism with 100%
local employment.

You can reach Help Tourism at 0353 - 2433683 / 2535893 or talk to Asit Da at
09831031980 or visit thier website www.actnowornever.com to know more about
them and thier thoughts. They are also the perhaps only genuine eco tourism
organisations in the North Bengal, Sikkim and entire North East with
multiple properties being run on model eco tourism. They also do great home
stays at Tinchulay, Gorumara, Neora Valley, Rincehnbong and many other
places.

I completelt agree with you on the numbers though I feel that Andaman is
easily absorb with zero impact upto 1 person per square kilometer per day.
25 to 45 per island is not a sustainable number as it will create a very
high price barrier dis-enabling the middle class from experiencing the
destination if you have to invest crores to create a decent low impact
infrastructure. Heli tourism is also out of question for the same reason.

Boat based tourism is not fully feasible (though sustainable for high paying
customers i.e Rs. 5000 {its only 125USD but high as of now for the average
midlle class Indian} per person per day minimum) as MS class inter island
boats that can take the rough sea with out the guest feeling she/he is in
danger or throwing up, are completely safe and navigable around the year
including 8 months of monsoon in andaman that really makes the ship feels
like an amusement park stomach churning ride are expensive and permission
procedure so difficult (for all the right reasons) that you will need
massive resources to go thru the process. Though I personally advocate Boat
based navigation as modern 4 stroke engines causes zero or minimal
pollution, are very fuel efficient and it is possible to convert the engines
to run on natural gas / LPG / Bio diesel and i the future even fuel cells
and solar power. Saw one beautiful concept boat being made by Praga marines
with assistance from the nobel laurete Mr. Ramanjams' son who is also a
scientist at  the cochin boat show.

I also advocate fuel cells or battery operated or natural gas based
Recreational Vehicles (RV's) with 6 bunks (4 adults and 2 children) and
chemical toilet running on the ATR with locally employed driver and personal
tour assistant as another means of low impact tourism as it does not involve
construction, wood etc. and after the use ful life is over almost 100% is
recyclable on the mainland.

Thanks for sharing your ideas with us. Please do stay in the conversation.

Warm regards,

Ravi Goel




Its a public/private/

>Dear Ravi,
>
>   It is nice to know about your keenness to opt for ecotourism in the
>Andamans. The Forest department has recently unveiled a similar project in
>the Sundarbans. WWF is running another nice venture here.The nicest part is
>-the prices are affordable, and people get to see sights that are /were
>otherwise inaccessible owing to these parts being inaccessible to
>outsiders.
>   Any ecotourism venture  ought to generate employment to locals. They
>should be made responsible as stakeholders in the venture, In the Andamans,
>where many tribal groups are yet to be exposed to the civilised world, it
>would not be spossbile to follow the same model. However, the numbers could
>be confined to just 20-25  at a time. Local architecture and local food
>could be opted for, so that very little pressure is exercised on the
>environment.
>   It is better to use chopeers and steamers than roads for bringing in
>tourism traffic. This can ensure the minimum damage to the fraagile
>ecosystem in these parts.
>
>   Regards,
>
>   Rina Mukherji
>   Kolkata
>
>Ravi Goel <ravigoel25@...> wrote:
>           Hi,
>
>Genuine Ecotourism - Responsible, sustainable, participative with entire
>community is the only way tourism must happen in Andaman.
>
>Its also the only other industry (other than agri and fisheries) that
>Andaman has as an option and the only one that can create employment,
>contribute to the local people and provide revenues to the government for
>its growth and some more.
>
>I was in Andaman for over 3 weeks and was sorely disappointed and shocked
>by
>the irresponsible and mass LTC tourism being rampantly encouraged that is a
>severe and ravaging strain on the delicate eco systems and the
>infrastructure of the islands, while contributing nothing to the local
>economy except seedy third grade hotels and taxi/bus operators.
>
>We run EcoMantra Nature Awareness and Travel, a genuine ecotourism and
>community tourism based project near Mumbai and after 5 years of operations
>have a rudimentary understanding of the model of ecotourism and eco
>guidelines that India must adopt and practise to unlock the tremendous
>value
>of India as a travel destination for the sensitive nature lovers. And not
>drug addicts Isaerali and European backpackers that is flocking to and have
>ruined Himachal Pradesh and will ruin Andaman with Wandoor already a
>serious
>drug centre.
>
>We look forward to your and all members in reading's opinions and ideas on
>the guidelines and eco practises i.e kind of tourist, how will they be
>oriented, the restrictions on the numbers etc.
>
>We will than include these ideas and prepare a guideline which will than be
>submitted to the Indian Tourism Ministry and administration of the islands
>as a model and draft which they can use as a framework to prepare an
>official guidelines with the consensus of the local people and the
>ecotourism services providers.
>
>Regards,
>
>Ravi Goel
>
>__________________________________________________________
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Dear Ravi,
   I sincerely appreciate your sensitivity and concern and also Rina's concern.
Please forgive my saying things out of context and without much understanding.
But I am quite happy the way I am and believe so are the people living in
Andaman. So I think any Tourism we think, we should very clear that it is not
for any betterment of them, it is for us. When they have survived through eons
years they surely can do so till the world comes to and end and maybe even after
that if we can learn from them ways of living in harmony with nature. If we have
clarity of perspective why we are doing this Tourism we might work with minimum
harm to them. First I suppose whatever is happening as you describe, at present
in their vicintiy has to be stopped immediately. See I am back to sqaure one as
I am unable to do that..... but hope soem one will,
   I missed your address of Mumbai  - could you please send it to me again -
Thanks
   solidarity, regards and wishes
   chanda


rina mukherji <rina_mukherji@...> wrote:          Its also the only other
industry (other than agri and fisheries) that
Andaman has as an option and the only one that can create employment,
contribute to the local people and provide revenues to the government for
its growth and some more.




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Hi Viswajit,

This is what I am doing now.

The Andaman administration is most open to constructive changes with local
peoples and stakeholders participation.

Though it would be a generalisation to some extent but unfortunately its
true to a great exntent that we Indians are very very good in discussing a
topic or an idea to its death. As one of my friend Durgesh use to say -
Analysis, Analysis and than Paralysis or What in the earlier era, a wise man
summed up as "Much Ado about nothing".

Our group has been instrumental in getting not one but two santuaries
declared in the western ghats of Goa. Came as a surprise to us as we
commenced the idea of getting an incredible area in the forest of Karnataka
called Bhimgad much before we did Goa. We got the sanctuaries in Goa in 2002
and we are still trying for the proposed Bhimgad Wildlife Santuary even now.

The difference is that we happenstance to liaison with the governor of Goa
Mr. EVR Jacobs and Mr. D'Souza and Mr. Parab and other hundreds visionaries
and people like you and me but in position of the authority who went along
with us and saved the forest from utter destruction to merely neglected. I
dont what kind of win we had in getting the area declared as santuaries as
in the end of the day, by virtue of a reserve forest being a santuary or a
national park does not guarantee conservation or protection; it merely makes
the ravager's life difficult. Look at the pathetic condition of the some of
the most famous natural heritage of this amazing country called India and
you will understand what I mean.

Consequently we realised that legal protection on the natural heritage of
India merely prolongs the death of an area but not save it for ever. Combine
that with our belief that nothing which is not sustainable and that can
create revenues to not only save itself but contribute to the coffers of the
Government of India, the locals, the business commnuity and the service
utilisers; namely in that order will survive.

The territorial wings of the forest department use to contribute billions to
the government and local community kitty (the complete supply chain) in
which you and we are also a direct big time beneficiary.

Again if you look holistically, even so called other alternative material,
synthetic chemicals, petroleum products, metal; in other words whatever you
are holding, can see, touch, eat, hear, everything comes from this planet we
call Earth. So if you use that, you are still contributing directly towards
ravaging planet Earth and damaging it in the process.

Also at the cost of sounding politically incorrect but being brutually
honest; who are you and me to decide the fate of the Jarawas, Onges and
other tribal and suggest that the march of time should make them a part of
the so called progress that we are experiencing - touch and the light is on,
call and the ambulance comes to take you to ICU and save your life using
miracle drugs, write andread this email on a computer, wear clothes, eat
oranges and other fruits, live in super comfortable houses made of RCC and
cement and steel and paint, preserve food in refrigerator, wash clothese in
washing machine and if you are hungry dial a pizza. Please go and live like
them in the forest and understand first hand whether you can llive the rest
of your life like this (arguments that they are use to living like this are
off as we use to live like them a few millenium back and have been
effectively integrated in the civilised world as they would in time to come
- its only a question of how soon).

So I cannot comprehend the ATR closure drive. Suggest something, anything if
you have a doable alternative means of travel at the same cost as ATR. Sea
travel and heli travel uses much much higher fuel (again contributing to
ravaging nature). It would be penny wise and pound foolish.

To combine the above ideas together, what I am effectively saying is that
Whatever is going to happen will happen. Lets flow with the living world and
not ideate who should live his/her life how but definitely come together to
construct a framework of how we can integrate tourism - the largest, biggest
employer and the fastest growing business in the world is tourism of which
ecoourism is growing at 25% per year in India to 45% per year in countries
like Malaysia that is exponentially higher than our gross economy growth
rate.

Lets regulate and create a benchmark that will conserve nature, not only for
our future generation but because it makes economic sense to the present
generation, right now.

I am in the process of preparing a rough draft based on our experiences of
doing genuine sustainable ecotourism for the past 5 years. I will share the
same with everybody.

Please read, think, sleep over it, contribute, refine, add, delete and I
will combine it all together and pass on the same to all the stake holders
and administration followed by people who want to be more invollve in
andaman and rest of India to see for themselves and contribute personally to
the process that will take atleast 5 years of practical working, refinement,
   to create multi level multi region yet easy to follow guidelines that
actually works.

Warm regards,

Ravi Goel



>I think the concern for the tourist boost and degrees of sensitivity
>(present or absent). I think a constructive move would be to get bunch
>of individuals of different backgrounds and concern to make concrete
>suggestion about what alternative possibilities could be developed
>within the domain of tourism on the island's. It is hopeless to just
>argue for the negation of various plans that have been drawn up and are
>in the pipelines. We perhaps need to assert alternatives otherwise
>tourism would become an issue like ATR- polarized between for and
>against while the road continues and so do the polemics.
>Vishvajit Pandya.
>
>On 29-Nov-06, at 9:21 AM, Ravi Goel wrote:
>
> > Hi,
> >
> > Genuine Ecotourism - Responsible, sustainable, participative with
> > entire
> > community is the only way tourism must happen in Andaman.
> >
> > Its also the only other industry (other than agri and fisheries) that
> > Andaman has as an option and the only one that can create employment,
> > contribute to the local people and provide revenues to the government
> > for
> > its growth and some more.
> >
> > I was in Andaman for over 3 weeks and was sorely disappointed and
> > shocked by
> > the irresponsible and mass LTC tourism being rampantly encouraged that
> > is a
> > severe and ravaging strain on the delicate eco systems and the
> > infrastructure of the islands, while contributing nothing to the local
> > economy except seedy third grade hotels and taxi/bus operators.
> >
> > We run EcoMantra Nature Awareness and Travel, a genuine ecotourism and
> > community tourism based project near Mumbai and after 5 years of
> > operations
> > have a rudimentary understanding of the model of ecotourism and eco
> > guidelines that India must adopt and practise to unlock the tremendous
> > value
> > of India as a travel destination for the sensitive nature lovers. And
> > not
> > drug addicts Isaerali and European backpackers that is flocking to and
> > have
> > ruined Himachal Pradesh and will ruin Andaman with Wandoor already a
> > serious
> > drug centre.
> >
> > We look forward to your and all members in reading's opinions and
> > ideas on
> > the guidelines and eco practises i.e kind of tourist, how will they be
> > oriented, the restrictions on the numbers etc.
> >
> > We will than include these ideas and prepare a guideline which will
> > than be
> > submitted to the Indian Tourism Ministry and administration of the
> > islands
> > as a model and draft which they can use as a framework to prepare an
> > official guidelines with the consensus of the local people and the
> > ecotourism services providers.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Ravi Goel
> >
> > __________________________________________________________
> > Connect with your friends who use Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. Click!
> > http://www.msnspecials.in/wlmyahoo/index.asp
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

_________________________________________________________________
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Whatever will happen will happen.

I dont agree with this mentality of trying to save the purity of the race
and tribal business.

Why only the Jarwas or Onges, Wy not the Adivasis wo live in every state in
the country; why not the basters, why not the tribes of the North East? Why
not the other not even known tribal people of the mainland. Arent they
important? Wasnt thier remaining tribals while the rest of us integrated
with the mainstram?

Who are you and the professors and the NGO's to decide whether they muct
remain in isolatio or not? Arent sentinelese still hostile, meaning they
refuse to integrate or tolerate any non tribal in thier area?

If you really wish to save the Onges and Jarawas, there is only one way -
completely remove all settlers that were settled by the britishers
generations ago andbring them lock, stock and barrel to the mainland.

Also please note that the Jarawas are coming to Port Blair, to our family
trading house to demand fruits and eatables and they dont need the ATR to
traverse.

Remove everybody from Middle Andaman if you really wish to cease the
guaranteed integration of the Jarwas with Indian main stream.

All this hog wash about ATR is utter drivel and will not be able to even
slow down the integration forgot about stopping it.

All this disease nonsense is also hog wash; thier immune system are better
than yours and mine.

If the moderator allows this email to go thru and begin constructive
discussion rather than they way you want it sanitised discussions, I will
appreciate it.

With due respect,

Ravi Goel


>
>HindustanTimes.com » Print Editions » Lucknow » Live » Allahabad »
>Story
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Modernity taking its toll on tribals
>K Sandeep Kumar
>Allahabad, November 28
>
>  SUDDEN EXPOSURE to the modern world is causing great stress on the
>tribal population of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and making the
>tribals vulnerable to contracting dangerous diseases that could even
>result in the tribes becoming extinct.
>
>These are the findings of Prof Vijoy Shankar Sahay, Head of Allahabad
>University (AU) Anthropology Department and a member of the special
>committee of experts formed by the Union Ministry of Environment and
>Forests to look into the 'Forest and Allied matters in Andaman and
>Nicobar Islands'. The committee would submit its report to the
>Ministry by December end.
>
>"I am convinced that unless immediate check and balances are placed
>on the ground, we could end up loosing some of the oldest and purest
>tribes of the world very soon," said Prof Sahay, who just returned
>after a 15-day trip to Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
>
>Prof Sahay said that in Andaman and Nicobar islands there are two
>distinct racial groups of primitive tribes: Negritoes in the Andamans
>(Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas and Sentinelese) and Mongoloids in
>the Nicobar (Nicobarese, Shompens).
>
>"The total population of these tribes is around 26,825, which
>accounts for about 9 per cent of the total population of these
>Islands.
>
>More than 98 per cent of the tribal population is constituted by
>Nicobarese who are settled in the Car Nicobar Island.
>
>The population of other tribes is very small and is declining over
>the past several decades," he said.
>
>Andaman and Nicobar Administration has rehabilitated Great Andamanese
>numbering hardly 40 to 45 in Strait Island and Onges, around 98 to
>100, in Dugong Creek and South Bay of Little Andaman Island.
>
>Shompens having a population of 175 live deep in the jungles of Great
>Nicobar Island. Jarawas, numbering around 266, live in the jungles of
>South and Middle Andaman were hostile till recently.
>
>During the last couple of years, they have shown a willingness to
>come out of their isolated world and mingle with the mainstream
>population. The 200-250 Sentinelese live in the North Sentinel Island
>and are still unapproachable, he added.
>
>Prof Sahay said that all the tribes are in a state of transition from
>their primitive life-styles to a more modern way of life.
>
>"The Nicobarese were the first to adjust to this.
>
>They have almost lost their tribal nature and are as modern as any of
>the settler community.
>
>The Onges and Andamanese are changing slowly. They keep many aspects
>of their tribal culture, at the same time have adopted many things
>from the mainstream population.
>
>The Jarawas have just started coming out of their seclusion. The
>Sentinelese have not yet shown any willingness to shed their hostile
>attitude towards outsiders," Prof Sahay explained.
>
>The changes in their environment due to the rapid growth of the
>settler population, the sharp decline in their population and the
>transition from the primitive nature to the modern civilisation are
>all causing great stress on them.
>
>"These have their health impact also. The health needs of the
>primitive communities are unique.
>
>The most dangerous development is the opening of the Andaman Trunk
>Road that has made tribes like Jaravas vulnerable to addiction of
>tobacco products, becoming dependant on handouts from people,
>vulnerable to venereal diseases as well as HIV and AIDS.
>
>Unless adequate checks and balances are introduced immediately, we
>may end up losing these primitive tribes," he warned.
>
>Prof Sahay said that the committee formed by the Union Government
>would hand over its report as well as its recommendations to the
>Union Ministry of Environment and Forest by December end and
>expressed hope that proper action would help India save one of its
>most valuable treasure.
>
>

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Hi Raj,

I hope you are now once again the best of health and spirits.

Yes, I visited Barefoot and they definitely are the close to the kind of
tourism that must happen in Andamans or other sensitive natural heritage
regions of India.

Andaman or other natural regions simply cannot take more than 1 person per
sq. km per day as eco travellers.

The accomodation needs to be built using low impact eco architecture
techniques with fast growing locally available harvested wood, bamboo, grass
or stone using traditional techniques by the local craftsman and that is
easy on maintenance.

100% sustainable in terms of energy requirements and that must be clean and
alternative. not based on fossil fuel but PV, Scheffler Solars, Wind,
Biomethantion. Even human power could be good idea. As of now power is
generated using Diesel Gensets and little bit by Solar by the admin. I
believe that Schefflers in summer; PV Solar, Wind and Biomethantion in
Monsoon is a workble proposition for Andaman and rest of India.

Andaman is warm and humid around the year and hence fan cooled cottages
might not suffice for guests from cold regions and Ambiators and other low
energy and zero coolant technology can be used instead of Air conditioners
for paying customers without damaging enviroment in the process.

Activities must be oriented around the unique topology of Andaman like
BirdingKayaking, Canoeing, Canoe Polo, Surf Boarding, Scuba, Snorkelling,
Kayak Voyages, Sailing, Rowing, Trekking in the virgin rain forests, Jungle
and Beach Camping, Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Rope courses, Bullock cart
rides as adventure.

With compulsory Nature Games and Activities, Nature Interactive workshops
like "Snake Alive" Crocodile Dundee", Dolphin watching, Birding that makes
the eco traveller more aware about the web of life, the power of nature and
enroll them into being responsible travellers with a love of nature and the
will to protect it.

Local food made by the locals must be served and not only mainland or
continental non local food to enable the eco traveller to experience real
Andamans.

Home Stays that you are doing so beautifully in North East and is being
superbly executed in Kerala, Coorg (maybe with Onges, Karens, Burmese,
Jarwas in the future) must be the most powerful and in demand by eco
travellers as it is really the only way to really travel that leaves behind
incredible memories and real experience. Else all eco traveller will look,
feel and taste alike with no unique flavours for the traveller. My best
memories of travel has been the love that I have receive from the hospitable
local Indian and the way our culture accepts you instantly in thier way of
life and not comfy five star or jeep safaris. I mean, you go there, you eat
conti food, drink city beer, travel in vehicle, buy stuff made else where by
people who have settled from else where, return back and have had zero local
experience. You might have as well gone to Jhumri Talaiya and come back and
you would not have been wiser.

I realised that tolerable edible food that will not kill you is impossible
to get anywhere except IPT guest houses (you have to first find the cook,
who will make dal chaval for you after you threaten him with dire
consequences) or Port Blair (where what you are eating is same as what you
will eat in a Mumbai restaurent - only Mumai restaurents are more authentic
than what is being made by them). The first thing required is setting up
good places to eat.

The accomodation other than Barefoot and 2 other places are ugly, dirty,
over priced and under serviced. As of now demand for places to stay are
higher than rooms available so the age old demand supply is dictating the
rates making you feel cheated by the hotel guy.

Hotels are all owned by outsiders, mainland settlers with little or zero
local participation.

The kind of tourist visiting Andamans are the un oriented zero local economy
contributor, light breakers, ship fillers kind who come and go, with out
enriching the local economy or them selves in terms of an experience. Its
the been there done that kind recording every moment thru the travel agent's
video camera that they can make multiple copies of and show thier neighbours
and families.

What we need are what is euphemistically called as the high end but what i
mean are the people who are oriented towards being eco travellers, who crave
and demand an authentic andaman experience, will take away great memories of
the place while definitely contributing to the local economy and local
people in such a manner that they will consider it most worth while to save
the fragile eco system of Andaman bacause it provides them with world class
quality of life in this era of the world going flat and global.

Warm regards,

Ravi Goel





>Ravi, I too think this should be the only way to sustainable development
>for Andamans. I hope, you must have visited the Bare Foot at Radhanagar
>beach, Havelock. Though this serves to highend tourists, I think the model
>can be replicated for budget travellers also in regard to maintaining of
>the natural environs & local participation.Raj
>
>
>----- Original Message ----
>From: Ravi Goel <ravigoel25@...>
>To: andamanicobar@...; coastlink@yahoogroups.com;
>wildlife-india@...
>Cc: defendingwildindia@yahoogroups.com; kvenvironment@yahoogroups.com;
>nathistory-india@...
>Sent: Wednesday, 29 November, 2006 9:21:23 AM
>Subject: [andamanicobar] Framework for Ecotourism Guidelines with your help
>
>Hi,
>
>Genuine Ecotourism - Responsible, sustainable, participative with entire
>community is the only way tourism must happen in Andaman.
>
>Its also the only other industry (other than agri and fisheries) that
>Andaman has as an option and the only one that can create employment,
>contribute to the local people and provide revenues to the government for
>its growth and some more.
>
>I was in Andaman for over 3 weeks and was sorely disappointed and shocked
>by
>the irresponsible and mass LTC tourism being rampantly encouraged that is a
>severe and ravaging strain on the delicate eco systems and the
>infrastructure of the islands, while contributing nothing to the local
>economy except seedy third grade hotels and taxi/bus operators.
>
>We run EcoMantra Nature Awareness and Travel, a genuine ecotourism and
>community tourism based project near Mumbai and after 5 years of operations
>have a rudimentary understanding of the model of ecotourism and eco
>guidelines that India must adopt and practise to unlock the tremendous
>value
>of India as a travel destination for the sensitive nature lovers. And not
>drug addicts Isaerali and European backpackers that is flocking to and have
>ruined Himachal Pradesh and will ruin Andaman with Wandoor already a
>serious
>drug centre.
>
>We look forward to your and all members in reading's opinions and ideas on
>the guidelines and eco practises i.e kind of tourist, how will they be
>oriented, the restrictions on the numbers etc.
>
>We will than include these ideas and prepare a guideline which will than be
>submitted to the Indian Tourism Ministry and administration of the islands
>as a model and draft which they can use as a framework to prepare an
>official guidelines with the consensus of the local people and the
>ecotourism services providers.
>
>Regards,
>
>Ravi Goel
>
>____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _
>Connect with your friends who use Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. Click!
>http://www.msnspeci als.in/wlmyahoo/ index.asp
>
>
>
>
>Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

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