Have been involved with conservations issues since 1973 as one time Chief
Executive of WWF India. Have visited Andamans twice and have been very
happy to see the growing number of people in this group . Was Hon
Co-ordinator of the Save Silent Valley Committee Bombay and appreciate the
importance of the snow balling effect of concerned individuals from diverse
backgrounds focussing on an issue of shared concern. Am alsoVice President
of the BNHS, and a member of the Standing Committee of the National Board
for Wildlife.
Dilnavaz Variava
/
>
Dears..
the allocation of budget under the 10th plan for development of tourism sector
in A & N Islands along with the annual plan outlay for 03 -04 is as under:-
10th Five-Year Plan Outlay for Tourism
Name of Scheme
Proposed Outlay (Rupees Lakhs)
Annual Plan 03 -04
Construction of Tourist Accommodation
750
163
Publicity and Propagation of Tourism
1200
216
Development of Recreational Tourism and Water Sports
250
64
Development of Tourist Spots
1068
176
Strengthening of Directorate of Tourism
250
47
Incentives to Tourism Industry
300
45
Faster Inter-Island Transport Services for Tourists
300
45
Total
4118
756
I agree with Ms. Madhushree regarding the myth created by A & N Admn. regarding
the availablity of 92% forest cover in the A & N Islands. Even the vision
statement of the Admn. doesnot sound ambitious. The issue of drinking water is
the major problem being faced by the islanders there in A & N Islands. During
summer, even in the main port blair town there is a shortage of water and as
quoted, the supply is available once in two days and that too for a very short
period. The Administration had come up with a very ambitious flat bay project of
providing drinking water by utlising the depression already existing near the
viper island. But because of the reason that this project will involve cutting
of some of the mangroves, they are finding it difficult to get the approval.
Before avilaing the facilities of five star hotels in A & N islands, there are
many other things to look at for the development of tourist in ANI. for instance
- to travel from delhi to port blair (return) it costs Rs32200/- per person as
against for singapore, maldives, srilanka, which is Rs26795/-, Rs30430/- and
Rs31160/- respectively. The security concern, environmental and other
socio-cultural concerns also play a important role. capitalization on the core
natural offering of the beaches and coral reefs and their preservation will
automatically develop the basic infrastructure necessary for promotion of
tourism.
private investment in all aspects of tourism development is also required ..
regards
Anwar Ahmed
anwar@...
Madhusree Mukerjee <lopchu@...> wrote:
This silly little article reads like it was commissioned by the megatour
operators. I think we need to respond--anyone feel like writing a letter to the
editor?
Some points that need raising:
The 92 percent forest cover is a myth perpetrated by the administration. The
forest cover is no more than 70 percent, and much of that is degraded by
extraction of the largest trees.
The writer says that the authorities are finally paying attention to the
"special needs of the islands" and so are deregulating. I have a very different
view of what such special needs might be. These islands are exceedingly fragile.
They are basically little hills rising out of the sea. Deforestation leads to
rainwater running off, and has already caused a critical water shortage. In
summer, the average home in Port Blair gets water for 10 minutes every two or
three days. Deforestation and coastal construction has killed miles of coral
reefs, not to mention beaches. Yet the article treats regulations protecting
forests and coasts as irritants that should be removed in the interest of
tourism. The forest cover is a curse, we are told!
The article also says that five-star facilities are necessary to get tourists.
I'm no expert in this matter, but I suspect that others on this forum have a
view on that.
It even argues in favor of a 99-year lease! To whom, under what conditions, at
what terms?
I would like to get hold of the actual tourism development plan. Does anyone
have a copy?
Madhusree
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
---------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/andamanicobar/
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
andamanicobar-unsubscribe@...
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Search - Find what you’re looking for faster.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I am glad Nachiket and Jayoo, that you too liked the
idea, now it is up to Pankaj, Samit and all of you
veterans out there to tell us how to go about it. The
best is of course if we could go together, as many of
us who would find the dates convenient.
So here is one for "low-end eco tourism" of our kind.
I quite share Madhushree's angst for Bureaucrat
tourists. I wish we could get press to expose them as
they do ministers some times.
best
sehjo
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Search - Find what you’re looking for faster
http://search.yahoo.com
since india is in election mood now...in andman also the political parties
started enquiring about the feel good factor as regards to ANI...and the issue
there is the sector we are talikng about....
that is the infrastruture for tourism and the other is the employment problem..
kaj <pankaj@...> wrote:
From the Hindu Sunday Magazine, March 7, 2004
ECO-WATCH
Forget history, think fun?
In the struggle to strike a balance between conservation and development,
the catchphrase for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is `high value, low
volume', writes SURESH NAMBATH.
ARE the Andaman and Nicobar Islands readying for an image makeover? From
selling the Cellular Jail to Indians, there seems to be a slow shift toward
marketing the beaches to foreigners. In the struggle to strike a balance
between ecology and tourism, conservation and development, the catchphrase
for the island administration is "high value, low volume". As high-spending
foreigners are more at home in the Andamans than low-income Indians on leave
travel concessions, trying out sea rallies, game fishing and scuba diving
have outdone visiting museums, monuments and art galleries on the list of
favoured activities.
Although the Cellular Jail still hogs prime space in tourist literature, and
patriotism runs high in the son at lumiere show, the dominant image of the
Andamans is now of beaches and islands, sea bathing and sun basking.
"Kalapani", which evokes memories of the penal settlement, appears to be
completely at odds with the celebration of life that the islands have come
to symbolise. The Andaman and Nicobar islands, spread over 8,249 square
kilometres, are closer to South-East Asia than to the rest of India. Kolkata
is 1,255 km away, Vishakapatnam, 1,200 km, and Chennai, 1,190 km. Not
surprisingly, South-East Asia is the preferred route for attracting foreign
tourists. The twinning of Port Blair with Phuket in Thailand is expected to
bring for the Andamans the benefits of the tourism potential of Thailand.
The Andaman Sea Rally from Phuket to Port Blair and back, an annual boating
event of serious offshore racing coupled with a leisure-filled stay on the
islands, captures the spirit of sport and fun-filled sea adventure of the
Andamans. There are fears that the Andamans might follow the high-volume
tourism model of Phuket that could lead to uncontrolled growth of tourist
facilities and, consequently, to environment degradation. But David
Ratoliffe of Yindi Thailand of Phuket, one of the organisers, says: "We do
not want the islands to be another Phuket. That is a prospect everyone
dreads."
The biggest challenge for tourism promoters is just this: encouraging scuba
diving and snorkelling without damage to coral reefs, opening up beaches for
bathing and basking without a risk of pollution. Those who are supportive of
global level tourism projects want a relaxation of coastal regulatory zone
laws. With marine life emerging as the biggest attraction to the upmarket
tourists, these people feel the Andamans needs to compete with Thailand in
terms of tourism infrastructure. At present, there is a woeful lack of good
roads and quality transport interlinking the tourist spots spread out in the
sea.
When it comes to development projects and star hotels, the Andamans faces
the age-old dilemma. None will invest in hotels and infrastructure in the
absence of a large number of upmarket tourists. And, the tourists will not
turn up in the absence of star hotels and facilities. "A chicken-and-egg
situation," says the director of tourism, Akash Mohapatra. However, he sees
changes on the horizon. Sooner or later, more islands would have to be
opened up. At present the popular destinations include Havelock Island, with
its white sand beaches and thick forests, the Cinque islands, joined by a
sand bar, which offer opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving, and
the Marine National Park, Wandoor. The administration is now working towards
the declaration of the islands as a special tourism zone that could do away
with some of the restrictions that come in the way of "development". The
visits of the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, and the Vice-President,
Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, to the islands seemed to have helped matters: there
is now a recognition of the special needs of the islands.
But, according to those in the tourism industry, more must be done. As
Manish Seth, General Manager, Bay Island resort in Port Blair, says: "We
need a more investor-friendly climate to attract Foreign Direct Investment
for development projects." Relevant to this debate is the forest cover in
the Andaman and Nicobar islands: 92 per cent. The reserved and protected
forests extend over 86 per cent of the islands. Many would term this a
blessing. But not everyone. Some in the tourism industry believe that it
actually is a curse in disguise. The places that can be developed are at a
premium.
Originally a hill range stretching from Myanmar to Indonesia, the islands
have long beaches that lie very close to dense forests. Developers of
tourism infrastructure are thus in conflict with either the forest
protection laws or the coastal regulation rules.
Morever, the Government hands out land for tourism projects only on a
30-year lease. International investors, who want a long-term guarantee, lock
for a 99-year lease that will make for viable projects.
During his visit to Andamans last year, Mr. Vajpayee chaired a meeting of
the Island Development Authority focussing the discussions on developing
tourism infrastructure, giving international status to the airport at Port
Blair, and upgrading transhipment facilities at the port. There has been
some forward movement since then.
But irrespective of what administration officials say, there will always be
a disjointing between the efforts to recreate the history of the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands and the attempts to woo upmarket foreign tourists. Besides
the Cellular Jail, Ross Island, which was the headquarters of the British
settlement, is now being repositioned as a tourist attraction.
Restoration of the ruins is under way. A sound and light show is also part
of the plans for the island. However, while those who come to the Andamans
for the beaches might visit places of national and historical importance,
the islands are best presented to potential tourists as fun and adventure,
as beaches and forests. And not as history or as a symbol of nationalism.
Not even to Indians.
C/o Kalpavriksh
Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
908 Deccan Gymkhana,
Pune 411004
Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
Fax: 25654239
C/o Kalpavriksh
Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
908 Deccan Gymkhana,
Pune 411004
Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
Fax: 25654239
---------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/andamanicobar/
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
andamanicobar-unsubscribe@...
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Search - Find what you’re looking for faster.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Hi Madhushree!
Here it is the so called action or development plan of
our tourism Dept till 2025. CHERRY
Andaman and Nicobar Administration
Tourism Vision
***
Background
The limited scope for Industrial activity in the
Islands coupled with the decline in the wood based
industry pursuant to the Supreme Court judgment dated
7.5.2002 has led to tourism being identified as a
thrust sector for economic development, revenue and
employment generation in the islands. Keeping in view
the fragile ecology and limited carrying capacity of
the islands, the objective of A & N Administration is
to strike for sustainable tourism.
The objectives
À¾ To address the growing unemployment problem by
placing thrust on promotion of tourism
À¾ Total revenue generation being Rs.84 crores only
(2001-2002) the future has to be planned with the
objective of higher revenue generation.
À¾ Promoting concepts of eco-tourism.
À¾ To encourage private sector in tourism .
À¾ To harmonise ecology & tourism for the benefit of
the people of the islands.
Vision Statement
To develop Andaman and Nicobar Islands as an up market
island destination for eco-tourists through
environmentally sustainable development of
infrastructure without disturbing the natural
eco-system with the objective of generating revenue
creating more employment opportunities and synergise
socio-economic development of the islands.
Vision targets
�� Increase the earning from tourism
sector
�� Achieve the goal of high value low
volume eco-tourist inflow.
�� Create employment opportunities for
at least 1000 persons every year.
�� Improve the status/quality of exiting
hotels, tour operators and restaurants to the
standards set by Govt. of India and UT Administration.
�� Discourage un-approved tourism
business etc.
�� To create awareness and tourism
consciousness among the islanders, specially
stakeholders .
�� Creation of adequate infrastureture
in close co-ordination with concerned departments to
ensure that tourism is sustained by an excellent
foundation.
�� Preserve the heritage and cultural
traits of the islands and enable the development of
rural societies.
�� Sustainable development of different
island destinations.
�� Preserve the natural eco-system as a
treasure.
Tourism Policy
The policies and guidelines of Government of India
form the basis to promote tourism in Andaman and
Nicobar Islands.
The Administration is focusing on the following
issues: -
�� Promotion of high value low volume
eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable tourism.
�� Undertaking tourism activities, which
are not harmful to the eco-system.
�� To implement the master plan proposed
by UNDP/WTO report for sustainable development of
tourism in Andamans.
�� Playing the role of a facilitator and
encouraging private sector investment in development
of tourism infrastructure.
�� Gradual privatization of management
of existing tourism infrastructure.
�� Development of new tourism
activities/products.
�� Marketing A & N Islands as tourist
destination at national and international level.
Action Plan
Priorities for 2003-2007
�� Implementation of UNDP/WTO
recommendations.
�� Facilitate landing of international
flights at Port Blair.
�� Attract private investment for
development of high quality eco-tourist resorts and
water sports/scuba dive centres/game fishing centres.
�� Obtain relaxation in Coastal
Regulation Zone (CRZ) and environmental guidelines.
�� Obtain environmental clearance for
projects on forest land.
�� Easen Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
rules or facilitate long term RAP for foreign
investors.
�� Open more islands for tourism.
�� Sound and Light show at Viper Island.
�� Utilization of Exhibition complex for
other promotional fairs and events.
�� Assume the role of facilitator and
lease out the built up infrastructure of the
Directorate for professional management by private
sector.
�� More thrust to marketing – by
starting proper advertisement campaign with the help
of empanelled professional advertising agencies.
�� Participate in more international
exhibition/buyer seller meet.
�� Organise more travel marts in the
Andamans with wider & sponsored participation.
�� Define the tourism policy of the
islands and give wide publicity to the same.
�� Formulate Tourist Trade Regulation
for the islands and introduce registration system for
all tourism related activities.
�� Create a data bank of tourism related
activities.
�� Introduce high quality inter islands
tourist cruise vessels (initially in Government
sector).
�� Opening of more Sanctuaries/ National
Park for promoting eco-tourism or nature tourism .
�� Training for hospitality staff in
Government as well as private sector.
�� Awareness programme for islanders.
�� Promote eco-friendly practices in
tourism sector.
�� Initial steps for introduction of
tourism in Nicobar group of islands.
�� Planned development of capital area.
Study for integrated development of Havelock and Neil
Islands.
�� Incentives for introducing water
harvesting, solid/liquid waste management systems,
captive power generation, recycling waste water and
adopting eco-friendly practices.
�� Incentives for using non-conventional
energy sources.
�� Introduce eco-friendly practices and
awards.
�� Promoting environment friendly
building guidelines.
�� Popularize Monsoon Tourism.
�� Make Island Tourism Festival more
attractive by diversifying programmes.
�� Promote face lift to Port Blair by
adding greenery (continuing programme)
�� Periodical market research by
professional agencies to identify the target
group/market. (continuing programme)
�� Development of way side amenities.
�� Attract private airlines and charter
flights specially from S.E.Asia.
�� Get one golf course-cum-resort
developed in private sector at Port Blair.
�� Develop infrastructure for tourism in
Nicobar group with the help of Tribal Council/Society.
�� Floating Cottages on creeks at
Mayabunder area, Elphinston Harbour (Rangat) area.
�� Get at least 3 high quality resorts
developed in private sector (North Passage Island,
Long Island & Smith Island).
Priorities for 2008-2012
�� Get one convention centre developed
in private sector.
�� Develop state of the art Marina with
facilities for yachts at Port Blair.
�� Develop facilities for a terminal for
cruise liners at Port Blair.
�� More focused, marketing aimed at
target groups.
�� Carry out study by highly
professional agencies, preferably by UNDP as a
continuation to their earlier study to assess the
status of tourism sector and to evolve strategies for
future.
�� Integrated Development of Little
Andaman Island.
�� Dedicated medium range cruise vessel
for plying in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
�� Terminals for cruise liners/yachts at
all popular islands from Diglipur to Campbell Bay.
�� Wave surfing facilities at Butler
Bay.
�� Construction of eco-friendly
semi-permanent jetties at popular destinations .
�� Undertake separate (island specific)
studies for integrated development of different island
destinations.
�� Development of tourism infrastructure
in Baratang Island.
�� Water sports complex at Havelock.
�� Full fledged tourist facilitation
centre for booking of accommodation, inter islands
tickets at Port Blair.
�� Multiplex and facilities for evening
recreation at Port Blair.
�� Declaring no-plastic zones.
�� Professionalising the entire
functions of Directorate of Tourism (Continuing
programme).
�� Introduction of Health Resorts.
�� Popularize Andamans as a destination
for business meetings/conference etc.
�� Introduce insurance cover to
tourists.
�� Deploy lifeguards at all beaches.
�� Introduction of helitourism.
�� Establish unit of Institute of Hotel
Management and Catering Technology (Ministry of
Tourism) in Andamans.
Priorities for 2013-2017
�� Integrated Development of Nicobar
group of islands.
�� Glass bottom submarine in Mahatma
Gandhi Marine National Park.
�� Dolphinarium at Chidyatapu.
�� Cable car
�� State of the art adventure water
sports complex at Port Blair.
�� Integrated development of Rutland
Island.
�� Multi entry/exit points instead of
one (Port Blair) at various places.
�� Water theme park at Gandhi Park.
Priorities for 2018-2022
�� Integrated Development of Campbell
Bay
�� Sea World (under sea aquarium) at
Chidyatapu.
�� Water sports complex at Mayabunder.
�� Water sports complex at Diglipur.
Priorities for 2023-2027
�� Periodical studies by professional
agencies to assess the performance of the tourism
sector to find the strengths and weaknesses and to
evolve strategies for future. (continuing programme)
�� Airstrips at Havelock, Long Island,
Diglipur and Little Andaman.
�� Inter island sea plane services.
��������
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail - More reliable, more storage, less spam
http://mail.yahoo.com
It is possible to educate the tourist. A good interpretation centre, good
resource material and good guides go a long way in doing this. I agree with
Madhushree. I really don't 'lowend tourists' should be restricted. What is
required are strict guidelines which are implemented.
Seema
-----Original Message-----
From: Madhusree Mukerjee <lopchu@...>
To: andamanicobar@... <andamanicobar@...>
Date: Thursday, March 11, 2004 11:25 PM
Subject: [andamanicobar] low-end tourism
>Samit, I just want to pick up on something you said, that low-end tourists
are the most destructive. I personally would hate to see the Indian
wilderness cut off from the lower middle class in India. I think if
conservation is to catch on, this group will have to learn to value the
wilderness, and so first needs to see it. A couple of years ago, while
visiting Kanha Tiger reserve, I met two men from Kolkata who'd traveled all
the way to see Kanha, and couldn't get in because they couldn't afford the
Rs. 500 or so to rent a jeep, which is required. Luckily we had room in our
jeep. There are plenty of such people.
>
>I'd like to see a two-tier tourism. I think it is entirely fair that
foreigners and NRIs (such as myself) pay more. We can't have our cake and
eat it too--draw high incomes from living in the Western world, and also
avail of the ultralow prices in India. Yes, there are poor backpackers from
Europe, but they are poor by choice. Instead of working six months and
traveling for six months in poor countries, they could work for nine months
and travel for three.
>
>It's true that the uneducated tourist is destructive, but all you need is a
stern lecture from a guide before setting out on the tour, and enforcement
to make sure they don't pick up things or litter. These people are educable.
>
>What I have real concern about is another kind of low-end tourist: senior
civil servants, officers in the police and armed forces, and their families.
These people consider themselves above the law. A police launch always seems
available to ferry judges, ministers, and others to Cinque Island, on an
unmonitored tour. One LG used to go fishing there, inside the marine
reserve. In the garden of a police officer in Port Blair, I saw huge chunks
of coral of different kinds. His wife had requested some navy divers to
obtain them from the Nicobars, and they had obliged. Another time, I
witnessed a police officer requesting the wife of a more senior officer to
make sure his bags weren't opened at customs, because he was departing with
coral. This kind of thing happens every day. It's not even considered
corruption, just normal perks of being in government.
>
>How does one educate these people? Is it even possible?
>Madhusree
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/andamanicobar/
>
>To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> andamanicobar-unsubscribe@...
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
> http://in.docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
That's a wonderful idea, we haven't been there and it certainly would be a
terrific exercise in participatory eco tourism
Nachiket / Jayoo
----- Original Message -----
From: sehjo singh <sehjo@...>
To: <andamanicobar@...>
Sent: Saturday, March 06, 2004 16:50
Subject: Re: [andamanicobar] Lakshadweep Corals under threat due to
pollution
> Dear Pankaj and friends, isn't it time that we thought
> about organising a collective trip to Andaman and/or
> Lakshadweep. Those of us who haven't been there,
> would be wary of doing things, like taking diesel
> boats which ruin the corals.
> If we do it together, it would be a good exercise in
> how to plan and make eco tourism work. What do you
> say.
> best
> sehjo
>
> __________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! Search - Find what you're looking for faster
> http://search.yahoo.com
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/andamanicobar/
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> andamanicobar-unsubscribe@...
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
> http://in.docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
This silly little article reads like it was commissioned by the megatour
operators. I think we need to respond--anyone feel like writing a letter to the
editor?
Some points that need raising:
The 92 percent forest cover is a myth perpetrated by the administration. The
forest cover is no more than 70 percent, and much of that is degraded by
extraction of the largest trees.
The writer says that the authorities are finally paying attention to the
"special needs of the islands" and so are deregulating. I have a very different
view of what such special needs might be. These islands are exceedingly fragile.
They are basically little hills rising out of the sea. Deforestation leads to
rainwater running off, and has already caused a critical water shortage. In
summer, the average home in Port Blair gets water for 10 minutes every two or
three days. Deforestation and coastal construction has killed miles of coral
reefs, not to mention beaches. Yet the article treats regulations protecting
forests and coasts as irritants that should be removed in the interest of
tourism. The forest cover is a curse, we are told!
The article also says that five-star facilities are necessary to get tourists.
I'm no expert in this matter, but I suspect that others on this forum have a
view on that.
It even argues in favor of a 99-year lease! To whom, under what conditions, at
what terms?
I would like to get hold of the actual tourism development plan. Does anyone
have a copy?
Madhusree
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Samit, I just want to pick up on something you said, that low-end tourists are
the most destructive. I personally would hate to see the Indian wilderness cut
off from the lower middle class in India. I think if conservation is to catch
on, this group will have to learn to value the wilderness, and so first needs to
see it. A couple of years ago, while visiting Kanha Tiger reserve, I met two men
from Kolkata who'd traveled all the way to see Kanha, and couldn't get in
because they couldn't afford the Rs. 500 or so to rent a jeep, which is
required. Luckily we had room in our jeep. There are plenty of such people.
I'd like to see a two-tier tourism. I think it is entirely fair that foreigners
and NRIs (such as myself) pay more. We can't have our cake and eat it too--draw
high incomes from living in the Western world, and also avail of the ultralow
prices in India. Yes, there are poor backpackers from Europe, but they are poor
by choice. Instead of working six months and traveling for six months in poor
countries, they could work for nine months and travel for three.
It's true that the uneducated tourist is destructive, but all you need is a
stern lecture from a guide before setting out on the tour, and enforcement to
make sure they don't pick up things or litter. These people are educable.
What I have real concern about is another kind of low-end tourist: senior civil
servants, officers in the police and armed forces, and their families. These
people consider themselves above the law. A police launch always seems available
to ferry judges, ministers, and others to Cinque Island, on an unmonitored tour.
One LG used to go fishing there, inside the marine reserve. In the garden of a
police officer in Port Blair, I saw huge chunks of coral of different kinds. His
wife had requested some navy divers to obtain them from the Nicobars, and they
had obliged. Another time, I witnessed a police officer requesting the wife of a
more senior officer to make sure his bags weren't opened at customs, because he
was departing with coral. This kind of thing happens every day. It's not even
considered corruption, just normal perks of being in government.
How does one educate these people? Is it even possible?
Madhusree
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
From the Hindu Sunday Magazine, March 7, 2004
ECO-WATCH
Forget history, think fun?
In the struggle to strike a balance between conservation and development,
the catchphrase for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is `high value, low
volume', writes SURESH NAMBATH.
ARE the Andaman and Nicobar Islands readying for an image makeover? From
selling the Cellular Jail to Indians, there seems to be a slow shift toward
marketing the beaches to foreigners. In the struggle to strike a balance
between ecology and tourism, conservation and development, the catchphrase
for the island administration is "high value, low volume". As high-spending
foreigners are more at home in the Andamans than low-income Indians on leave
travel concessions, trying out sea rallies, game fishing and scuba diving
have outdone visiting museums, monuments and art galleries on the list of
favoured activities.
Although the Cellular Jail still hogs prime space in tourist literature, and
patriotism runs high in the son at lumiere show, the dominant image of the
Andamans is now of beaches and islands, sea bathing and sun basking.
"Kalapani", which evokes memories of the penal settlement, appears to be
completely at odds with the celebration of life that the islands have come
to symbolise. The Andaman and Nicobar islands, spread over 8,249 square
kilometres, are closer to South-East Asia than to the rest of India. Kolkata
is 1,255 km away, Vishakapatnam, 1,200 km, and Chennai, 1,190 km. Not
surprisingly, South-East Asia is the preferred route for attracting foreign
tourists. The twinning of Port Blair with Phuket in Thailand is expected to
bring for the Andamans the benefits of the tourism potential of Thailand.
The Andaman Sea Rally from Phuket to Port Blair and back, an annual boating
event of serious offshore racing coupled with a leisure-filled stay on the
islands, captures the spirit of sport and fun-filled sea adventure of the
Andamans. There are fears that the Andamans might follow the high-volume
tourism model of Phuket that could lead to uncontrolled growth of tourist
facilities and, consequently, to environment degradation. But David
Ratoliffe of Yindi Thailand of Phuket, one of the organisers, says: "We do
not want the islands to be another Phuket. That is a prospect everyone
dreads."
The biggest challenge for tourism promoters is just this: encouraging scuba
diving and snorkelling without damage to coral reefs, opening up beaches for
bathing and basking without a risk of pollution. Those who are supportive of
global level tourism projects want a relaxation of coastal regulatory zone
laws. With marine life emerging as the biggest attraction to the upmarket
tourists, these people feel the Andamans needs to compete with Thailand in
terms of tourism infrastructure. At present, there is a woeful lack of good
roads and quality transport interlinking the tourist spots spread out in the
sea.
When it comes to development projects and star hotels, the Andamans faces
the age-old dilemma. None will invest in hotels and infrastructure in the
absence of a large number of upmarket tourists. And, the tourists will not
turn up in the absence of star hotels and facilities. "A chicken-and-egg
situation," says the director of tourism, Akash Mohapatra. However, he sees
changes on the horizon. Sooner or later, more islands would have to be
opened up. At present the popular destinations include Havelock Island, with
its white sand beaches and thick forests, the Cinque islands, joined by a
sand bar, which offer opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving, and
the Marine National Park, Wandoor. The administration is now working towards
the declaration of the islands as a special tourism zone that could do away
with some of the restrictions that come in the way of "development". The
visits of the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, and the Vice-President,
Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, to the islands seemed to have helped matters: there
is now a recognition of the special needs of the islands.
But, according to those in the tourism industry, more must be done. As
Manish Seth, General Manager, Bay Island resort in Port Blair, says: "We
need a more investor-friendly climate to attract Foreign Direct Investment
for development projects." Relevant to this debate is the forest cover in
the Andaman and Nicobar islands: 92 per cent. The reserved and protected
forests extend over 86 per cent of the islands. Many would term this a
blessing. But not everyone. Some in the tourism industry believe that it
actually is a curse in disguise. The places that can be developed are at a
premium.
Originally a hill range stretching from Myanmar to Indonesia, the islands
have long beaches that lie very close to dense forests. Developers of
tourism infrastructure are thus in conflict with either the forest
protection laws or the coastal regulation rules.
Morever, the Government hands out land for tourism projects only on a
30-year lease. International investors, who want a long-term guarantee, lock
for a 99-year lease that will make for viable projects.
During his visit to Andamans last year, Mr. Vajpayee chaired a meeting of
the Island Development Authority focussing the discussions on developing
tourism infrastructure, giving international status to the airport at Port
Blair, and upgrading transhipment facilities at the port. There has been
some forward movement since then.
But irrespective of what administration officials say, there will always be
a disjointing between the efforts to recreate the history of the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands and the attempts to woo upmarket foreign tourists. Besides
the Cellular Jail, Ross Island, which was the headquarters of the British
settlement, is now being repositioned as a tourist attraction.
Restoration of the ruins is under way. A sound and light show is also part
of the plans for the island. However, while those who come to the Andamans
for the beaches might visit places of national and historical importance,
the islands are best presented to potential tourists as fun and adventure,
as beaches and forests. And not as history or as a symbol of nationalism.
Not even to Indians.
C/o Kalpavriksh
Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
908 Deccan Gymkhana,
Pune 411004
Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
Fax: 25654239
C/o Kalpavriksh
Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
908 Deccan Gymkhana,
Pune 411004
Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
Fax: 25654239
I must thank Pankaj for drawing attention of the group to the 'Jarawa Contact'
book. Some of us in the Anthropological Survey of India were trying to collect
some information on the changing contact situation in 1998-99; we thought we
must invite other people who also have worked closely on the Jarawas or on
related issues to share their views with us. So a seminar was organised, which
was attended by anthropologists, ecologists, linguists, administrators, police
officers, physicians, and social activists. We feel, the effort gave us rich
dividend. But we would like members of the group to offer their opinion on this.
To procure the book, one may write to
The Director
Anthropological Survey of India
27 Jawaharlal Nehru Road
Kolkata 700 016
---------------------------------
Yahoo! Messenger - Communicate instantly..."Ping" your friends today! Download
Messenger Now
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I am a lawyer. For the purposes of this group, I am primarily an 'observer'. I
am here to understand the various perspectives on the debates affecting the
Andamans and its people.
My prior experience: I have worked with Kalpavriksh on several issues concerning
biodiversity conservation, and intellectual property rights. I have also worked
on international trade policy and its impact on India- especially from a legal
standpoint. Currently, I am a practitioner of commercial law; and continue to
engage in research and writing on international trade issues.
Anuradha
andamanicobar@... wrote:
There are 2 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. introduction
From: "Madhusree Mukerjee"
2. Re: introductions
From: "samit sawhny"
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2004 21:42:41 +0100
From: "Madhusree Mukerjee"
Subject: introduction
I am a journalist. I started out as a physicist and then worked at Scientific
American magazine for a few years, at which time I became interested in the
Andamanese. My book on them, The Land of Naked People: Encounters with Stone Age
Islanders, is just out. It is a nonfiction account, using journalism, history,
anthropology and other sources to tell their story.
Having visited the islands a number of times, I have a fair idea of what works
and what doesn't work. I'm especially interested in seeing an overhaul of the
welfare system, which is miserable, especially in remote settlements such as
Dugong Creek. I'd like to see a great deal more accountability in the system, so
that welfare staff who molest, push alcohol, and otherwise abuse their powers
actually get punished and fired, not just transferred to another settlement,
where they continue as before. The welfare staff need to be trained, motivated,
and answerable to a single, dynamic person, who will have ultimate
responsibility.
Madhusree
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 2
Date: 4 Mar 2004 09:55:01 -0000
From: "samit sawhny"
Subject: Re: introductions
I am 'the enemy', so to speak: a resort developer.
I visited the andamans once in 1988 and returned in january 2002 to explore
opportunities in tourism development.
Over the past 2 years we (The Barefoot Group)has tried to set/influence the
shape of tourism in the andaman islands by placing the focus on development of
tourism at the high-end of the market. We have not yet commenced work on any
resort project in the Andamans as we still await clear tourism/environmental
guidelines before we invest. However, we have a few project designs in hand. Our
goal in the andamans is to develop location-specific models of sustainable
tourism. To this end, we hope to ensure that all our projects are not only
'eco-friendly' in the generally accepted use of the phrase (i.e. addresses
satisfactorily issues of waste management, water resource management, carrying
capacities etc.) but all include a strong element of community development. Of
course it will be a long time before any of these projects see the light of day,
if at all they do.
Otherwise, I hold a couple of things in common with the previous respondent - I
too am part of Penguin India's 'batch of 2003', having had a travelogue
published by them last October (All the World's a Spittoon'). I'm now working on
a novel set in the andaman islands. which, admittedly, may or may not see the
light of day as well.
As an aside, I've read Madhushree's book and found it to be excellent. Strongly
recommended. I have read most of her source material but the book puts it all
together very nicely besides adding welcome personal opinion. Anyone interested
in the four main andamanese tribes must read it.
On Tue, 02 Mar 2004 Pankaj wrote :
>Dear Friends,
>Regarding the subject of introductions of the individuals who are members of
>this group- we have had two rounds in the past. However there are still a
>number of people who have not sent in their intros. Also a number of people
>have joined in after the last round was completed. Though I do agree that in
>the past the email traffic with the intros did get a little too much, I do
>feel that it is a very useful process.
>What I also hope to do in due course of time is compile basic information of
>all those who are on this group, so that it becomes a ready and easy
>reference.
>This is therefore a request for those who have recently joined and those who
>have not yet sent in their intros, to please respond.
>This obviously is not compulsary though...
>best wishes
>pankaj sekhsaria
>C/o Kalpavriksh
>Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
>908 Deccan Gymkhana,
>Pune 411004
>Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
>Fax: 25654239
>
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/andamanicobar/
>
>To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> andamanicobar-unsubscribe@...
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
> http://in.docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/andamanicobar/
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
andamanicobar-unsubscribe@...
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://in.docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Search - Find what you’re looking for faster.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Dear Friends,
The islands have always fascinated me. Though I must confess that I am
probably one of the few in the group (or the only one?) who has not visited
them! I studied the Jarawas as a student of Sociology, have written about
the hornbill as a young journalist with matter that was provided to me by
'experts' at the Bombay Natural History Society.
Now, decades later, I am interested in the issues of environment and
development, tribal identity and mainstreaming and hope to visit these
islands in my lifetime and write about them.
I congratulate Pankaj for the fine work he is doing.
Shree Venkatram
----------
> From: Pankaj <pankaj@...>
> To: ANDAManicobar@...
> Subject: [andamanicobar] introductions
> Date: Tuesday, March 02, 2004 7:51 PM
>
> Dear Friends,
> Regarding the subject of introductions of the individuals who are members
of
> this group- we have had two rounds in the past. However there are still a
> number of people who have not sent in their intros. Also a number of
people
> have joined in after the last round was completed. Though I do agree that
in
> the past the email traffic with the intros did get a little too much, I
do
> feel that it is a very useful process.
> What I also hope to do in due course of time is compile basic information
of
> all those who are on this group, so that it becomes a ready and easy
> reference.
> This is therefore a request for those who have recently joined and those
who
> have not yet sent in their intros, to please respond.
> This obviously is not compulsary though...
> best wishes
> pankaj sekhsaria
> C/o Kalpavriksh
> Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
> 908 Deccan Gymkhana,
> Pune 411004
> Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
> Fax: 25654239
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/andamanicobar/
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> andamanicobar-unsubscribe@...
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
> http://in.docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Dear Friends,
Since we are on the subject of books on the islands, I would like to bring
to your attention another very good recent book on the Jarawas that was
co-edited by Kanchan Mukhopadhyay. Its also really nice that Kanchan has
joined us on this group.
The book that I am talking about is
'Jarawa Contact - Ours with them, theirs with us' that has been co-edited by
Kanchan Mukhopadhyay, RK Bhattacharya, and BN Sarkar. The book has been was
published by the Anthropological Survey of India in April 2002.
It is an excellent collection of papers on the recent developments regarding
the Jarawas in the islands. The papers were presented at a seminar organised
in November 1999 by the ASI with the Dept. of Tribal Welfare, of the A&N
Administration.
I would suggest that members should definitely get this book and would like
to request Kanchan to send us information on how and where copies can be
procured.
best wishes
pankaj
----- Original Message -----
From: Pankaj <pankaj@...>
To: <andamanicobar@...>
Sent: Friday, March 05, 2004 11:58 AM
Subject: [andamanicobar] Fw: introduction from kanchan mukhopadhay
>
> From: kanchan mukhopadhyay
> To: andamanicobar-owner@...
> Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2004 8:17 PM
> Subject: introduction
>
>
> I am an anthropologist working for Anthropological Survey of India. I
started my career in 1982 at the Port Blair centre of the Survey. During the
next two years I worked among the rehabilitated Bengalee population in the
Andaman Islands.
> My second phase of work in the islands started in 1998, a very important
juncture in the history of contact with the Jarawas. Me and my colleagues
tried to witness and document the happenings, as much as we could. We were
fortunate enough to participate in the 'Jarawa Study' under the directive of
Kolkata High Court.
> I have visited some parts of the Nicobar Islands as well. I feel, while
discussing the isles, we often pay less attention to the southern group than
north. The Shompens are discussed much less than the Negrito populations of
the Andamans.
> After so many years of my association with the islands, I feel I could
learn very little about them. I am surethe debates in this group would offer
me many opportunities to learn many more things about the islands and the
islanders.
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
------
> Yahoo! Messenger - Communicate instantly..."Ping" your friends today!
Download Messenger Now
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/andamanicobar/
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> andamanicobar-unsubscribe@...
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
> http://in.docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
C/o Kalpavriksh
Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
908 Deccan Gymkhana,
Pune 411004
Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
Fax: 25654239
I quite agree. I think guidelines are absolutely essential. It would be
great if we could develop such guidelines specifically for tourism in the
islands as a test case.
Seema
-----Original Message-----
From: samit sawhny <samitsawhny@...>
To: andamanicobar@... <andamanicobar@...>
Date: Monday, March 08, 2004 7:12 PM
Subject: Re: [andamanicobar] tourism
>Dear Madhushree,
>No worries about distance from the shore. Our projects are all setback more
than 200m, in keeping with CRZ regulations. Also no 'house reefs' anywhere
near the vicinity of our locations. have engaged environmental advisors. we
are quite big on 'community development' as part of tourism projects: in my
view, no matter how 'eco-friendly' a set up (which we will be), it isn't
'sustainable' if the locals don't benefit.
>Will be putting up a project report to this forum as soon as it is
finalised. interested in getting feedback.
>the 'enem' part was meant to be tongue in cheek. have come across too many
environmentalists who are flush with problems & low on solutions - the type
who propose blanket bans on all activity in the andamans, including tourism.
>to my mind, the need of the hour is clear guidelines (no matter how strict)
& sound regulation/policing.
>Samit
>
>
>
>On Fri, 05 Mar 2004 Madhusree Mukerjee wrote :
>>Dear Samit,
>>
>>Thanks for the nice words about my book, and good luck with both of yours!
>>
>>I imagine that if you are willing to think about environmental and other
issues, and are sincere in implementing sustainable solutions, you are not
the enemy.
>>
>>One major concern I have about construction on the Andamans is that the
upturned soil will run off and kill the corals. This has happened at the
Dolphin resort on Havelock, where the corals in front are smothered and
dead. It is bound to happen for any construction project near the beach. In
contrast, last time I looked, the beach at Radhanagar, also on Havelock, was
exquisite. Tourists stayed in tents, and were very happy to be able to stay
overnight in such a beautiful place. Most of them slept on the beach.
>>
>> All an ecotourist needs, in my view, is a sense of security: a sense
that they have pure water to drink and won't get sick, that they won't get
robbed. And, of course, a place worth visiting, which in my view the Dolphin
resort is not--any more. Amenities they can get at home.
>>
>>You must know that corals are dying all over the world because of global
warming. The only way some corals in the Andamans might survive is if they
are cared for, and not subject to additional stresses. Runoff of soil from
land has already destroyed all corals near settled areas of the Andamans.
Any new tourism development must guard against the danger of killing the
goose that lays the golden eggs: no corals means no tourists. I think that
in essence, it means that hotels will need to be very far from the corals
and beaches.
>>
>>Madhusree
>>
>>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>Yahoo! Groups Links
>>
>>To visit your group on the web, go to:
>> http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/andamanicobar/
>>
>>To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>> andamanicobar-unsubscribe@...
>>
>>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
>> http://in.docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>>
>
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/andamanicobar/
>
>To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> andamanicobar-unsubscribe@...
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
> http://in.docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
...and of course, if i had realised (yes, i can be stupid like that) that my
reply would go to the whole forum and not just to madhushree, i might (would)
have toned down the rant about unstructured environmental advice. still, those
are the breaks...
anyway, a case in point, since i have your attention. no names taken. a certain
environmentalist who has no specialisation in marine ecosystems visited the
andamans in january for a week or less. in that time and without a study, he
recommended closure of jolly buoy as well as all excursions in the marine
national park. because of his 'influence', this was carried out immediately. no
study to back it up, just one visit as a tourist. the fallout has been terrible.
local opposition to environmentalists is now massive as they finally have a
legitimate greviance. closing the circuit mid-season has resulted in most tour
operators facing abuse/demands for refunds from those who arrived on pre-booked
tours. surely this could have been done effective april and after giving
sufficient advance warning? and surely there are other, less confrontational
ways of protecting corals in MGMNP, i.e. rotate between open/closed islands,
push up entry prices significantly to discourage lower-end tourists who are the
ones responsible for the bulk of coral-abuse. as a result of the way this was
handled, the ground situation now sucks. I was previously able to push the
environmental cause in the tourism guild and other forums. i have to lie low
now. for a while.
perhaps this will go some way towards explaining my disullusionment with the
environmental lobby in the andamans & people who give advice without adequate
research and without presenting viable alternatives.
On Sun, 07 Mar 2004 samit sawhny wrote :
>Dear Madhushree,
>No worries about distance from the shore. Our projects are all setback more
than 200m, in keeping with CRZ regulations. Also no 'house reefs' anywhere near
the vicinity of our locations. have engaged environmental advisors. we are quite
big on 'community development' as part of tourism projects: in my view, no
matter how 'eco-friendly' a set up (which we will be), it isn't 'sustainable' if
the locals don't benefit.
>Will be putting up a project report to this forum as soon as it is finalised.
interested in getting feedback.
>the 'enem' part was meant to be tongue in cheek. have come across too many
environmentalists who are flush with problems & low on solutions - the type who
propose blanket bans on all activity in the andamans, including tourism.
>to my mind, the need of the hour is clear guidelines (no matter how strict) &
sound regulation/policing.
>Samit
>
>
>
>On Fri, 05 Mar 2004 Madhusree Mukerjee wrote :
> >Dear Samit,
> >
> >Thanks for the nice words about my book, and good luck with both of yours!
> >
> >I imagine that if you are willing to think about environmental and other
issues, and are sincere in implementing sustainable solutions, you are not the
enemy.
> >
> >One major concern I have about construction on the Andamans is that the
upturned soil will run off and kill the corals. This has happened at the Dolphin
resort on Havelock, where the corals in front are smothered and dead. It is
bound to happen for any construction project near the beach. In contrast, last
time I looked, the beach at Radhanagar, also on Havelock, was exquisite.
Tourists stayed in tents, and were very happy to be able to stay overnight in
such a beautiful place. Most of them slept on the beach.
> >
> > All an ecotourist needs, in my view, is a sense of security: a sense that
they have pure water to drink and won't get sick, that they won't get robbed.
And, of course, a place worth visiting, which in my view the Dolphin resort is
not--any more. Amenities they can get at home.
> >
> >You must know that corals are dying all over the world because of global
warming. The only way some corals in the Andamans might survive is if they are
cared for, and not subject to additional stresses. Runoff of soil from land has
already destroyed all corals near settled areas of the Andamans. Any new tourism
development must guard against the danger of killing the goose that lays the
golden eggs: no corals means no tourists. I think that in essence, it means that
hotels will need to be very far from the corals and beaches.
> >
> >Madhusree
> >
> >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >To visit your group on the web, go to:
> > http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/andamanicobar/
> >
> >To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > andamanicobar-unsubscribe@...
> >
> >Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
> > http://in.docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
>
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/andamanicobar/
>
>To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> andamanicobar-unsubscribe@...
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
> http://in.docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Dear Pankaj and friends, isn't it time that we thought
about organising a collective trip to Andaman and/or
Lakshadweep. Those of us who haven't been there,
would be wary of doing things, like taking diesel
boats which ruin the corals.
If we do it together, it would be a good exercise in
how to plan and make eco tourism work. What do you
say.
best
sehjo
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Search - Find what you’re looking for faster
http://search.yahoo.com
Dear Madhushree,
No worries about distance from the shore. Our projects are all setback more than
200m, in keeping with CRZ regulations. Also no 'house reefs' anywhere near the
vicinity of our locations. have engaged environmental advisors. we are quite big
on 'community development' as part of tourism projects: in my view, no matter
how 'eco-friendly' a set up (which we will be), it isn't 'sustainable' if the
locals don't benefit.
Will be putting up a project report to this forum as soon as it is finalised.
interested in getting feedback.
the 'enem' part was meant to be tongue in cheek. have come across too many
environmentalists who are flush with problems & low on solutions - the type who
propose blanket bans on all activity in the andamans, including tourism.
to my mind, the need of the hour is clear guidelines (no matter how strict) &
sound regulation/policing.
Samit
On Fri, 05 Mar 2004 Madhusree Mukerjee wrote :
>Dear Samit,
>
>Thanks for the nice words about my book, and good luck with both of yours!
>
>I imagine that if you are willing to think about environmental and other
issues, and are sincere in implementing sustainable solutions, you are not the
enemy.
>
>One major concern I have about construction on the Andamans is that the
upturned soil will run off and kill the corals. This has happened at the Dolphin
resort on Havelock, where the corals in front are smothered and dead. It is
bound to happen for any construction project near the beach. In contrast, last
time I looked, the beach at Radhanagar, also on Havelock, was exquisite.
Tourists stayed in tents, and were very happy to be able to stay overnight in
such a beautiful place. Most of them slept on the beach.
>
> All an ecotourist needs, in my view, is a sense of security: a sense that
they have pure water to drink and won't get sick, that they won't get robbed.
And, of course, a place worth visiting, which in my view the Dolphin resort is
not--any more. Amenities they can get at home.
>
>You must know that corals are dying all over the world because of global
warming. The only way some corals in the Andamans might survive is if they are
cared for, and not subject to additional stresses. Runoff of soil from land has
already destroyed all corals near settled areas of the Andamans. Any new tourism
development must guard against the danger of killing the goose that lays the
golden eggs: no corals means no tourists. I think that in essence, it means that
hotels will need to be very far from the corals and beaches.
>
>Madhusree
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/andamanicobar/
>
>To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> andamanicobar-unsubscribe@...
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
> http://in.docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Dear friends,’
We have been reading your mails related to the Andaman
& Nicobar & Lakshadweep islands and we are happy to
note that more & more people are much concerned about
protecting the marine ecosystem. Since they are
islands, beyond our reach, situated far away from the
mainland, your papers are concerned only about A & N
islands. But you have forgotten the fact that coral
patches are also available in our peninsular tip
starting from Cape to Goa in the west coast and GoM in
the east coast. Because of unscientific fishing &
exploitation of coral reefs for commercial purposes,
these reefs have disappeared in some places & found as
rudiments.
This we came to know when we did an underwater study
using SCUBA in the above said areas. These reefs were
the habitats for the demersal fishes mainly the
perches for many years. Now because of the damages
caused to the natural habitats, we have lost most of
our resources. Some are at the verge of their
extinction. So it is high time that we should
safeguard and protect this enviroment also from
deterioration.
The artificial reefs, a concept developed during the
80’s & launched in some parts of the country is still
in the preliminary state. So this hast to be
encouraged by way of putting more and more R & D in
this area. Simultaneously we should also try to do
something to protect the natural reefs. This will help
to retain & maintain the biodiversity in this area.
This is the voice of concern from IERSE, in which
Prof. S. Lazarus & Dr. Anita are spending most of
their time now. We request our other interested groups
also to take up this issue as an important task.
Regards,
S.Lazarus.
Chairman &
anita, scientist
Institute for Environmenatal Research & Social
Education (IERSE)
18/150, Nesamony Nagar, Nagercoil-629001. Kanyakumari
District.
Tamil Nadu, INDIA.
Ph. 91 4652 233701; 094431 36617
lazarus_lasu@...researchani@...
--- Pankaj <pankaj@...> wrote:
> Lakshadweep Corals under threat due to pollution
> Source: Giji Marykulam. 'Lakshadweep coral reefs
> under threat', Indian
> Express, 06/01/04.
>
> The Coral Reef system in the Lakshadweep Islands is
> facing a threat from
> oil-spillage and fuel discharge caused by an
> increase in the passage of
> vehicles and the number of generators being used by
> the islanders for power
> generation.
> A recent study titled 'Coral reef ecosystem of
> Lakshadweep - a
> bio-geochemical facsimile, under taken by the Cochin
> University of Science
> and Technology (CUSAT) has found that 25% of the
> outer cells in the reefs
> were dead due to the prolonged trapping of sediment
> on the coral. The study
> also found a high concentration of metals like
> Cadmium, Lead, Mercury,
> Aluminium, Zinc and Vanadium in the reefs here.
> Lead and Cadmium were found in all the study areas,
> with their
> concentrations being above 1 mg per litre. That of
> Cadmium was found to
> 26.70 mg per litre. The study also reported that the
> anti-fouling bottom
> paints used by boats contributed to the formation of
> toxic concentrations of
> tributyl tin and other harmful chemical compounds.
> The study was conducted in the islands of
> Kavaratti, Kadamath, Kiltan,
> Androth, Agathy and Minicoy.
>
> Source: Giji Marykulam. 'Lakshadweep coral reefs
> under threat', Indian
> Express, 06/01/04.
>
> C/o Kalpavriksh
> Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
> 908 Deccan Gymkhana,
> Pune 411004
> Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
> Fax: 25654239
>
>
>
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Search - Find what you’re looking for faster
http://search.yahoo.com
Dear Samit,
Thanks for the nice words about my book, and good luck with both of yours!
I imagine that if you are willing to think about environmental and other issues,
and are sincere in implementing sustainable solutions, you are not the enemy.
One major concern I have about construction on the Andamans is that the upturned
soil will run off and kill the corals. This has happened at the Dolphin resort
on Havelock, where the corals in front are smothered and dead. It is bound to
happen for any construction project near the beach. In contrast, last time I
looked, the beach at Radhanagar, also on Havelock, was exquisite. Tourists
stayed in tents, and were very happy to be able to stay overnight in such a
beautiful place. Most of them slept on the beach.
All an ecotourist needs, in my view, is a sense of security: a sense that they
have pure water to drink and won't get sick, that they won't get robbed. And, of
course, a place worth visiting, which in my view the Dolphin resort is not--any
more. Amenities they can get at home.
You must know that corals are dying all over the world because of global
warming. The only way some corals in the Andamans might survive is if they are
cared for, and not subject to additional stresses. Runoff of soil from land has
already destroyed all corals near settled areas of the Andamans. Any new tourism
development must guard against the danger of killing the goose that lays the
golden eggs: no corals means no tourists. I think that in essence, it means that
hotels will need to be very far from the corals and beaches.
Madhusree
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
This is very disturbing indeed. I do hope our Oceanography Ministry under Dr HK
Gupta's Secretaryship will initiate something fast before it spins out of
control.
R. Ashok Kumar
Pankaj <pankaj@...> wrote:
Lakshadweep Corals under threat due to pollution
Source: Giji Marykulam. 'Lakshadweep coral reefs under threat', Indian
Express, 06/01/04.
The Coral Reef system in the Lakshadweep Islands is facing a threat from
oil-spillage and fuel discharge caused by an increase in the passage of
vehicles and the number of generators being used by the islanders for power
generation.
A recent study titled 'Coral reef ecosystem of Lakshadweep - a
bio-geochemical facsimile, under taken by the Cochin University of Science
and Technology (CUSAT) has found that 25% of the outer cells in the reefs
were dead due to the prolonged trapping of sediment on the coral. The study
also found a high concentration of metals like Cadmium, Lead, Mercury,
Aluminium, Zinc and Vanadium in the reefs here.
Lead and Cadmium were found in all the study areas, with their
concentrations being above 1 mg per litre. That of Cadmium was found to
26.70 mg per litre. The study also reported that the anti-fouling bottom
paints used by boats contributed to the formation of toxic concentrations of
tributyl tin and other harmful chemical compounds.
The study was conducted in the islands of Kavaratti, Kadamath, Kiltan,
Androth, Agathy and Minicoy.
Source: Giji Marykulam. 'Lakshadweep coral reefs under threat', Indian
Express, 06/01/04.
C/o Kalpavriksh
Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
908 Deccan Gymkhana,
Pune 411004
Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
Fax: 25654239
Yahoo! Groups Links
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/andamanicobar/
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
andamanicobar-unsubscribe@...
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://in.docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
---------------------------------
Yahoo! Messenger - Communicate instantly..."Ping" your friends today! Download
Messenger Now
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
From: kanchan mukhopadhyay
To: andamanicobar-owner@...
Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2004 8:17 PM
Subject: introduction
I am an anthropologist working for Anthropological Survey of India. I started my
career in 1982 at the Port Blair centre of the Survey. During the next two years
I worked among the rehabilitated Bengalee population in the Andaman Islands.
My second phase of work in the islands started in 1998, a very important
juncture in the history of contact with the Jarawas. Me and my colleagues tried
to witness and document the happenings, as much as we could. We were fortunate
enough to participate in the 'Jarawa Study' under the directive of Kolkata High
Court.
I have visited some parts of the Nicobar Islands as well. I feel, while
discussing the isles, we often pay less attention to the southern group than
north. The Shompens are discussed much less than the Negrito populations of the
Andamans.
After so many years of my association with the islands, I feel I could learn
very little about them. I am surethe debates in this group would offer me many
opportunities to learn many more things about the islands and the islanders.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yahoo! Messenger - Communicate instantly..."Ping" your friends today! Download
Messenger Now
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I want to say that Madhusree's book is a MUST-read for everyone on this
list.
Its details of the history, the issues, the people, and the travesty of
mismanagement
in the Andamans -- as well as the rapidly shrinking window for action to
save what's
left of the islands...well, I am in awe of her accomplishment. And envious
of the time she
has spent on the islands.
I thank you, Madhusree, for this wonderful work.
Aimee
Aimee Liu
Author of CLOUD MOUNTAIN & FACE &
FLASH HOUSE (Warner Books, 2003)
WWW.AIMEELIU.NET
-----Original Message-----
From: Madhusree Mukerjee [mailto:lopchu@...]
Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2004 12:43 PM
To: andamanicobar@...
Subject: [andamanicobar] introduction
I am a journalist. I started out as a physicist and then worked at
Scientific American magazine for a few years, at which time I became
interested in the Andamanese. My book on them, The Land of Naked People:
Encounters with Stone Age Islanders, is just out. It is a nonfiction
account, using journalism, history, anthropology and other sources to tell
their story.
Having visited the islands a number of times, I have a fair idea of what
works and what doesn't work. I'm especially interested in seeing an overhaul
of the welfare system, which is miserable, especially in remote settlements
such as Dugong Creek. I'd like to see a great deal more accountability in
the system, so that welfare staff who molest, push alcohol, and otherwise
abuse their powers actually get punished and fired, not just transferred to
another settlement, where they continue as before. The welfare staff need to
be trained, motivated, and answerable to a single, dynamic person, who will
have ultimate responsibility.
Madhusree
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Yahoo! Groups Links
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/andamanicobar/
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
andamanicobar-unsubscribe@...
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://in.docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Lakshadweep Corals under threat due to pollution
Source: Giji Marykulam. 'Lakshadweep coral reefs under threat', Indian
Express, 06/01/04.
The Coral Reef system in the Lakshadweep Islands is facing a threat from
oil-spillage and fuel discharge caused by an increase in the passage of
vehicles and the number of generators being used by the islanders for power
generation.
A recent study titled 'Coral reef ecosystem of Lakshadweep - a
bio-geochemical facsimile, under taken by the Cochin University of Science
and Technology (CUSAT) has found that 25% of the outer cells in the reefs
were dead due to the prolonged trapping of sediment on the coral. The study
also found a high concentration of metals like Cadmium, Lead, Mercury,
Aluminium, Zinc and Vanadium in the reefs here.
Lead and Cadmium were found in all the study areas, with their
concentrations being above 1 mg per litre. That of Cadmium was found to
26.70 mg per litre. The study also reported that the anti-fouling bottom
paints used by boats contributed to the formation of toxic concentrations of
tributyl tin and other harmful chemical compounds.
The study was conducted in the islands of Kavaratti, Kadamath, Kiltan,
Androth, Agathy and Minicoy.
Source: Giji Marykulam. 'Lakshadweep coral reefs under threat', Indian
Express, 06/01/04.
C/o Kalpavriksh
Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
908 Deccan Gymkhana,
Pune 411004
Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
Fax: 25654239
Dear Friends,
I am Subramanian and I did my Post graduation and Doctorate in Marine Biology.
My specialization is on Marine Ecosystem and interest is on Community Based
Coastal Resource Management. I myself hail from traditional fisher community
from Chennai. My involvement in the field of fisheries has stated during my Post
graduation period. I worked in many NGOs in India and also in abroad for a
couple of years as Marine Scientist. At present I am working in South Indian
Federation of Fishermen Societies (SIFFS), Trivandrum , Kerala. In this my task
is to study the various fishing pattern practised in Gulf of Mannar Bio-Reserve
area and to findout ways to utilize the fishery resources in sustainable way
with community participation. Personnaly I am running a NGO called Social Action
for Integration and Liberation (SAIL) in Chennai and working for the upliftment
of downtrodden people particularly fisher community. I strongly believe on
people with environment but not on environment without
people. I am helping people (Indian as well as foreigners) who are interested
to do research in fisheries. If any one wants to do study or research on
fisheries, free feel to contact me.
with regards
B.Subramanian
SAIL
104, Nochi kuppam
Mylapore
Chennai 600 004
Pankaj <pankaj@...> wrote:
Dear Friends,
Regarding the subject of introductions of the individuals who are members of
this group- we have had two rounds in the past. However there are still a
number of people who have not sent in their intros. Also a number of people
have joined in after the last round was completed. Though I do agree that in
the past the email traffic with the intros did get a little too much, I do
feel that it is a very useful process.
What I also hope to do in due course of time is compile basic information of
all those who are on this group, so that it becomes a ready and easy
reference.
This is therefore a request for those who have recently joined and those who
have not yet sent in their intros, to please respond.
This obviously is not compulsary though...
best wishes
pankaj sekhsaria
C/o Kalpavriksh
Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
908 Deccan Gymkhana,
Pune 411004
Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
Fax: 25654239
---------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/andamanicobar/
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
andamanicobar-unsubscribe@...
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
Yahoo! India Insurance Special: Be informed on the best policies, services,
tools and more.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I am 'the enemy', so to speak: a resort developer.
I visited the andamans once in 1988 and returned in january 2002 to explore
opportunities in tourism development.
Over the past 2 years we (The Barefoot Group)has tried to set/influence the
shape of tourism in the andaman islands by placing the focus on development of
tourism at the high-end of the market. We have not yet commenced work on any
resort project in the Andamans as we still await clear tourism/environmental
guidelines before we invest. However, we have a few project designs in hand. Our
goal in the andamans is to develop location-specific models of sustainable
tourism. To this end, we hope to ensure that all our projects are not only
'eco-friendly' in the generally accepted use of the phrase (i.e. addresses
satisfactorily issues of waste management, water resource management, carrying
capacities etc.) but all include a strong element of community development. Of
course it will be a long time before any of these projects see the light of day,
if at all they do.
Otherwise, I hold a couple of things in common with the previous respondent - I
too am part of Penguin India's 'batch of 2003', having had a travelogue
published by them last October (All the World's a Spittoon'). I'm now working on
a novel set in the andaman islands. which, admittedly, may or may not see the
light of day as well.
As an aside, I've read Madhushree's book and found it to be excellent. Strongly
recommended. I have read most of her source material but the book puts it all
together very nicely besides adding welcome personal opinion. Anyone interested
in the four main andamanese tribes must read it.
On Tue, 02 Mar 2004 Pankaj wrote :
>Dear Friends,
>Regarding the subject of introductions of the individuals who are members of
>this group- we have had two rounds in the past. However there are still a
>number of people who have not sent in their intros. Also a number of people
>have joined in after the last round was completed. Though I do agree that in
>the past the email traffic with the intros did get a little too much, I do
>feel that it is a very useful process.
>What I also hope to do in due course of time is compile basic information of
>all those who are on this group, so that it becomes a ready and easy
>reference.
>This is therefore a request for those who have recently joined and those who
>have not yet sent in their intros, to please respond.
>This obviously is not compulsary though...
>best wishes
>pankaj sekhsaria
>C/o Kalpavriksh
>Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
>908 Deccan Gymkhana,
>Pune 411004
>Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
>Fax: 25654239
>
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/andamanicobar/
>
>To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> andamanicobar-unsubscribe@...
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
> http://in.docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I am a journalist. I started out as a physicist and then worked at Scientific
American magazine for a few years, at which time I became interested in the
Andamanese. My book on them, The Land of Naked People: Encounters with Stone Age
Islanders, is just out. It is a nonfiction account, using journalism, history,
anthropology and other sources to tell their story.
Having visited the islands a number of times, I have a fair idea of what works
and what doesn't work. I'm especially interested in seeing an overhaul of the
welfare system, which is miserable, especially in remote settlements such as
Dugong Creek. I'd like to see a great deal more accountability in the system, so
that welfare staff who molest, push alcohol, and otherwise abuse their powers
actually get punished and fired, not just transferred to another settlement,
where they continue as before. The welfare staff need to be trained, motivated,
and answerable to a single, dynamic person, who will have ultimate
responsibility.
Madhusree
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Dear All,
Quite inspired by the groups active discussion forum and the nudging mail
from Pankaj, I take this opportunity to put in few words about my programme
& self.
Presently, I shoulder the responsibility as the Coordinator, Oceans &
Coasts programme (O&CP), WWF-India. The O&CP was established in 2001 and
aims at addressing issues related to coastal & marine issues. Community
participation, Awareness creation & Capacity building forms the crux of our
projects. WWF-India has State Offices in all the coastal states and UTs,
enabling us to broadly analyse the situation per area. In A&N we have an
Hon. Secretary - Ex DIG Coast Guard Mr. Debesh Banerji & a Project Officer
- Biplab Biswas. The office is based in Port Blair. I am sure many of you
would have met them!
Well, about myself. I have a Masters degree in Political Science from JNU,
New Delhi. And my Doctorate in International Politics (from JNU),
specialising on Environmental Policy, special reference to Antarctic
Treaty System.I started my career with the Times Group, then headed the Dev
Comm unit for a South Asia based NGO, then joined UNDP as Inter-Agency
Coordinator- Decentralisation, then joined Antarctic & Southern Ocean
Coalition (ASOC) as Coordinator-India and now here I am with WWF-India for
little over than a year. As ASOC Coordinator, I looked at issues related to
conservation of the pristine Antarctic environment - tourism, protocol
implementation, permit systems, liability, EIAs, etc.
Well, so much so for the intro, I look forward to a meaningful dialogue
with you all.
Warm regards,
Swayamprabha
Ms. SWAYAM PRABHA DAS Ph.D
Coordinator
Oceans & Coasts Programme
WWF-India Secretariat
172-B,Lodi Estate,
New Delhi 110 003
India
Tel: 91-11-51504806/4821, 51504815-17 extn 4806/4821
Fax: 91-11-2469 1226/2462 6837
Visit www.wwfindia.org
"Remember the Past, Work in the Present, Save the Future''
"Pankaj"
<pankaj@leadindia To:
<ANDAManicobar@...>
.org> cc:
Subject: [andamanicobar]
introductions
03/02/04 07:51 PM
Please respond to
andamanicobar
Dear Friends,
Regarding the subject of introductions of the individuals who are members
of
this group- we have had two rounds in the past. However there are still a
number of people who have not sent in their intros. Also a number of people
have joined in after the last round was completed. Though I do agree that
in
the past the email traffic with the intros did get a little too much, I do
feel that it is a very useful process.
What I also hope to do in due course of time is compile basic information
of
all those who are on this group, so that it becomes a ready and easy
reference.
This is therefore a request for those who have recently joined and those
who
have not yet sent in their intros, to please respond.
This obviously is not compulsary though...
best wishes
pankaj sekhsaria
C/o Kalpavriksh
Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
908 Deccan Gymkhana,
Pune 411004
Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
Fax: 25654239
Yahoo! Groups Links
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/andamanicobar/
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
andamanicobar-unsubscribe@...
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://in.docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Dear Friends,
Regarding the subject of introductions of the individuals who are members of
this group- we have had two rounds in the past. However there are still a
number of people who have not sent in their intros. Also a number of people
have joined in after the last round was completed. Though I do agree that in
the past the email traffic with the intros did get a little too much, I do
feel that it is a very useful process.
What I also hope to do in due course of time is compile basic information of
all those who are on this group, so that it becomes a ready and easy
reference.
This is therefore a request for those who have recently joined and those who
have not yet sent in their intros, to please respond.
This obviously is not compulsary though...
best wishes
pankaj sekhsaria
C/o Kalpavriksh
Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
908 Deccan Gymkhana,
Pune 411004
Tel: 020 - 25654239 / 25675450
Fax: 25654239
2 Mar 2004 Vashi(below Sea Level sustained by dykes),Mainland India
Dear Madhusree Mukerjee:
My daughter Ms Supriya Kumar(who is associated with AID gave me a copy of the
book The Land of the Naked People:Encounters with Stone Age Islanders after her
visit to the Islands. It shows that the basic instincts of the rulers have
undergone little change be it the white or the coloured! Look at the way the
powers are treating the Andamans (and Samir Acharya) even after the SC ruling.
Recently I came across two books which try to explain the 'progress' of all that
is....One is Pralaya1999 by MR Narendra(Vidyanidhi) and the Other 'Nostradamus
and Beyond:Visions of Yuga Sandhi' by NS Rajaram(Rupa:2002): Basically we are
into the transition from the Age of Untruth(Kali) into the Age of Truth(Krita)
from 1999 AD onwards till about 2010 AD when violence will reduce the population
from 6 to 7 billion to about 2 billion...then there will be a universal religion
and people will have a policy of life: to live by truth....
One can see this in the inadequacy of modern civilisation basing as it does on
specialisation and the science it nurtures in the face of holistic experience
and cooperative thought based ways of life of the tribes all over...and hence
the need for an ecologically based local experience based life styles coloured
perhaps by the encounters with modern civilisation's facets...your book tells
the story of inadequacy brought about by the destruction of the bases of living
free: the forests..
Its coming.. the fall into unsustainable violence to bring the Age of Truth with
two billion human beings left all over the world...Shall we create conditions
for analogous ecologically sustainable reforestation?If ecologically sustainable
tourism will have to fund this as an essential requirement for sustainability...
R. Ashok Kumar
Madhusree Mukerjee <lopchu@...> wrote:
Hello,
In trying to think about tourism alternatives, I came across this IUCN report,
which provides a useful set of guidelines thinking about sustainable
development:
http://www.ahs.uwaterloo.ca/~eagles/EastAsia.pdf
I have a friend who recently paid a lot of money to visit the Gapapagos. She
said there are no facilities at all: not hotels, no restaurants, you can't even
relieve yourself on the island, but only on the launch or ship. She said the
visit was an incredible experience.
The Andamans could be turned into such a high-value tourist site with virtually
no new construction. It has some of the best corals in the world, a fascinating
history, rock climbing--Heinrich Harrer, who crossed the Himalayas, broke an arm
trying to climb an Andaman peak--surfing, archeological relics such as kitchen
middens, caves, and much else. Locals could be intensively trained in local
biology, history, and so on, to work as guides. It would offer not only a sure
income but an increase in local pride and awareness.
Why don't we ask someone who knows the islands intimately--such as the folks at
the Madras Crocodile Bank at Wandoor, South Andaman--to invest some time in
research and come up with, say, ten tours with different themes, designed to
have minimum impact on the environment, but maximum attraction for tourists?
Madhusree
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Yahoo! Groups Links
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://in.groups.yahoo.com/group/andamanicobar/
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
andamanicobar-unsubscribe@...
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://in.docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
---------------------------------
Yahoo! Messenger - Communicate instantly..."Ping" your friends today! Download
Messenger Now
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Send Email
Offline 