PAUPER’S LOG Thirsty Paradise: Natural or Manmade?

PAUPER’S LOG

Thirsty Paradise: 

Natural or Manmade?

By Abu Arsh

Availability of potable water is a major concern for the inhabitants of an island environment. There are some subtle and obvious issues which need to be given attention while addressing the challenges of providing potable water to inhabitants of islands. A&N islands have seen deliberations on this subject since ages and no tangible solution is at sight. Our Islands are dependent on rainwater harvesting to meet majority of its potable water requirement. Proper sanitation is not possible without adequate water and improper sanitation runs risk of contaminating water sources. Recent water shortages can squarely be attributed to man made factors. There has been consistent mismanagement and pilferage of this natural resource over the years. Growth in the Islands population, tourism and industrial /construction uses have contributed to water shortages.

National Water Policy 2002 recognises water 'a basic human need'. This basic human need at present is made available to us islanders at a premium. Curtailment of water supply to as much as only 2 times a week for 20 minutes a day does not surprise many in summer season. Presently water is supplied on alternate days for an hour with water trickling from taps at a rate where a drum can only become half full. Water supply in Port Blair is maintained by PBMC and in rural areas by APWD. Their lower category staffs have devised means to black market water. A period of acute water shortage surfaced after Tsunami of 2004 due to breakages in the main water pipelines. This gave ample scope for the supervisors and linemen to device ways in putting up a price for their services. This practice has become prevalent predominantly in Municipal areas. Staffs adjust valve settings of water distribution lines to suit their bribing clients and hang around their personal tanks, making sure each of them overflows. This maneuver greatly helps in watering lawns, mopping granite floors and washing grime off cars for our insatiable rich citizens. At the same time a law abiding subscriber of PBMC or APWD fret at erratic water supply in his tap unable to top up his water pot, cook his meal or maintain personal hygiene. Unattended leaking pipes and valves too are a common sight in Port Blair and rural areas.

The islands receive copious rainfall to the tune of about 3000 mm. per year. About 95 percent of annual rainfall is received during May-December (2250 mm in May- September during southwest monsoon and 685 mm in October-December during northeast monsoon). Present availability of water resource in the urban area of Port Blair is 17.79 million litres per day (MLD). This is mainly by storage in Dhanikhari dam. As per the status of water supply (Economic Survey of A&N Islands, 2007-08), the available water supply in A&N Islands is 49.62 MLD indicating an excess of 10.27 MLD whereas the projected demand for 2020 is 53.91 MLD showing a shortfall of 4.56 MLD. It is interesting to note that the present and projected (by 2020) shortfall in water supply in urban Port Blair alone are 9.38 MLD and 19.67 MLD, respectively. These statistics need pondering and judicious utilisation measures adopted. 

For development of water resources in the urban and rural Port Blair, raising of Dhanikhari dam by 5 m, sweet water lake at Sippighat, Rutland water supply project, desalinisation plant at Port Blair, dam on Kamsrat Nallah, have been taken up. Majority of these projects have hit road blocks and are yet to take off or alternatively are progressing at snails pace.

In a seminar post-Tsunami, a paper by Santha Sheela Nair, Secretary, Drinking Water Supply; New Delhi titled 'Possible Alternatives for Sustainable Sanitation and Safe drinking water supply in islands with specific reference to Andaman & Nicobar Islands'- specified government guidelines while planning water systems on the Andaman Islands. A few key points from the paper were- Sustainability should be evaluated from source, technology, financial and social aspects. The current water supply system needs to be decentralised for augmentation taking into consideration the seismic risks, scattered-increasing population and climate change. Individual and community roof-water harvesting is an ideal decentralised system of providing safe drinking water. Generate awareness and capacity of community towards creating healthy living conditions by promoting eco-sanitation. Not much of it has been given serious thought by our planners.

MAIL | BOX We Have an Alcoholic Friendly Administration

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | VOL 35 | ISSUE 15 | 7 OCT 2011

MAIL | BOX

We Have an Alcoholic Friendly Administration

The article 'Lets make our islands Liquor free' by Yasmeen Shabnam under the column 'Your Space' was thought provoking. This is the voice of majority of the islanders.

Whenever organisations and individuals object to issuing of bar licences, the oft-repeated reply of the Registering authority is that Administration has set certain guidelines for issuing the bar licences and if anyone fulfills those guidelines, they cannot be denied the right to run a bar. The administration which is totally out of sync with the aspirations of the people have created norms which will flourish this trade, fill the pockets of few and ruin the lives of many.  While framing policies, the people at the helm of affairs turn a blind eye to the Article 47 of Directive principles to States, enshrined in the constitution.  The article states that the State shall endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption except for medicinal purpose of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health.

Also, the Registering authority has some advice for those objecting against the bars. Instead of objecting, he insists to create awareness among the masses about the bad effects of liquor consumption. On the one hand, we are encouraging and facilitating liquor hubs and on the other hand, we spend our resources for counseling and rehabilitation of the habitual drunkards. Seminars and symposiums conducted on 'Anti-alcoholism' day has become a charade, an eye-wash.  Educating an alcoholic is appropriately summed up by Oscar Wilde 'When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up.....reading.'     The ill-informed and lop-sided policy of making easy accessibility of  liquor and then trying to provide medical assistance to those affected by it need to be re-looked.

The Corporation set up under the premise of integrated and all-round development of the islands has become synonymous with boozing. The company set up on 28th June 1988, aims to improve supply of important raw materials, essential commodities, consumables with view to stabilize the market and provide these goods to people at reasonable prices. The essential commodity which is most pro-actively supplied by ANIIDCO is well-known. Among the eleven units (Source: www.aniidco.nic.in) of ANIIDCO, the visible arm seems to be the IMFL unit. In an effort to make its presence felt throughout the archipelago, the company plans to open new IMFL retail  outlets at Bambooflat and Havelock.

Despite all this, there is hope. The people of Ferrar Gunj Tehsil has been fighting tooth and nail to resist renewal of existing bars and proposals of new ones. A mass movement in 2008, initiated by Mahila mondals, supported by local NGOs, PRIs and commoners successfully weeded out the illicit locally produced brew. A similar approach can only put brakes to the sinister designs of an alcoholic-friendly administrative set-up.

K P Mohd Younus

Wimberly Gunj

EDITORIAL: ANIIDCO's Miscalculated Step

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | VOL 35 | ISSUE 15 | 7 OCT 2011

EDITORIAL:

ANIIDCO's Miscalculated Step

The ANI Admn is referred to as an alcoholic-friendly administration. With bars at every nook and corner, the rising crimes pertaining to alcoholism does not trouble the administrator or the administration. Why the authorities turn a blind eye towards the root cause is a major concern.

ANI registers perhaps the highest per capita consumption of liquor. ANIIDCO sells liquor worth Rs 80 crores. Out of the defence quota, more than a lakh litre slips into the market. The consumption is on a steep rise. The effects are nakedly visible. The scourge of addiction is eating into the vitals of the entire Island society right from Campbell Bay to Aerial Bay.

At this juncture, it's shocking to learn that there is a proposal to open a wine shop in Bambooflat by ANIIDCO. When the general public is crushed under the weight of price rise, ignoring its own principle of stabilizing the market and providing essential commodities to people at reasonable prices, the board of ANIIDCO thought otherwise and closed its chain of green shops, which were supplying vegetables. And now, how the wine shop is going to help the rural populace is anybody's guess. ANIIDCO has already lost its human face by closing the green shops and opening up new wine shops.

The role of the elected PRI members of Bambooflat Panchayat, who wrote to the administration demanding a wine shop in their locality, is condemnable. The PRIs who have a pro-active role in the growth and development of the villages need to reset their priorities.

However, the logic that there is a demand for a wine shop from the PRIs is highly outrageous as on the other hand the Vice President of BJP has openly demanded the Administration to reopen the green shops. Why the demand is not met? Why the haste in opening wine shop? What happened to corporate social responsibility of the "only" commercial arm of the Administration?

There is open resentment among the general public residing in the surrounding villages against the move of the administration. It's a misconstrued step that ANIIDCO has taken. The decision needs to be revised or there will be serious backlash on the ground.

AE's Quarter Renovation: Whither Regulations?

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | VOL 35 | ISSUE 15 | 7 OCT 2011

AE's Quarter Renovation:

Whither Regulations?

To provide appropriate services of technical manpower to PRIs, the Directorate of Panchayat took the wise and bold decision to free the technical wing from the clutches of Zilla Parishad, and the whole setup was rearranged to avoid inordinate delays in execution of developmental works. But, with it cropped its share of problems too. The technical wing was shifted to Directorate building. However, the AE, who had already seen the sheen and grandeur of the earlier head of the technical wing, could not lag behind and shifted to one of the Councillor's quarter (General Pool).

As usual, it required to be renovated and refurbished. But, who will foot the bill? The onus fell on four or five panchayats of Ferrar Gunj Tehsil. Flouting all regulations, which is imposed on the PRIs every now and then, an order was issued by the Executive Engineer to the Asst Engineer to approve technical clearance and a few panchayats in Ferrar Gunj Tehsil were asked to prepare work orders and fund  diverted to renovate the quarter, which however belong to the general pool and is located in Junglighat, far away from their jurisdiction.

Most of the Panchayats sensing foul-play did not heed to the order. It is learnt that an amount of Rs 8.2 lakhs were diverted from a couple of Panchayats.

When asked about the issue, A Neduncheziyan, Director, Rural Development said he is not aware of the incident and assured that he will look into the matter. However, Guruswamy, AE, Dir of Panchayat said that as per CPWD manual, there is provision upto 5% for contingency expenditure, which he said includes office stationery, vehicles and for watch and ward. Its astonishing to find that how can a residential quarter be charged under work.

As per the Panchayat Rules and Regulations, work orders from Panchayat can only be executed in their jurisdiction after due concurrence of Gram Sabha. The Pradhans, who won't mind bending the rules a bit to appease their bosses never thought that this act, which goes against the regulation might boomerang, if someone seeks information through RTI and files a complaint.

The Directorate officials however tried to convince saying that they were suddenly caught in a  precarious situation soon after the formation of a separate technical wing, they had to find residential quarter for the AE and it was an internal adjustment.

Neduncheziyan said that to run the department with additional staff also requires infrastructure as well as expenses to be covered. "We cannot keep going to the 69 Panchayats and ask for contingency fund to meet our stationery requirement, vehicles and other expenses. We have now approached the administration and the Lieutenant Governor has approved the provision of its own fund," he added.

Nonetheless, it does not exonerate the renovation of the Assistant Engineer's quarter located in Junglighat from funds diverted as work orders issued by Panchayats from Guptapara to Shoal Bay.

Interview: A Neduncheziyan, Director, Panchayats - Stemming the Rot

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | VOL 35 | ISSUE 15 | 7 OCT 2011

Interview: A Neduncheziyan, Director, Panchayats

Stemming the Rot

Nedunchezhiyan, Director, RD, PRIs and ULB is on a cleaning spree. Loads of changes are on the anvil to check the cancerous malaise called corruption involving Panchayati Raj Institutions. Making clear his stand, he said that he is not here to make the Panchayats work, but whatever they do, they need to do it diligently with utmost accountability. In a freewheeling interview, he spoke to The Light of Andamans on various issues related to the major changes he has initiated to bring accountability to the Panchayati Raj Institution.

By Zubair Ahmed

To begin with, sanitation and disposal of solid waste in villages is a major issue today. Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman had stated that the Gram Panchayat will make arrangements to collect garbage, Panchayat Samiti will shift the garbage to the dumping grounds managed by Zilla Parishad. The arrangement failed. There is confusion on the ground.

The Panchayat Regulation clearly says that sanitation and garbage disposal is the subject of Gram Panchayat. I am aware about the minutes of the meeting held by the Deputy Commissioner. But, Gram Panchayat has to keep their area clean. They have been provided fund for that. They should identify sites to dump the waste and make arrangements for transportation too. If the fund is insufficient they can come to us. Besides, we have approached Government of India to implement Total Sanitation Campaign. We have requested for Rs 35 crores to create dumping grounds and solid waste management system. This is apart from the regular fund. There should not be any issue on this subject. It's very clearly mentioned in the regulation.

Why does the Directorate or the authorities wait for someone to make a complaint to take action against corrupt PRI members? If no one files a complaint, the elected member goes scot-free after his term. Is this justified? Why can't you have a monthly or quarterly monitoring system like MGNREGA to keep a tab on utilization of fund?

The Panchayati Raj Institutions with the three-tier system should function independently without any interference. Gram Sabha should conduct social audit to check any kind of deviation from the set rules and regulations. But, the mechanism in most cases has proved ineffective. Hence, we have suggested many changes in the rules. We have incorporated many preventive measures and stringent rules to check corruption. Regular monitoring and audits will be carried out and it's going to be a regular feature now onwards. Once elected as member, they cannot go scot-free even after five years. The issue is that self-autonomy is not compromised. Their power has been enhanced and they will be given a free-hand to rule. But, the vigilance monitoring aspect will be strengthened. There will be regular monitoring of their expenditure.

There is a wide complaint that you issue orders verbally and never give instructions in writing?

It's a misleading statement. If what I speak is there in regulation, why should I give it in writing? In case of emergency, if I give verbal instruction, they can send back the file with my instruction for my approval. Those who complain want to save their skin.

The rearrangement of Technical Wing was a major step taken after you took charge of the Directorate. Was that an easy decision?

Not an easy decision. I had to put a lot of effort to clean the stable. We were not even given proper space for office. The present Directorate building was under Zilla Parishad. We had to fight to get the space back.

You talk of devolution of power, whereas, still, the executive staff or those on diverted capacity from various line departments do not report to the elected Pradhan. They report to the Panchayat Secretary or the Executive Officer?

There are two aspects. The Pramukh of Panchayat Samiti is the Head of the Institution and the Executive Officer is the Head of the Office. Even if the Junior Engineer reports to the Panchayat Secretary, JE is responsible to the Gram Panchayat through him. The Assistant Engineer although reports to the Executive Officer, he is ultimately responsible to the Panchayat Samiti. This is done for smooth functioning of the office.

It is learnt that you have proposed changes in the Rules? What are the salient changes proposed?

Yes, we have incorporated many changes in the Rules. It is yet to be endorsed by the Admn and we hope that within two years, there will be drastic changes in the functioning of PRI. Our major focus was on accountability of the PRI members as the money given to them is meant for development. It should not be diverted to be siphoned off. Monitoring and preventive mechanism has been strengthened with regular watch on their activities and the penal action against violators is also suggested. We have also proposed that the beneficiary of developmental work should not be a single household or family. In many cases, the relatives of the PRI members become beneficiaries of many projects, which need to be checked.

If there is a dire need where the beneficiary is a single family and the Gram Sabha passes the work.

It depends upon Gram Sabha, if they have no problem, and in such cases they can carry out the work. The Rule is incorporated to prevent misuse and violations.

It has also come to light that you have proposed a cap of 30% for purchase including energy bills from GIA -General Fund. Do you think the amount is sufficient?

Before taking a decision on this aspect, we had carried out a wide study of all panchayats and fixed the cap on purchase. However, it's not yet final. But, we believe that the amount of 30% is sufficient and the energy bills are not more than Rs 4 Lakhs annually.

You have put a limit on usage of vehicles by the PRI heads, whereas, AEs and EEs can use the vehicles unlimited. Is it justified?

Yes, I don't think there should be a limit for the usage of vehicle for the technical staff as they have to make frequent visits to the work sites as well as panchayats from Diglipur to Beodnabad in South Andaman.

The quarter of AE located in Junglighat was renovated using funds diverted from Panchayats in Ferrar Gunj Tehsil. Is it not violation of Regulations?

I am not aware of this issue. I will look into it. However, the establishment needs fund for functioning. It can be met from the 5% contingency of Panchayats. But, I will look into the matter and see if there is any violation.

Panchayat Secretaries complain that they are overburdened with responsibilities of two panchayats? There is staff shortage at all levels. Why are you not filling posts?

The complaint is from regular Panchayat Secretaries. Those who have joined on deputation have no complaints and are coping up with their responsibilities. I don't think they are overburdened. Moreover, the Village Level Workers feels it inferior to work under Gram Panchayats as VLWs, but they are willing to work as Panchayat Secretaries. I have proposed that we should have one VLW attached with each panchayat.  Once we appoint regular Panchayat Secretaries, the shortage will reduce. I also understand that the Panchayat Secretaries does not have any promotion channel, which needs to be created. I am working on it too.

And, what about Group C staff for Panchayats?

Yes, it's long pending decision. The posts were created 15 years back. I don't know why it was not filled. The matter is also under my consideration. There is staff shortage in Panchayat. We need to fill the post of Group C staff to overcome it.

Do you think, the PRIs need to be sensitized about the Rules and Regulations as well as their role and functions?

Yes, we have initiated awareness and training programme on a massive scale. We are touching every nook and corner. From February onwards, programmes on various aspects of PRIs are also conducted.

After 15 years of PRI system, how do you rate them in the Islands?

Although, the Islands have its own drawbacks, we are not lagging behind in any aspect from other states. We have made Article 243 (G) mandatory whereas many states are yet to do it. Our focus should be on strengthening of infrastructure and systematic functioning methodology.

COVER STORY PRIs or Pariahs

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | VOL 35 | ISSUE 15 | 7 OCT 2011

COVER STORY

PRIs or Pariahs

You cannot do away with them as they are an integral part of our democratic setup. Everyone seeks to empower them, as they are the only face of political autonomy in our Islands. But, even after 15 years of 73rd Constitutional Amendment, late Rajiv Gandhi's vision of empowering the villagers of rural India remains a distant dream.

By Zubair Ahmed

You cannot do away with them. They are an integral part of our democracy. Everyone seeks to empower them, as they are the face of political autonomy in our Islands. Even after 15 years of 73rd Constitutional Amendment, late Rajiv Gandhi's dream of empowering the villagers of rural India remains a vain hope. First 10 years, it was purely experimental, where both the administration and the PRIs messed up, at many occasions. When Administration tried to rein them, they were powerful enough to fly two cabinet ministers from Delhi and get their way out from the trap.

The relationship between PRIs and the Administration was not always a courteous one. Two reports on the functioning of the PRIs in the Union Territory - one by Third Finance Commission and the second by NABCONs sponsored by NABARD brings forth two different versions of the last fifteen years of PRI system.

The Administration has woken up from a deep slumber after a long 15-year leash given to the PRIs to function according to their whims and fancies. It realized that all is not well in the system and it requires immediate plugging of the existing loopholes. The Grant-in-Aid Rules are being amended. Many strict and stern actions are recommended as preventive measures to check embezzlement of funds. Regulations too are amended to check favoritism. A cap of 30% for purchases out of GIA -General Fund is also recommended by the Directorate to control unrestrained purchases.

The attitude of the PRIs towards the proposed changes is very cautious one. They are a frightened lot now. Nobody dares to raise their voice for just or unjust causes. They are intimidated by everyone, technically and bureaucratically. The reason is obvious- they have put themselves in such a quandary by their own irresponsible actions. Within a year of assuming charge, a good number out of them have embezzled funds as much as possible. Purchases of streetlights, dustbins and stationery worth lakhs show their insatiable greed. The whole PRI system works in a coterie. From top to bottom, the link is visible with set percentages and cuts nicely engraved in each work order and purchase order.

It's a fact that they have been elected for a term of 5 years by the electorate. And they should be given the freedom to rule the complete term. Proper check and balance mechanism should be at place to keep them under the ambit of rules and regulations. Everyone knows that Gram Sabhas have utterly failed to control corruption. When the GPs submit monthly expenditure report, why can't they be held accountable if excess purchases reflect in the report? A query is sufficient to put a stop to the unbridled greed.

It is a proven fact that the PRIs can be easily tamed. "We are like donkeys. He, who twists our ear, leads us" said a very senior Panchayat Member about the working of the Gram Panchayat; and that about sums up the way the village Panchayats generally work; with slight variations here and there. The level of ignorance, indifference and general apathy among the villagers, the ward members and even some Pradhans of the Panchayats was appalling, to say the least.

The advent of RTI and the large quantity of ammunition from the last fifteen years have empowered them enough to go for Hara-kiri against each other. The court cases, disqualifications and arrests of PRIs including the technical and administrative staff are not because someone wants the system to be clean. It's the by-product of their hara-kiri. If the intentions were right, one would have seen the same persons who filed the RTI application and filed cases against the corrupt PRIs performing honestly. But, the case is different.

Gram Sabhas have also failed to address the problem of corruption in the right sense. The NABARD report suggests that Social Audits of PRIs are mandatory as per the 73rd constitutional Amendment 1993, through which the village communities are empowered to conduct - social audit of all development works in their respective villages and the concerned authorities are duty bound to facilitate them. The social audits are expected to contribute to the process of empowerment of beneficiaries and generate demand for the effective delivery of programmes. The instruction requires that special Gram Sabhas be arranged to conduct social audit in every ward and that Social Audits of all ongoing development works be included as an item of discussion in every Gram Sabha meeting.

Moreover, the PRIs are a confused lot, with many fathers. Sometimes the Deputy Commissioner summons them and hands over a list of things to be done, not even bothered what the Rules and Regulations say. The issue of sanitation, which is never attended by the Gram Panchayat is such a case. The DC, SA told them that Panchayat will collect and segregate the garbage; Samiti will shift it to the dumping ground prepared by the Zilla Parishad. The whole setup failed as there was no coordination between the three tiers. How did DC issue such an order when the Regulation says something else? The Chief Secretary in a meeting said that sanitation is a subject of Gram Panchayat, and most of the GPs are still waiting for an order clarifying it.

PRIs complain that there is acute shortage of staff in each tier. The Third Finance Commission had recommended that Admn to immediately transfer all implementation, regulatory, advisory and other functions to the local bodies as envisaged in the Constitutional provisions for the functions to be devolved to the local bodies. The Admn should also ensure availability of minimum staff strength for which they will either bear the expenditure or transfer adequate funds. Control of staff should have been vested in local bodies. However, it still remains a pipedream.

It can be seen that only some headway has been made in devolution of funds, functions and functionaries to the institutions. The progress is rather slow and often tardy. This process on paper gathered momentum in 2006 when administrative orders were issued to transfer constitutionally mandated twenty nine functions to these institutions. However, even today this administrative fiat has not been translated into action at the ground level in letter and spirit. In many cases the devolved functions are still being done by the administrative departments. The funds for all these functions have not been fully devolved. All officials have also not been sent to the local bodies and those that are transferred, in most cases are controlled by their respective administrative departments.

A case in point is the agriculture department, which has taken a positive step and transferred its functionaries to the PRIs. However, its not clear why the purchase of fertilizer still vests with the department, when the depots come under Gram Panchayat? An official said that fertilizer is a "dirty business" which nobody is interested in. But, a PRI representative told LOA that its one of the lucrative trade and they don't want to lose it.

Another issue is related with  Electricity department, which recently issued notices to around 15 Panchayats for settlement of outstanding dues of power bill for streetlights. Ferrargunj Panchayat had accumulated dues of Rs 42 lakhs. These are issues which are always pushed under carpet when PRIs raise it in meetings.

There is widespread complaint about the release of grant-in-aid. The cost index is outdated and it needs to be updated, said a PRI member. The NABARD report too observed that the grant-in-aid released to the three-tier system was arbitrary without any basis. The report says, "A cursory view of the statements showing total grants released to different Gram Panchayats since the year 2002-03 reveal that the distribution of funds amongst the different Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samities have never been arrived at on the basis of any of the objective criteria set in the Panchayat Regulations as laid down. It was found that instead the allocations for the general grants-in-aid, roads and water schemes have more or less been equally divided amongst the 67 Gram Panchayats irrespective of the size, population, remoteness etc of the respective Gram Panchayats."

A Neduncheziyan, after taking charge of the department has taken drastic steps to reform the whole system. With the rearrangement of technical staff and freeing the engineering wing from the clutches of Zilla Parishad has to an extent solved the issue of under utilization of funds which were earlier ascribed to the delays in according technical sanction to the individual schemes by the Engineering Staff which were placed at the command of the Zilla Parishad.

However, the technical wing still enjoys same kind of patronage, which the earlier Engineering Wing of Zilla Parishad enjoyed in connivance with the concerned officials. Usage of vehicles by the technical wing has been given a free hand, where the bills are footed from the contingency fund of panchayats and samitis. The renovation of a quarter with funds diverted from Panchayats also happened under the nose of the Directorate.

A Neduncheziyan was optimistic when he told LOA that they are on the right track and the drastic changes will be visible in a couple of years. Someone is in charge now and let's hope that PRIs does not become Pariahs in literal sense and they too take in control the system for the welfare of rural areas.

Jarawa Policy 2004 Well Conceived: SA Awaradi

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | ISSUE 14 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2011

Jarawa Policy 2004 Well Conceived: SA Awaradi

By Staff Reporter

The members of the expert committee on Jarawas have recorded their observation that the Jarawa Policy of 2004 is well conceived. However, it feels that regular periodic monitoring of its implementation by an independent body consisting of experts and administration is required to be put in place.

Dr Awaradi in a report submitted has also suggested reduction of convoys on Andaman Trunk Road. He has observed that the traffic on ATR is a major location of interaction and source for the items including eatables, rice etc for the Jarawas. He has suggested that the traffic on the ATR in the South Andaman Island needs to be regulated. The report mentions that the convoys move during the major part of the day from early morning to late afternoon. The regulation could be so designed to ensure that the entire traffic in that sector closes by noon, by 11.30 am to 12 noon. It had also suggested that the first convoy could start as early as 5 am and the last one from Jirkatang could be 9.00 am and that from Middle Strait could be at 10.00 am. The gap between the convoys could be reduced to increase the number of convoys within the given time in the forenoon. The committee has asked to scrupulously follow the convoy system to eliminate contact with the Jarawas on the road.

He felt that the absence of traffic in afternoon would facilitate the safe movement of the Jarawas on the road i.e. by avoiding road accidents and could also end the disturbance in the hunting activities.

The report also recorded its observation that rice has found its way into the lives of Jarawas through clandestine barter between Jarawas and non-Jarawas. It says that Jarawas has learnt to trap deer, catch crabs with active behind the scene support in the form of supply of rope traps and other articles. The hunts are exchanged with the non-tribals and the Jarawas take rice, spices, cooking oil etc in return. The Jarawas have learnt to respond intelligently with authorities if encountered.

The report says that rice has become a valued article of food among the Jarawas. If rice becomes a preferred and sought after item by overtaking their traditional indigenous food items, the Jarawas would become not only dependent on others for their food but become victims of exploitations by unscrupulous non-Jarawas. The committee fears that following the inroad of rice, the rice-bear would also appear on the scene and thereby worsening the situation. There are living examples in the ANI wherein the aborigines have adopted rice as food item due to the contacts with the traders and have become dependent on the others. The report says that there is an urgent need to control the inflow of the rice among the Jarawas.

On the hospitalization of Jarawas, the report says that the hospitalized Jarawas are perforce eating the rice because they are away from their natural habitat. Thus, shifting of Jarawas even for minor treatment to the hospitals located away from their inhabited areas leads to consumption of rice. As such, the location of medical sub-centres could be as close to Jarawa areas as possible so that the Jarawa attendants and patients can continue to have access to their normal food under the advice of medical personnel.

Dr Awaradi has suggested that a mechanism has to be established for continuous long term observation and study of the Jarawas so that input is available to enable the government to review the policy measures and activities if required.

ANI Admn had formed an expert committe to assess the actual perceptions, needs and expectations of the Jarawa tribe, covering various groups inhabiting South and Middle Andaman. The 2004 policy on Jarawa tribes is being reviewed looking at the changed scenario, wherein some members of the tribe are coming out of their area and having more contact with the outside world.

EDITORIAL Agony of Being Old

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | ISSUE 14 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2011

EDITORIAL

Agony of Being Old

Old age is a curse. More so, in the modern society where nuclear family is fast becoming the norm rather than an exception. Highly ambitious, fast moving and upwardly mobile young couple find their parents a burden, a hindrance on path of their progress. Naturally, the old parents are left to fend for themselves in the twilight of zone of their lives.

These are the parents who spent till the last drop of their blood for raising the very children for whom they have become a burden. There are large numbers of such cases where old parents have been insulted, humiliated and even manhandled by their children holding high positions in the society. The humiliation and mental agony turn them into human wrecks.

Such cases of neglected parents are increasing in these Islands too. Unable to stand the agony any more, some of them commit suicide. The causes are never discovered nor searched. Some of them resort to begging. These are mostly poor people who, after making supreme sacrifice of their own comfort and pleasure, had sired the first generation of educated members in their families. Some of them were government servants and get a pension too. But after the death their spouse, they find it difficult to maintain themselves all by themselves.

It is at the dusk of one's life that an understanding company, a few cheerful moments, a little play-act with grand children acts as tonic for the aged. But the changing lifestyle, a mad rush for material comfort, an insatiable desire for more, does not leave any space for sentiments, emotions and a sense of duty and responsibility towards the generation fading out.

Where individuals fail, the society has to come forward to apply balm on the wounds of these aged ones. But society too is driven by the same people who do not have time for sentimentalities and emotions. And the government takes over.

Some ask, whether Old Age Homes are good or bad? Certainly, it's a very tough question to answer. When individuals fail to respect and take care of their elders, the society in the form of government come forward and address the issue. It's very easy to find fault with the system. If we want old age homes to disappear, we need to make space for them in our homes as well as our hearts.

PAUPER’S LOG: Invisible Islands

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | ISSUE 14 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2011

PAUPER’S LOG:

Invisible Islands

By Abu Arsh

Recent utterances by the Administrator and the top bureaucrat of the Islands have left us rather perplexed especially with 'Delhi and Delhiwallahs'. Though both of them were pretty forthright; one wonders whether they were egged on by seeing an ensemble of academicians and intellectuals to indulge in grandstanding and playing to the galleries. Lieutenant Governor, Bhopinder Singh, inaugurating the two-day UGC sponsored seminar on Strategic Importance, Political Autonomy and Sustainable Development of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, had candidly admitted Andaman and Nicobar Islands still does not ring a bell at New Delhi. The Islands is still confused with Lakshadweep and Delhiwallas are unfamiliar with the Islands. Shakti Sinha, Chief Secretary in his keynote address also admitted that in Delhi, nobody understands the Islands though there is no dearth of funds as Centre is an open cheque for ANI.

Nearly 65 years after India's independence the A&N Islands fail to find space in the nation's common conscious. It's an Invisible Island. It is an irony of politics that the Andaman and Nicobar islands have ended up with India. If not for the penal settlers and their patriotism, our claim over these Islands would not have been there. Our forefathers would be squirming in the darkness of their graves at the state of affairs of a territory; which first hoisted the national flag in 1945 by Subhas Chandra Bose, way before mainland India did. These lovely islands sitting on the Burma plate in the Bay of Bengal are governed from Delhi about 3000 kms away, through the local administration - that too is run by Delhiwallahs, who are so disconnected to the grass roots and local problems even a tsunami couldn't stir them to action.

Chinese adventurism, in our neighbourhood especially in an Island which formed part of a Delhiwallah's generosity; gifting Coco Islands to the erstwhile Burma by Nehru then; is virtually like creating another Pakistan- a permanent sore on a all new front for us now. The recent talk on economic development and defence preparedness has left many of us thinking- Did the Chinese rediscover us for India after so many years?  Delhiwallahs say that our country does not harbor aggressive designs against others and with the Islands playing a major role; India can become a major global player with economic development and defence preparedness going hand in hand. The only question here is- when?

Common wisdom over centuries has pointed out - though the Islands are located strategically, its developmental activities are negatively affected due to its location. Delhiwallahs say- Agriculture and manufacturing industries cannot be the mainstay of the Island economy; we need to think out of the box. For 65 years they've been thinking and are still unable to get out of the box.  They further say nature and people of these Islands are the two tremendous resource bases of the Islands for which our 69 panchayats has been given as Grant-in- Aid of about Rs 105 crores last year, each Panchayat getting more than a crore rupees, which no panchayat gets elsewhere in India. But panchayat elsewhere have control over land rights and if it happens to be in a Delhiwallah's backyard, they should know how much it's worth. Out of the 1000 or so odd crores our Islands are allocated each year this is pittance being spent on the most importance resource base.

Despite limited availability of revenue land, it's been said by Administration that developmental activities in different sectors are taking place, which will bring prosperity and generate employment opportunities. A roadmap for development needs to be prepared with meticulous planning and time bound implementation to achieve the aspirations of the Islanders. Roadmaps for development of a territory where population hardly increased in a decade after all the influx and illegal migration, encroachers and poachers paradise, home of the prehistoric indigenous tribes on the verge of annihilation of their existence and culture, great biodiversity, great forest cover percentage, large EEZ, world's best beaches, and lone sentinel of our country guarding the bay cannot be brought about by ignorant Delhi and Delhiwallahs. We need a system where the Kalapaaniwallahs are also part of the planning process concerning the islands. Self centered politicians have sadly let us down. The MP and PRI's have themselves to blame for letting the Islanders voices getting stifled in the planning process by their conduct.

ANIIDCO: Shouldering the Burden

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | ISSUE 14 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2011

ANIIDCO: Shouldering the Burden

With Directorate of Tourism reorienting its role from a tourism service provider to a facilitator and regulator, ANIIDCO, the commercial arm of ANI Admn, which has tourism already in its objectives, has been entrusted with the operational part of tourism activities in the Islands. Earlier, the Havelock beach property was transferred to the Corporation by the tourism department on premium, which was later leased out to Taj group. ANIIDCO has been chosen for two reasons - to keep the revenue in the islands instead of going to the central consolidated fund and leased management of tourism properties.

A few assets like tourist buses and water sports equipments have been already transferred to ANIIDCO. The Corporation is in the process of leasing out the assets to private parties. The water sports equipments have already been tendered and the successful bidder identified. However, for tourist buses, it has not found any takers. Now ANIIDCO is planning to directly conduct packaged tours. When asked how the corporation will manage the buses without technical staff, Mohd Pervaiz, General Manager said that they are in talk with tourism department as well as State Transport Service. The drivers of tourism department may be utilized by STS and diverted to run the buses. However, no decision has been taken on this aspect.

However, it is not clear why the guest houses owned by the department have not been transferred to ANIIDCO for leasing out. It is learnt that the department is directly leasing out the guest houses except Dolphin Resort, Havelock and Guest House at Neil Island. Massive renovation of Dolphin Resort is going on at a cost of Rs 15 crores.

MV Ramanujam Recreational Facility: No Takers

The administration had floated tenders for development of M. V. Ramanujam as a recreational facility. The selected bidder was supposed to design, renovate, engineer and finance the operation and maintenance of MV Ramanajum with recreational facilities for a period of 10 years with a provision of extension of another 5 years. However, even after repeated RFPs, there has been no takers for the ship, which was bought by the department from SCI.

The department was planning to create recreational facilities not limited to floating restaurant, cinema house, club house, spa, game parlours etc. However, Abrahum Varickamakal, Secretary Tourism informed that there is interest from entrepreneurs to make it a casino but nobody is interested in a floating restaurant.

MV Ramanujam is a passenger vessel built in 1972  with 922.98 MT displacement with an average speed of 7.2 Nautical Miles.

Scarcity of Padauk Wood

Canopy Walk Hangs in Balance

The much hyped canopy walk at Mount Harriet and Chidiyatapu is yet to take off even after a year of it overshooting the timeframe. It is learnt from reliable sources at Forest Department that they are unable to supply the requirement of 260 cum of sawn and sized padauk for the construction purpose. The requirement cannot be fulfilled as the size and girth mentioned is not available.

Two canopy walks, the first of its kind of initiative in India was to come up at Chidiyatapu Biological Park and another at Mount Harriet sanctuary.

Why not a Separate Tourism Corporation?

Why not a Separate Tourism Corporation?

By Zubair Ahmed

Tourism has to be the mainstay of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. With large number of outstanding sandy, safe and unexplored beaches, beautiful meandering mangrove creeks, lush green forests and variety of flora, fauna, tropical forests and coral reefs and many more unique tourist attractions, the Island needs a separate tourism corporation to tap the immense potential, which is not possible by government departments.

However, it is learnt that the Planning Commission has not given the green signal for setting up of a separate corporation when ANIIDCO is already there.

An independent corporation with hardcore professionals at the helm can function without the inherent weaknesses of a government department. The strategy mentioned in the tourism policy can be easily achieved if it is handled by a separate corporation.

Single window system has been harped in the policy document, to facilitate clearances for tourism related projects and to provide tourism related information. However, the administration has miserably failed on this aspect as entrepreneurs can be seen running from pillar to post to get the requisite permissions and clearances. When a high profile team of top companies including the Oberoi, DLF and Hilton visited the Islands a couple of years back, the only query they had put across was about the support they might be getting from the administration. However, the authorities were non-committal about any support. The response irked them and they reacted that why should they invest if the state is not willing to extend any support. The Country Head of Hilton, which has been planning to set up about 22 hotels throughout India, had quipped that they get red carpet welcome in all states, whereas, the administration was non-committal about environmental clearances and other logistic support.

Even Taj group had to scuttle from one end to another to get the proposal through, which shows our commitment.

After 65 years, it would be a Herculean task to change the mindset of government authorities who have been trained to block information as well as create hurdles. A look at the queries of the investors and the response will reveal a lot about the indifferent attitude. Moreover, ANIIDCO too is not an exception in this case.

Tourism to really take off without the indefinite delays, it needs to be freed from the clutches of the government and a separate corporation is formed.

Every Project Needs Gestation Period: Abrahum Varickamakal

Every Project Needs Gestation Period: Abrahum Varickamakal

By Zubair Ahmed

He believes in the document called "Tourism Policy" and holds the people behind it with high regards. Abrahum Varickamakal, Secretary Tourism bulldozes all questions about the failure of the department in achieving the targets. He reels out the constraints, the possibilities and expects a major facelift, once the entertainment hub in Viper happens. Excerpts from an interview with The Light of Andamans:

Most of the short term targets you have set for yourself have been overshot.

It's not true that we have overshot short term targets. Most of the projects are in pipeline. Canopy walk in Chidiya Tapu will happen before March. The Viper project is also in conceptualization stage. The canopy walk project is one of its kind and needs lot of planning. Ours is an eco-fragile environment, where lots of checks and synchronization of various actions needs to take place. The Yatch Marina in Viper Island and the Entertainment Hub will change the face of our Islands. It's a big project. And, all of them need gestation period. It can't happen suddenly and I don't want sudden changes, which will disturb the equilibrium of the place and people.

What is the ruckus about Seaplane? Is it economically viable?

Seaplane was an adventurous step. Once again, it is the first of its kind in India. We had to face a lot of difficulties from procurement to deployment. Pawan Hans ditched us in the middle. We had to reset the agreement with the company Mehair directly, from who we leased the plane. This is the first time; it will see a full season. From November onwards, we are planning to charge full fare. No business makes profit without a gestation period. Even Kerala, Lakshadweep and Goa want to introduce seaplanes. I hope, it will turn economically viable. Moreover, the operational cost of fixed wing aircraft is cheaper than rotary winged ones.

Is Tourism a regulated industry in our Islands? Or is it just spontaneous and unplanned?

See, we have made mistakes. And we have learned from our mistakes. LTC tourism was a huge mistake. We need to study the carrying capacity of tourists in these Islands. An assessment in all aspects needs to be done and we should be well aware about the infrastructure, our capabilities and disabilities and fix an upper limit of tourists for each year. I am working on the draft of Andaman & Nicobar Registration of Tourist Trade Regulation, 2009. Once it comes to force, it will ensure the safety and security of the tourists.

Why the airfare is too high in this sector? Why Administration is not taking up the issue?

The airlines are following the route dispersal guidelines, which mandate them to fly routes like North-east and ANI. If they fly to North-east, their obligation is over. Hence, they avoid this route. Now, we have requested the Ministry for 1% exclusive route dispersal and sought to separate us from the North-east block. Once, it is through, more airlines will fly here and ticket fare will also come down.

What is the status of chartered aircraft in Mainland-Island sector?

The process is over at our end and as the wet lease costs about Rs 157 crores, the matter is pending with Ministry of Civil Aviation. Once the project takes off, the aircraft will ply Daily to Chennai and 4-5 days to Kolkata and 3 days to Vizag. There will be freebies for the Islanders too.

Food Festival was a grand success.

Once again, there was lot of skepticism all around. But, it kicked off well. The experiment worked. It was a well-synchronized event and true to the theme, people loved it. The crowd itself was the proof of its success.

How is the local society responding to tourism here?

There is lot of social corruption here. Due to lack of entertainment facilities, youth tend to move towards crime and anti-social activities. We need to provide evening entertainment for the whole family. Like the food festival, there should be regular place where family with children can visit for good food and cultural activities. The society here is highly tolerant. I want to project the tolerance of the Islands. Actually, it is not mini India, it is the real India. Where there is tolerance, law and order will be there. People don't assert themselves here.

That's true about political autonomy too. Once there is political understanding among the communities, political autonomy will also come.

COVER STORY Tourism Linking Culture: Internecine Warfare Kills Tourism

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | ISSUE 14 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2011

COVER STORY

Tourism Linking Culture:

Internecine Warfare Kills Tourism

By Zubair Ahmed

Next month onwards tourism is about to kick-off. The industry is gearing up to welcome the new season. The World Tourism Day was celebrated befittingly with an innovative Food Festival and a colourful valedictory function. Moreover, from seaplane to Nicobari cuisine, we are on a discovery mode.

Binay Bhushan,
Director, Tourism

While talking about tourism linking culture, the theme of World Tourism Day this year, it has come to the fore that all is not well within tourism department. A major rift between the secretary and the director has hit the department to rock bottom. The fissures have started to manifest its ugly head. Projects are delayed and there is no proper coordination inside the department. The employees are frustrated and lack motivation.

With just a high flying document, which boasts of many innovative projects, things won't change if there is no attitudinal change at the helm of affairs. It is learnt that Director in close rank with senior bureaucrats has created a North-South divide. It's ironical that while promoting a theme - Tourism Linking Culture, there is a huge disconnect between Secretariat and Directorate.

The Food Festival was supposed to be inaugurated by the Chairperson, PBMC. Suddenly there was a last minute change and the Chief Secretary inaugurated it. And the result was visible. There was a raid by the health and sanitation inspectors from PBMC at the Food Festival venue on the third day.

Although, Abrahum Varickamakal, Secretary, Tourism denied any kind of rift between him and his director, insiders say that the clash is visible in every meeting. In a meeting held prior to the World Tourism Day, all hell broke lose when Binay Bhushan, the Director literally shouted at the Secretary on diversion of some file related with foreign tour at the fag end of his tenure here.

From reliable sources, it is learnt that the Director has been overriding his brief and getting things done as per his whims and fancies with full support from the coterie, he is part of. In such atmosphere, how tourism is going to grow has to be seen. The tourism policy, which benchmarks the Islands with other Island nations, needs to go a long way to reach anywhere close.

Economic Viability of Seaplane: A Mirage

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | ISSUE 14 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2011

Economic Viability of Seaplane: A Mirage

By Zubair Ahmed

Seaplane was a daydream, which has already turned a nightmare. The one and only and the first in India and we conquered the sea, sky and the land with a single masterstroke. In our tourism policy, we marked it in bold that it won't be a subsidized facility. The only target we achieved before the timeframe.

But, the economics behind the whole show tells a very different story. Initially, it was the launch that went through rough weather. As this was the first time in Indian sub-continent, there were no laws and regulations on place. It was tough to get the clearances.

The Administration was 50% partner with Pawan Hans in the deal. The Swedish-made seaplane was on wet-lease from Mehair, Mumbai. Initial hiccups were taken care of by Pawan Hans. Once it landed in Port Blair in December 2010, troubles started cropping up. In January and February, it did well up to an extent. But from March onwards, with the season biding good bye, the occupancy too went literally zero.

"And out of the blue, Pawan Hans sensing the damage ahead, ditched the Administration and terminated the agreement without even informing us," said Abrahum Varickamakal, Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation.

With Pawan Hans pulling out of the deal, Administration was left in a lurch. Meetings beyond meetings followed. Finally, the Administration inked a new agreement directly with the company, Mehair. To increase occupancy, the rates were subsidised upto 90% at par with helicopter fares.

Today, administration pays about Rs 48 Lakhs monthly rent and Rs 40,000/- per flying hour to Mehair. This does not include other operational costs like infrastructure, controlling officers, ticketing agents and ground staff from about eight departments. "It's a complicated subject," said a senior official from tourism. Eight departments are involved in the operation of seaplane - Police, APWD, Revenue, ANIIDCO, Tourism, Civil Aviation and Forest Department. The speed boat used in transferring passengers from the pontoon to jetty costs about 10 litres of petrol every minute. All these tangible and intangible expenses are not calculated to make the seaplane successfully takeoff. "Even at 100% occupancy, with full fare, the admn would not be able to make profit out of the venture," said the official.

With crossed fingers, the department is waiting to see the result from the first upcoming full-fledge season. However, Abrahum Varickamakal seemed positive, "I will feel happy and self-assured if I could see local entrepreneurs venturing into this business after seeing this experiment a success."

However, it is learnt that many states like Goa, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and Kerala wants to replicate the "success" of seaplane for promoting tourism in their states. But, they too are waiting to see the bottom-line of the Island experiment before taking the plunge.

Beach Properties: Andaman for Sale?

THE LIGHT OF ANDAMANS | ISSUE 14 | 30 SEPTEMBER 2011

Beach Properties: Andaman for Sale?

The orchestrated bidding process of 25 acres of prime beach property at Neil Island for just Rs 25 lakhs has raised many eyebrows. Although what eventually happened still remains a mystery, it has over and again proved that if the codal formalities are adhered to the dot, you can easily sell the country itself, provided you have two quotations.

By Zubair Ahmed

Once, a Pradhan of a Panchayat bought a wall clock for Rs 80,000/- Fortunately or unfortunately, he was prepared to face any enquiry as he had fulfilled all codal formalities. He had three quotations and the lowest was for Rs 80,000/- And there was no benchmark set!

The Andaman and Nicobar Administration floated the proposal to develop tourism facilities on BOT basis and three beach properties - Lalaji Bay (Long Island), Bharatpur (Neil Island), Hut Bay (Little Andaman) were put on bid.

Bids for all the three sites were received on 8th December 2009. Lalaji Bay attracted three bids (CGH Earth, Six Senses, Soma Group), Neil Island -   two bids (Soma group and Surya Samudra) and Hut Bay could only attract one bid (Surya Samudra).

All bids were opened on 26th February 2010 with Lalaji Bay going to CGH Earth for an annual fee of Rs 1.75 crore. The runner-up was Six Senses, who bid Rs 1.62 Crore and SOMA group were out of the race, who bid for just Rs 16 Lakhs.

Hut Bay with just a single bidder (Surya Samudra - Rs 5 lakhs) was eventually cancelled.

The successful bidder for 25 acres of Neil Island beach property was SOMA group, who got the property for just Rs 25 Lakhs ousting Surya Samudra, who bid for Rs 24 Lakhs.

Many questions remain unanswered as the whole process was well-orchestrated and leaves no loopholes. But, the ultimate loss to the public exchequer is estimated about Rs 300 crores in the whole process. Naturally, it was not an error or a slip up.

Questions are raised why bids were opened in New Delhi for the first time ever. Usually tourism bids have always been opened in front of the committee in Port Blair, as in the case of Taj bid in Havelock Island, and the relevant committee in Andaman was ignored and not present. Financial bid papers were previously left in custody of DRC in Delhi for one and a half months instead of bringing to Andaman as has been past practice. Moreover, bid price which was far below the market value was accepted. It is learnt that SOMA themselves had judged Long Island to be less valuable than Neil Island, having bid only Rs.16 Lakhs per annum on it. The plot at Long Island went at Rs.175 Lakhs per annum, so Neil Island should have been bid for at least Rs.200 lakhs per annum. 5 years prior, before tourism took off in Havelock and shortly after the tsunami, when prices were low, a plot at Havelock went to Taj for Rs.225 Lakhs per annum and this would have fetched much more now. Expected price for Neil Island plot on lease at market rates should have been well above Rs.200 Lakhs per annum i.e. approx 10 times less than price awarded.

It is also accused that the Benchmark Reserve Price was not met and was ignored while awarding. The Internal benchmark rates of Rs 33 lakhs  were set prior to bid opening. Although far below market rates but still above the final bid, the Internal Benchmark rates were ignored while awarding. Most importantly, the file notations from within the Administration were in favour of a re-tender because the bid price was too low and below the benchmark but the final decision went against the notations of the senior bureaucrat and the rest of the Administration.

There was a delay in signing lease beyond final date. As per tender terms, the bids were only valid for 180 days after bid due date, until August 2010. However, the lease was awarded in December 2010. Contrast this with the Long Island lease which was tendered together with Neil Island on a bid price of Rs.175 lakhs per annum and which was signed within the approved timeframe and signed many months before the Neil Island lease - the reason for the delay was due to the low price and the senior bureaucrat  insisted on a re-tender.

When the Hut Bay tender was cancelled for being less than 3 tenders, but Neil Island tender was through even though there were only two tenders. This unequal treatment has also raised many eyebrows.

It is alleged that there was a possible collusion between the bidders as Soma group won the bid for Rs 25 lakhs and the second party Surya Samudra had bid for Rs 24 lakhs. The owner of Surya Samudra is a Rajya Sabha MP and Soma Group is allegedly controlled by senior leaders of a national political party, ally in UPA with two realtors as the face of the company.

 It needs serious investigation how a prized and scarce asset of Andaman Tourism was "sold" at a very obvious undervalue for a 60 year lease.

This orchestrated favouritism will only help Soma group to monopolise leading to the death blow for private entrepreneurs and local businesses in Neil Island. The fact that Soma has been given such prime land so cheap at Neil Island means that local businessmen and hoteliers will find it impossible to compete with it. Any other resort will buy land at Rs.1 crore per acre, which is the minimum price of beach land at Neil Island, which means Rs.25 crore investment for a similar size plot to Soma - and they are paying just Rs.25 lakhs per annum for the same - 1% of current land value. Naturally, competition will suffer and Neil Island will experience lopsided and unfair development because of this action.

It is also learnt that the reason given to accept the low price was to develop Neil Island. This is despite the fact that there are already private resorts and a government tourist resort in Neil Island and many local entrepreneurs have upcoming projects already at Neil. In contrast, Little Andaman requires such intervention as LA does not have any private resort or government tourist guest houses and is in dire need of tourism investment to kickstart the economy.

When land is very scarce, especially for genuine needs of the Islands, such prime property has been let to slip out and who benefited from it will remain a mystery and why there is no uproar over such deals will keep hitting our conscience forever. On the one hand, tourism is hyped as the only potential industry, which can bring revenue to this Islands, prime lands are sold for throw away prices. just for selfish motives.