Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 22 July 2023
In the picturesque Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a growing threat looms large for farmers in the regions of North & Middle Andaman as well as South Andaman – Bank and Soil erosion. In response to this alarming issue, Member of Parliament Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has called for an urgent and thorough survey to assess the extent of the damage caused by erosion and to identify farmers who have lost or are at risk of losing their land. Moreover, he advocates the provision of alternative land in safe and stable areas for those affected.
Having personally witnessed the dire consequences of Bank and Soil erosion during his visits to remote villages in North and Middle Andaman, as well as South Andaman, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma penned a letter to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, highlighting the pressing matter. The erosion, mainly triggered by river flows and various water channels, has severely jeopardized the livelihoods of farmers who rely on the allotted land for their sustenance.
Numerous farmers have already fallen victim to the relentless encroachment of river waters, losing their precious land in the process. Hundreds of others now live in constant fear of losing their sole means of survival, trapped in a precarious situation.
The impact of Bank and Soil erosion has been devastating for residents in several villages, including Khudirampur, R.K. Gram, DB Gram, Krishnapuri, Sitanagar, Rabindrapally, Pahalgam, Swadesh Nagar, Shantipur, Duke Nagar, Pinaki Nagar, Harinagar (partial), Prafulla Nagar, Govindapur, some villages in the Rangat region, Basantipur, TV Kullam, Urmilapur, Lakshmipur, Bakultala, Manpur, Collinpur, and other areas.
Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma expressed deep concern for the affected communities and stressed that immediate attention and intervention are required to safeguard their well-being. He also shed light on the plight of settler families who were allotted land by the Government of India under various settlement schemes. These families are now facing tremendous hardships due to the erosion of their allotted land.
In his letter to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, the Member of Parliament urged for a comprehensive survey of the affected regions to assess the full extent of the damage and identify farmers who have already lost their land or are at risk. Additionally, he passionately appealed for the allocation of alternative pieces of land in safe and stable locations, aiming to alleviate the distress faced by these families and ensure the continuity of their livelihoods.
Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma emphasized that taking immediate action in this regard would not only protect the farmers’ livelihoods but also contribute to the overall welfare and development of the affected villages.
The call for a thorough survey and the provision of alternative land comes as a beacon of hope for the farmers of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as they seek to protect their homes, families, and centuries-old way of life from the relentless force of nature. The fate of these communities now lies in the hands of the authorities, who are urged to act swiftly to avert an impending crisis and secure a brighter future for those affected.