Rohit Kumar
Sri Vijaya Puram, 18 October 2024
A delegation of villagers from Baratang, led by Member of Parliament Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, met with the Chief Secretary on 17 October to present a series of long-standing demands crucial to the development and welfare of their community. Baratang, known for its scenic beauty and potential as a tourist destination, has faced years of neglect, particularly impacting its majority Ranchi population.
Mr. Ray, during a visit to Baratang on October 11, engaged with the local residents, listening to their concerns about critical issues affecting the region. Acknowledging the severity of the situation, he invited a delegation of 12 villagers to Sri Vijaya Puram, where they were accompanied by him to meet the Chief Secretary and formally submit their demands.
One of the primary concerns raised was the pending disposal of IA No. 133290 of 2020 in W.P (Civil) 202 of 1995, related to the de-reservation of forest land for the regularization of nine villages in Baratang Island. This issue had been initially agreed upon during a Forest Advisory Committee meeting in January 2013, but progress has since stalled.
Additionally, the delegation demanded the de-reservation of 29.380 hectares of forest land for the regularization of Katta Khari village in Nilambur, which, despite being settled under the 1962 colonization scheme, has yet to be notified as a revenue village. This issue has left the villagers without proper land rights or access to essential services.
Another pressing concern was the reclamation of 29.080 hectares of revenue land in Nilambur. The Baratang Forest Division currently occupies 85.080 hectares of land under Survey No. 1, but villagers are pushing for a portion of it to be released for community development and use by government departments, as it is one of the few areas suitable for establishing a proper revenue village in Nilambur.
The reopening of the Tagore Quarry under Survey No. 41 in Kanchangarh village was also a significant demand. Both the public and government departments currently face high costs sourcing materials from South Andaman, and reopening the quarry would help alleviate this burden.
Tourism development was another focal point, with the villagers urging the authorities to prioritize the development of the Baludera sea beach, a pristine and untapped tourist destination.
Fishermen in the delegation highlighted their need for improved facilities, including fish landing infrastructure, a floating jetty, a fish net mending shed, and an ice plant at Khadi Basti and Oralkatcha. These facilities would help enhance their livelihoods and support the local fishing industry.
Water supply issues were also raised, with a request for the construction of an additional water dam at Lorojig or Shankar Nalla to ensure reliable access to clean water for the residents.
The villagers further pressed for the early inauguration of the newly constructed helipad in the area, which would significantly improve connectivity for both locals and tourists.
Other demands included the renovation of the unsafe Nilambur and Middle Strait jetties, the construction of a multipurpose community hall for the Nilambur residents, and the creation of a burning ghat/burial ground for the Hindu community at Oralkatcha.
The delegation also emphasized the need to replace damaged electric poles along the rural road from Baratang Police Station to Roglachang, repair the buildings of the Government Middle School in Jarawa Creek and the Government Senior Secondary School in Oralkatcha, and construct a playground for students. The suspended STS bus service from Baratang to Rangat, which was discontinued a month ago, was also a key concern, with villagers requesting its resumption.
The meeting between the Chief Secretary and the delegation has sparked hope for the neglected villagers of Baratang. As they await the next steps, their long-standing demands remain at the forefront, signalling a need for swift action to address the developmental challenges in this potential tourist hotspot.