Concerns with A&N Island Development

What is the issue?

• Andaman & Nicobar administration and NITI Aayog will organize an investors’ meet in New Delhi.
• Crucial questions about development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands remain.

What is the objective of the meet?

• The meet is organized in regards with tourism projects under a plan called ‘holistic development of the islands’.
• The projects are planned on four islands — Long, Neil, Smith and Aves.
• They are undertaken as per decisions of the Islands Development Agency (IDA).
• The specifics of proposals listed for the investors include developing Premium Island Resort, tree houses, etc.
• The projects also include the setting up of infrastructure for power, water, floating jetty, adventure sports, banqueting and conferences.

What are the benefits?

• Natives - A section of the population has received it with considerable excitement.
• As, the project would offer varied economic and livelihood opportunities.
• Tourism - It also caters to the aspirational dimension of utilizing the potential of the islands to be a world-class tourism destination.
• In addition the projects are to provide world class and sustainable tourism infrastructure.
• Environment - The project comes with low environmental impact.
• There are also provisions for socio-economic involvement of local population.

What are the concerns?

• Facilities - Air strips, floating jetties and premium resorts are promised for the island.
• But the local community still lacks safe and reliable and comfortable ships to travel.
• This is because in an island system shipping is the lifeline.
• Not ensuring this could also pose threats to the safety of the natives.
• E.g. a recent huge leak and filling up of water in a key passenger ship en route to Chennai from Andaman and Nicobar Island.
• This incident questions the whole idea of the grand plans and promises being made.
• Ecology - The project cost is met by the local communities and the local environment.
• Though the projects may generate job opportunities, the ecological cost of such initiative must be taken into account.
• Andaman and Nicobar islands are extremely vulnerable landscapes in the time of fast changing climate.
• So human activities should not aggravate the conditions leading to degradation of the natural capital.

What is the way forward?

• The substantial human, planning and financial resources being spent for the tourism projects can be invested in better and more productive projects.
• A truly holistic development plan for an island system should have a robust shipping system as its the first building block.
• In the vision for achieving the ambitious goals, the fundamental elements should not be ignored.

Source: The Hindu