Decades-Old Struggles: Former Up-Adhyaksh G. Kurma Rao Highlights Issues Faced by Baratang Island Residents Since 1964

Report: John Wilbert

Port Blair, August 19, 2024: G. Kurma Rao, the former Up-Adhyaksh of Zilla Parishad Baratang, Middle Andaman, has written a letter to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, urgently seeking resolution of several longstanding issues affecting Baratang Island. The letter highlights critical concerns that have remained unresolved for decades, significantly impacting the residents of the island.

the Issue Raised:

1. De-reservation of Katta Khari Village: Rao emphasized the need to de-reserve 29.380 hectares of forest land in Katta Khari village, which falls under the Gram Panchayat Nilambur. This land is vital for the regularization of 23 Ranchi families settled under the colonization scheme in 1964. Despite repeated appeals to the authorities since 1995, the village has yet to be notified as a revenue village, causing considerable hardship for the residents.
2. Expediting Interlocutory Application in Supreme Court: The Andaman & Nicobar Administration filed an Interlocutory Application (IA No. 133290 of 2020) in the Supreme Court regarding the de-reservation of 161.765 hectares of forest land for the regularization of nine villages in Baratang Island. Rao expressed concern that stakeholders are unaware of the status of this application, despite the Forest Advisory Committee recognizing the issue as genuine and directing the administration to pursue the IA for resolution.
3. Erecting Boundary Pillars in Adazig Village: In 2008, the administration declared 127.50 hectares of forest land for regularization of Adazig village. However, 14 years later, boundary pillars have yet to be erected, and the records/maps have not been finalized. This has led to frequent land disputes among villagers, often requiring police intervention. Rao urged the administration to deploy a survey team to resolve these disputes and finalize the records.
4. Setting Up a GIS Cell at Rangat/Mayabunder: Rao stressed the need for regular online updates of land records, especially in North & Middle Andaman, where village maps are not geo-referenced. He advocated for the establishment of a Geographic Information System (GIS) cell, similar to the one in Port Blair, to capture, store, analyze, and display geographically referenced information for effective land management.
5. Provision of Cremation/Burial Ground: The letter also highlighted the lack of designated land for cremation and burial grounds in Nilambur village. The current Hindu cremation and burial ground is on land allotted to Baratang Forest Division, which restricts its development. Rao requested that unutilized forest land be allocated for this purpose to alleviate the difficulties faced by the community, particularly during the monsoon season.

Appeal for Humanitarian Consideration:

In his letter, Rao called for immediate and favorable action on these issues, citing the significant challenges faced by the residents of Baratang Island. He urged the Chief Secretary to consider these matters on humanitarian grounds and take the necessary steps to address the longstanding grievances of the islanders.