OURS IS A STORY OF FOUR GUY
EVERYBODY, SOMEBODY, ANYBODY, NOBODY
Recently I had a unique opportunity to participate in a debate “Is Tourism Good for Andamans” conducted by SACON as part of
its DNA club festival. A number of students put forward their views “for” and “against” the topic. Those who spoke “against” caught my imagination since the proponents blamed tourism squarely for a plethora of problems - increased crime, population pressure, bringing diseases, water crisis, increased air fare/transportation cost, traffic jams, alcoholism, besides disturbing tribals specially Jarawas. Tourism was also blamed for negative impacts on Islands cultural diversity and environment, hence opined tourism is not at all viable and better be stopped. This article is an introspection drawn from the averments on the topic. It is worth mentioning A&N Islands are a group of some 572
Mud volcano thus tourist vehicles need not be ferried across the
Islands, Islets and exposed rocks and that about 38 of them are
creek unnecessarily. Precious fuel, time and ferry charges could
inhabited among which only few areas are open for tourists. Rest
be saved. Everybody will be able to commute freely across the
of the archipelago is untouched by humans – pristine. Which
creek without confronting or stepping on each other toes.
means, the problem if it really exist, is confined to those
Interestingly tour operators are the first to welcome and also the
places/islands visited by tourists mainly South Andaman,
last to see off a tourist, hence onus is on the tour operator. Often
Havelock, Baratang, Rangat etc. But the question is can we afford
tour operators drop tourists at the venue and turn their back. If
to say no to mainland tourists knowing very well that we are
tourists are left on their own, they may cause damage to the
dependent on mainland for everything from Food, Clothing, Shelter
environment unknowingly. Who is to be blamed for this? Are we
material to Healthcare facilities. It sounds funny. But we are
not equally responsible? This trend has to be changed forthwith.
behaving selfish cracking the cruel joke; heaping blame on tourism
Tour operators are to be educated about etiquettes and intricacies
ignoring its positive impact on the economy of our Islands.
of Island ecosystem so as to enrich them with necessary
In Island conditions where there is no industry barring a few SSI
knowledge and skill set required to behave professionally and
units, tourism is the best and a non-polluting livelihood option. Our
conduct tour safeguarding Islands fragile environment, lest we are
Islands are bestowed with beautiful seas, picturesque landscape,
going to kill the goose laying golden eggs for us.
luxuriant forests, myriad flora/fauna, sun kissed beaches which we
I see ours is a story of 4 guy: EVERYBODY, SOMEBODY, ANYBODY,
can showcase provided we respect the intricacies of our fragile
NOBODY (originally written by Anon) : There was an important job
ecosystem. We need to draw a line on what we will offer to tourists
to be done; EVERYBODY was sure that SOMEBODY would do it.
and built adequate infrastructure to support such tourism activities.
ANYBODY could have done it; But NOBODY did it. SOMEBODY got
The issues were genuine; could be addressed with little change in
angry about it; Because it was EVERYBODYS job. EVERYBODY
the way tourism is conducted. For instance daily 400-500 tourists
thought ANYBODY could do it. But no NOBODY realized that,
visit Baratang for sight seeing. Equal numbers of Islanders also
EVERYBODY would not do it. It ended that EVERYBODY blamed
travel in the route during the same time. Movement of such large
SOMEBODY when NOBODY did what ANYBODY could have done.
number of tourists, vehicles across the creek angers the Islanders
We want to milk the cow; when it comes to manage the dung, we
since their movement is hampered. The problem is superficial and
turn our back. This is unprofessional. If tourism is to thrive, there is
could be solved if tourists are taken to limestone caves from
no scope for complacency. Govt need to play proactive role by
Middle Straight itself. On return they be dropped at Nilambur to
providing necessary infrastructure facilities for the tourists and
visit Mud Volcano. This will decongest the route facilitating free
fulfilling the genuine needs of the Islanders as well. It can be a WIN
movement of Islanders and public transport bus across the creek
WIN situation, provided every department put their act together and
on board vehicle ferry. STS Baratang should provide bus service to
complement each other. Atleast the hypothesis can be tried.
Debkumar Bhadra, Shore Point, Bambooflat, S Andaman – 744107, Email : debkumar_bhadra@yahoo.com