Why 8 Lakh Timber Will Be Cleared In Andaman And Niicobar Islands

The mega strategic mission in Andaman and Nicobar Islands has acquired approval from the committee for the developmental works however it has additionally raised some environmental considerations. More than 8 lakh timber within the rainforests shall be cleared for the mission together with the mangrove (12 to twenty hectares) and coral cowl.

AFP/Representational Image

About Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar islands also called ‘Bay Islands’, are located within the Bay of Bengal, halfway between peninsular India and Myanmar.

With a complete 8249 sq km geographical space, the islands have a typical tropical ecosystem that features an countless stretch of tropical rainforests bordered by mangrove swamps.

The inhabitants of the islands is about 4 lakh, which incorporates six significantly susceptible tribal teams (PVTGs).

The Islands are international hotspots for organic range as they’re dwelling to greater than 10% of the nation’s fauna species and greater than 500 species of scleractinian corals (arduous or stony corals), that are additionally protected underneath Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Some of those embrace the leatherback sea turtles, Nicobar megapode, Nicobar Macaque and the saltwater crocodiles. 

What is that this mega mission about?

Andaman & Nicobar islands present India with a commanding geostrategic presence within the Bay of Bengal and entry to South and Southeast Asia. The mission is designed to make use of all of the strategic positions useful to the nation. 

AFP/Representational Image

To develop a military-civil, dual-use airport, a world container trans-shipment terminal, an influence plant based mostly on gasoline, diesel, and photo voltaic power, and an elaborate township, a mega strategic mission was proposed to the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union atmosphere ministry.

A letter despatched to the atmosphere minister by the Union dwelling ministry reveals that the proposed airport within the Gandhi Nagar-Shastri Nagar space could be underneath the operational management of the Indian Navy in a joint military-civil method that facilitates twin use. It would operate for civil individuals and army makes use of as properly. 

Measures to cope with this loss

Over 1,761 individuals are estimated to be affected by the mission together with the Shompen and Nicobarese tribal communities. The Committee has directed to undertake mechanisms to make sure the tribes aren’t uncovered to well being and different dangers, there was widespread scepticism concerning the welfare of the communities. 

AFP/Representational Image

The Committee has additionally prescribed measures to cope with the environmental affect and potential methods to cut back it.

Three unbiased committees shall be launched to see the issues associated to air pollution, biodiversity and welfare points associated to the indigenous tribes. 

Is a 10-year mitigation plan sufficient?

Along with scientific suggestions, the professional our bodies have advised a 10-year roadmap for the systematic implementation of the mitigation measures. 

It is said within the mission web site wouldn’t instantly trigger any hurt to the wildlife of the islands. It is indicative that most of the lively turtle nests could be completely destroyed, together with 30 out of the 51 lively nests of the indigenous Nicobar megapode. The mission would additionally translocate the coral covers throughout ten hectares with about 16,150 coral colonies. 

AFP/Representational Image

The Administrative for the Environment and Forests Protection in Andaman and Nicobar shall be making ready a mangrove conservation and administration plan together with the wildlife corridors connecting the forest and seashore for the secure motion of wildlife. 

It can be directed to chop timber in a scientific method to supply safety to species nesting and dwelling throughout the timber.

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