Andaman Keeps Promise; Opens Alternative Sea Route To Baratang Island
The Andaman and Nicobar Administrationoperationalized alternate sea route from Port Blair to Baratang Islandby introducing the first sailing as part of the implementation of theJarawa Policy of 2004 and compliance of the commitment given by theAdministration to the Supreme Court . According to reports the first ferry of this Alternate Sea Route, MVStrait Island today reached Baratang Islands at around 10.10 AM withnearly 15 passengers. Jarawa Activists around the world have been demanding for creation ofthis alternate sea route to protect the Jarawa from Outsiders,especially tourists, many of whom come to Andaman with a desire tosee them while crossing a stretch of Andaman Trunk Road, while goingtowards Baratang Island.
However, local residents and tour operators were completely againstclosing the Andaman Trunk Road as they believe Andaman Trunk Road is a lifeline for Andamans. Local Tour operators fear that closing the Andaman Trunk Road, oncealternate Sea Route is ready, will cause financial loss to hundreds oftourist vehicles owners in Andaman. Meanwhile, the Secretary (Tribal Welfare) has already clarified that the portion of ATR passing through Jarawa Tribal Reserve in SouthAndaman District from Jirkatang to Middle Strait shall remain open forthe use of both islanders and the tourists as no decision has beentaken by this Administration for closing it down for the tourists. However, the tourists have been advised by the Andaman Administrationto avail boat service being provided by the Directorate of ShippingService, Port Blair for their visit to Baratang for safety andsecurity of the Jarawa tribe.UNI SKR KK
