Such Lakes can also Solve Issues Related to Restriction on Earth Cutting: MP
Port Blair, March 19: The Member of Parliament, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has suggested construction of one massive lake in one location or many small lakes at several locations to solve the water crisis issue of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. He said that this proposal can also solve the problem of non-availability of earth for various developmental purposes, without hampering ecology.
In a letter addressed to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, the Member of Parliament mentioned that due to sudden halt in all development activities related to earth cutting and levelling, those who were relying on these activities for their livelihoods, are facing hardship. As a result, many individuals are struggling to repay their bank loans.
He said that the Administration has stopped all activities regarding extraction of earth and appointed a Committee to decide on the cases of earth extraction permission case by case. This has caused a lot of confusion and uncertainty for those involved in these activities.
He mentioned that in this regard the members of Andaman & Nicobar Tipper and Earth Movers Association have recently met him and highlighted their problem. Most of these people who have taken heavy loans for purchase of Tipper, Excavators and other machineries are now unable to pay EMIs to banks. During Covid-19 pandemic also they suffered heavy loss.
As a solution to this problem, the Member of Parliament proposed allotment of a large piece of land for earth extraction purposes (after proper studies) as it is done in quarry material extraction.
This would allow the Earth Movers to extract earth from specific locations allotted by the Administration and supply it to those who require it.
He pointed out that the extraction of earth will naturally result in the creation of a man-made lake, which can be used as a massive catchment area for rainwater. This will provide a sufficient quantity of water to the people of South Andaman region.
The Member of Parliament mentioned that the creation of man-made lakes has been successful in other parts of the country, such as ‘Bada Talaab’ in Bhopal. This lake has a catchment area of over 36 sq km and is the main source of potable water for the Bhopal city. Similarly, the creation of a man-made lake in South Andaman can provide water to the people of the region.
He suggested that a large area can be allotted in one place or many small areas in several different locations of A & N Islands (where water crisis is more) can be allotted for this purpose after a proper survey conducted by the Administration.
“This will provide a reliable source of water for the people of the region and also ensure that those involved in earth extraction activities can continue to earn their livelihoods. This will not only make earth extraction an easy and less expensive process but also provide these Islands with massive lakes at zero cost,” he added.
He pointed out that on the Ecological point of view, if earth for all kinds of development works is provided by digging earth (after proper studies) it will save all the mountains (hilly-lands) of our Islands.
“We all know that mountains (hilly-lands) save us from Cyclones, adverse weather and even from Tsunami waves and hence protection of all mountains (hilly-lands) is important for our Islands,” he added.
He added that such lakes can be later transformed into a tourism, nature park and water sports destinations.
The Member of Parliament requested the Lt. Governor to allow the earth cutting and levelling activities under legal purview and consider the proposal for the creation of a man-made lake as a solution to the water shortage problem and extraction of earth in a legal manner, in our Islands.