Port Blair, July 21: In an effort to combat the growing threat of Bank/Soil erosion in various regions of North & Middle Andaman as well as South Andaman, the Member of Parliament, A&N Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, has requested thorough survey and alternative land for affected farmers.

In his letter to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, the Member of Parliament said that during his visits to remote areas of North and Middle Andaman, as well as South Andaman, he has personally witnessed the alarming consequences of Bank/Soil erosion in numerous villages. The erosion, caused primarily by the flow of rivers and various nallahs, has posed a severe threat to the livelihoods of farmers who depend on the allotted land.

Expressing deep concern for the affected communities, Kuldeep Rai Sharma highlighted that a large number of farmers have already lost their allotted land to the relentless encroachment of river waters and hundreds of others are living in constant fear of losing their only means of sustenance.

He said that Bank/Soil erosion has left a devastating impact on the residents of Khudirampur, R.K. Gram, DB gram, Krishnapuri, Sitanagar, Rabindrapally, Pahalgam, Swadesh Nagar, Shantipur, Duke Nagar, Pinaki Nagar, Harinagar (some part), Prafulla Nagar, Govindapur, few villages in Rangat region, Basantipur, TV Kullam, Urmilapur, Lakshmipur, Bakultala, Manpur, Collinpur and other areas.

“The situation demands urgent attention and intervention to safeguard the well-being of the affected communities,” he said.

He further emphasized the plight of settler families who were allotted land by the Government of India under various settlement schemes. These families are now facing significant hardships due to the erosion of their allotted land.

In this regard he requested a thorough survey of the affected regions to assess the extent of damage and identify farmers who have lost their land or are at risk of losing it. Additionally, he appealed for the provision of alternative pieces of land in safe and stable locations to ease the distress faced by these families and ensure the continuity of their livelihoods.

The Member of Parliament mentioned that immediate action in this regard would not only protect the farmers' livelihoods but also contribute to the overall welfare and development of the affected villages.