Telescopes in India India's Changing Adventures of Mohan Sundara Population Geography Ranjan Profile S M Mathur Mahendra K Premi

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NATIONAL BOOK TRUST, INDIA Nehru Bhawan, 5 Institutional Area, Phase-II, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi-110070. Phone: 91-11-26707700 Fax: 91-11-26121883 Email: [email protected] Website: www.nbtindia.org.in 10 World View NATURE WATCH Contents The Global Monitoring Report 2010 38 Traditional Knowledge UNESCO Snake Medicine of Tribal Bastar GEOGRAPHY AND YOU VINAY GHATKE VOL. 10 ■ ISSUE 59 ■ MARCH - APRIL 2010 ENERGY INDIA 16 POWERGRID 42 India Profile Sustainable Development Wetland Conservation The Powergrid Approach STAFF REPORTER STAFF REPORTER 48 Photo Essay 22 Renewable Energy News Gandhi Sarovar SUMIT CHAKRABORTY 24 Extractive Industries A New Framework for Sustainable ISLANDS OF INDIA Mining 52 Lost World MUKUL SHARMA Vanishing Languages DR ANVITA ABBI AGRO CONCERNS 30 Interventions 58 Opinion Jhum : Shifting Cultivation Islands under Siege SANJOY CHOUDHURY STAFF REPORTER

34 Policy Reversal 60 Traveller’s Diary Embankments of Sunderban The Andamans ABHAY SANKAR SAHU DR S SRINIVASAN

RESULT THE MAKERS OF INDIAN GEOGRAPHY 29 50 Climate Change and its Impact Professor Shiba Prasad Chatterjee ESSAY COMPETITION DR SUMANA BANDOPADHYAY AND DR SARFARAZ ALAM

Editor 1584, B-1, Vasant Kunj, New Printed, published and owned by India on 1 April 2010 gave the right FEATURES Sulagna Chattopadhyay Delhi-110070 Phone : 011-26122789 Sulagna Chattopadhyay. to all her children to have access to For new subscriptions, renewals, Legal Advisor enquiries please contact Printed at: India Graphic Systems elementary education, becoming among 4 Editor’s Note Krishnendu Datta Circulation Manager E-mail: Pvt. Ltd. F-23, Okhla Industrial Area, a handful of countries in the world that [email protected] or Phase-I, New Delhi-110020. legally guarantee free and compulsory to YOUNG FUTURES Cover Photograph [email protected] education to millions of deprived children. 6 Critique Children at a village school in Manal, Please visit our site at Published at: IRIS Publication Pvt. A Long Way to Go Uttarakhand by Prasad www.geographyandyou.in Ltd. Geography and You does not for further information. take any responsibility for returning DR SACHIDANAND SINHA IRIS Publication Pvt. Ltd. unsolicited publication material. Registered Offi ce: 111/9, Aruna Asaf © IRIS Publication Pvt. Ltd. 8 Backgrounder Ali Marg, Kishangarh, Vasant Kunj, All rights reserved throughout the world. All disputes are subject to the exclusive Right to Education New Delhi-110070 Reproduction in any manner, part or jurisdiction of competent courts and Correspondence/Editorial Offi ce whole, is prohibited. forums in Delhi/New Delhi only. STAFF REPORTER VILLAGE SCHOOL OF RANGPURA,VILLAGE OF SCHOOL CHAMPARAN, BIHAR

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MARCH - APRIL 2010
GEOGRAPHY AND YOU GEOGRAPHY AND YOU
MARCH - APRIL 2010
3 editor’s note letters to the editor

January - February 2010 I enjoy most of your publications. However, I could not help but notice that your population and migration issue had very little population and too much migration. I have been working in the population sector for four years now. The moment I saw the cover of your magazine, I was ecstatic to find something so close to my heart. But, going through I found that you have not tackled any hard core population issues and dynamics of change therein. Perhaps, your later issues can target something along these lines - Mannat Sinha, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.

For more details log on our website www.geographyandyou.in

Grid Management authors especially from the U.K. I DVD of Library Edition I read the article ‘Grid am really very happy, as I always I am happy that G’nY is available Management’ published in Jan- knew that G’nY has the potential to though e-mail. I want to subscribe Feb 2010 issue of G’nY. It was go international. for my son who is studying in such a lucid presentation of an Keep it up. Sydney. Do you have any plans to otherwise technical subject, Radhakant Khatri, New Delhi, digitise the old issues of G’nY as especially the graph, that I went via e-mail carrying the Library Editions seems through every word of it. This impossible? Getting all the articles kind of article should form part of Age, Wage and Vintage in a DVD will really be handy. the school curriculum so that our I read the interview titled ‘Age, M C Pathak, Noida, young students understand such Wage and Vintage’ with great Uttar Pradesh important concepts easily. I am interest. Dr. Binod Khadria an educationist and I shall try at deserves accolades for Migration Special my level to see that such articles highlighting the issues which I got to read many articles on become part of all school books. are governing the job markets migration in Jan-Feb 2010 issue of Meanwhile I request you to put the internationally. It is an eye-opener G’nY. I have been looking for the entire article on the internet, if it is and I feel we in India should realise current updates on national as well already not done. it sooner than later. as international migration. Thanks. Dear readers, Dr S Narayana Sampat Mohapatra, If possible carry similar issues Two summers ago, as I walked over the parched sands of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, a black via e-mail Bhubaneshwar, Orissa on regional development, social beetle pinned itself to my left trainer. A young girl, a local, quickly came to my rescue forestry, commercial farming in Grid Management Ecosystem Service India, etc. and carefully pried the insect away, in a manner that suggested that the beetle was This is the first time I have come Commodities Shailesh Kumar Singh, infinitely more valuable. Delivering a small discourse on the insect, now in her palm, the across such a high quality graphic It was a refreshing article by Dr. Patna, Bihar girl beckoned her by-standing mates and handed it over to be released afar. representation of our grid system. Sian Sullivan. I think we need I congratulate G’nY for carrying to first understand nature and Urbanisation issue A wave of pride washed over me that instant. Our children know so much – they this kind of research. I hope to see its role before formulating any I am presently undertaking have an intrinsic, inherent knowledge. This issue of G’nY brings forward many issues more such articles in future. policy. It is ironic that we should research on issues of urban related to the education system, especially in the light of the implementation of the Mukta Ghosh, Kolkata, systematically ignore our tribal governance. I had once read West Bengal population who have been living governance related articles in your Right to Education Act, 2009, with effect from 1st April, 2010. But among the broader close to nature for generations 2002 issues. Are you planning to issues of free education for all, where lofty do’s and don’ts have been discussed – as an Going Global and we sitting in the cities having update us on urbanisation concerns environmentalist, I have just one thought. Teachings are not what one learns within the I have been reading G’nY since already polluted our habitat in any one of your new issues? It its first issue in 2001. I may have beyond repair, have gall to extend would be wonderful for me in case closed doors of a walled room – it is out there in the open, before our very eyes. missed a couple of them while the blame to them for spoiling the you do. You can perhaps also carry Cities offer the worst kind of education – clinical, heartless and skewed. What was away from the country. The first natural habitat. Hope this article India specific examples based on so seriously wrong with our gurukul systems that it was abandoned in totality? We issue of 2010 is different from wakes up pseudo climate savers. urban theories. all other copies that I have read Rehana Akhtar, Aligarh, Prabhat Singhal could perhaps revamp everything - set up neighbourhood schools with parents as as it has many articles by foreign Uttar Pradesh, via e-mail via email teachers for toddlers and preschoolers, and then, once a child is seven or ten, send them to gurukuls located away from the rush of cities for formal education, to learn Write, email, fax from the surroundings the essence that is India. And, one last thought – let’s not make Write - Editorial Office Geography and You, 1584, B-1, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi-110070, Tele-Fax 011-26122789, education a business. Happy reading. Email [email protected], Website www.geographyandyou.com. Include name, address and telephone. Letters may be edited for clarity and length. To contribute an article. Kindly send the abstract of your article in not more than 200 words to [email protected]. The abstract will be reviewed by our guest panelists. Once the abstract is selected we shall respond immediately for the full article. The length of the final article may range from 1500 to 1700 words. Please also mention if you can contribute relevant high resolution photographs. The Editorial Advisor

Sulagna Chattopadhyay young student of village bhu, jaisalmer, rajasthan

4 . M a rc h - A p r i l 2 010 . G e o g r a p h y a n d You G e o g r a p h y a n d You . M a rc h - A p r i l 2 010 . 5 Young futures Critique

as the glaring disparities between Among the several causes into what Amartya Sen and Jean rural and urban areas, between associated with low enrolment and Drèze call the ‘discouragement the poor and rich, social and poor continuation of children in effect’. Deployment of teachers religious groups are likely to schools; physical and academic on the PTR or number of admitted a long remain unaffected if not get further infrastructure such as availability children in schools is a bad norm accentuated in the years to come. of class rooms; seating facility; which needs to be corrected and Secondly, the Act makes it toilet for girls; and, availability of made simple. As a matter of fact, very clear that it is committed to trained and motivated teachers once we have already graduated way to go... providing free and compulsory have appeared prominently in from the ‘universal primary’ to education to children in the age policy documents of the Ministry ‘universal elementary’ mode there between 6 and 14. This is in of Human Resource Development is an urgent need to integrate The Right to Education Act, 2009, is a missed opportunity as the contradiction to Government’s (MHRD). The initiatives under primary and upper primary glaring disparities between rural and urban areas, between poor policy of promoting early the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, the schools into one, by upgrading childhood education, which flagship project of the ministry, primary schools into elementary and rich, social and religious groups are likely to remain unaffected begins at the age of 4 to 5. If are geared towards improving the and adding primary classes to the the Act could have lowered the physical infrastructure both in rural existing upper primary schools. if not get further accentuated in the years to come. age limit it would have helped and urban areas. Few aspects Studies have shown that integrated setting up of pre-school classes of improving quality of teaching/ elementary schools tend to have —Dr Sachidanand Sinha in the existing primary schools, learning have also been put in better educational outcomes in especially those located in the place — some in fact have been a variety of ways. Administrators rural areas. It needs no emphasis found to be successful in several may argue that such an initiative It is time that educationists, that early childhood education states. However, the norms and may be costlier for the Government NGOs and other constituents of through pre-schools has proved standards for schools contained is not a sufficient reason in favour the civil society became vigilant, beneficial in ensuring continuity in the section 19 and 25 as well of continuing with primary and to keep the governments awake and completion of education. as the appended schedule of upper primary as two independent so that objectives of the Act are The age limits as prescribed the Act fail to address the most and disjointed sets — both addressed in their right earnest. I in the Act also makes a mockery basic issues confronting school operationally and administratively. will however, take this opportunity of yet another stated educational education for long. Studies have Lastly, our expanding school to address a few issues emerging objective i.e. universal elementary found that one reason for poor infrastructure need qualified from the Act as well as those that education. As a matter of fact, enrolment and early drop out in trained teachers. Teachers affect have been conveniently ignored. we have gone beyond and primary classes is associated, the quality outcomes most begun discussing the way other things remaining the same, significantly than other factors. Issues unaddressed forward — towards universal with unavailability of adequate The Act dwells upon this issue Let me begin with two major higher-secondary education. teachers in primary schools. but does not address the causes issues that have been completely It is well documented that due Primary education comprise of of poor quality of teachers ignored by the Government. to commencement of formal five classes. And irrespective of within our school system. One Firstly, the Act carries nothing education later than the stipulated the number of enrolled children may find it hard to count half-a- that could be even distantly age in rural areas a large number the most basic requirement is dozen reasonably good teachers construed as a step in the of children enter upper primary that each class has a teacher. training colleges/institutions in the direction of developing Common classes when they are 12 and Once this criteria is fulfilled then country. State Council Educational School System that could provide above. Among them girls form additional number of teachers Research and Training (SCERT) for compulsory and uniform a substantial majority. As per should be deployed so as to centres and District Institute quality education to all. As we the Annual Status of Education meet the norm of 40 children per of Educational Training (DIET) ith Central Government’s with the 86th Amendment of all know, one of the causes of Report (ASER), 2008 over 44 per teacher (pupil/teacher ratio-PTR). centres as well as universities have Wannouncement on April 1 the Constitution, it has taken poor educational access and cent children who entered class District Information System for failed to produce motivated and to implement Right to Education inordinately long to pull its act quality is historically located in the 5 were found to be in the 12 to 16 Education (DISE) data for rural qualified teachers due to absence (RTE) 2009 — the Act that had together in addressing the development of multilayered and age group. Once the Government areas suggests that over 73 per of state-of-the-art curriculum and remained in suspended animation problem of widespread out-of- hierarchical education system in has put the ceiling at age 14, it is cent of primary schools in India associated rigour. Investment in for over six months now, has school children, high dropout India. This has suited the interests under no constitutional obligation have less than three teachers; 41 setting up national level teachers finally come into effect. This rates and ever-declining quality of the affluent propertied classes to ensure completion of upper per cent with just 2 and another training colleges is one of the main paves the way for providing free of education. We as a nation and the high castes both in rural primary education. The bulk of 14 per cent with 1 teacher tasks that the Union and state and compulsory education to all must welcome this development and urban areas as the schooling those who drop out during or only. This not only hampers the governments must urgently take children in the age between 6 to system, ostensibly conformed to and help achieve the objectives after the primary classes belong quality of teaching but negatively up, before it is too late. 14. Ever since the Government of compulsory elementary the hierarchical social structure. to economically and socially affects the growth of children made its intent clear in this education, though the Act may, in The RTE, 2009 is thus a missed The author is Professor, Centre for deprived groups that need in their formative stage itself. Study of Regional Development and Dean direction, way back in 2002 its current form prove inadequate. opportunity from this perspective support to continue education. This situation also translates of Jawaharlal Nehru University, ND

6 . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . 7 Young futures right to

educationThe Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act enacted by parliament in August, 2009 came into force on 1 April 2010. The Act promises 10 broad objectives including free and compulsory education to all children in the 6-14 age group. This means millions of children will now get education at least up to class 8. —Staff Reporter

ndia on 1 April 2010 gave the right to all Other than free and compulsory education, the Act’ and those violating would be punished (upto Class 8) shall be awarded a certificate; its children to have access to elementary the Act speaks of quality education; focuses on under law. Leading Indian scientist and educator, ■ Calls for a fixed student-teacher ratio; Ieducation, becoming one amongst a handful social responsibility like reservation in private Yash Pal said the Act is ‘great and marvellous’ but ■ Will apply to all of India except J&K; of countries in the world that legally guarantee schools; and, outlines the obligation of teachers it should have ‘come 50 years back’. ■ Provides for 25 per cent reservation for free and compulsory education to millions of and de-bureaucratisation of admissions. Lack However, the Act faces many challenges economically disadvantaged communities in all deprived children. Citing his own example, of educational access was seen as a major in its implementation, chief among them private and minority schools. The reservation to prime minister Manmohan Singh dedicated impediment to growth and development of the being the huge shortage of funds, untrained start with Class 1 beginning 2011; the landmark measure to the nation, saying “I county in its march towards modernity and teachers and inadequate infrastructure across ■ Mandates improvement in quality of education; am what I am because of education” and added progress that measures upto global standards. the country. Among the countries that have ■ School teachers will need adequate professional that education is the key to progress. “Today Calling upon all stakeholders to join the guaranteed the maximum number of years of degree within five years or else will lose their jobs; our government comes before you to pledge all national effort with full determination, the prime compulsory education include Chile, Germany, ■ School infrastructure requires to be improved in our children elementary education. The Right minister said, “our government in partnership Netherlands, Britain, France, Canada, Brazil three years, or else recognition will be cancelled; of Children to Free and Compulsory Education with state governments will ensure that financial and Mauritius. According to ‘Save the Children’, ■ Financial burden will be shared between state Act enacted by parliament in August, 2009 constraints do not have an adverse impact in the an NGO, the average students-to-teacher ratio and central government on the basis of Sarva comes into force today (1 April 2010),” the prime implementation of right to education act.” He in a classroom at present stands at 50:1, and as Shiksha Abhiyan (Education for All). minister said in his early morning address. “The said quality of education depends on the ability the Act envisages that this ratio should be 30:1, fundamental right to education as incorporated in of teachers and urged teachers to become partners which implies that at least 12 lakh more trained Areas of Concern our constitution through Article 21 (A) has also in the effort even as he underlined the need to teachers will be required within six months of ■ This Act does not have provision to punish become operative from today”, he further added. ‘improve the working condition of our teachers’. notification of the Act. parents who do not send their children to schools. The Act promises 10 broad objectives including He said teachers must teach with dignity and Thus the government has a ready excuse to allude

free and compulsory education to all children in help students give full expression to their talent ttarakhand Salient Features of RTE Act, 2009 that despite the proactive Act parents/guardians the 6 to 14 age group. This means millions of and creativity. Parents and guardians too have ■ Free and compulsory education to all children are not sending their wards to school. children will now get education at least up to a critical role to play in school management of India in the 6 to 14 age group; ■ The Act doesn’t clearly state if the Union or class 8. Currently, in India, nearly 200 million responsibilities. ■ No child shall be held back, expelled, or required state governments would reimburse the fees. The children in the 6 to 14 age group are in schools, Human Resource Development minister, to pass a board examination until completion of Uttar Pradesh Government’s refusal to share the but a sizable number, of nearly 8.1 million, do not Kapil Sibal, who powered the Act, said ‘both elementary education (up to class 8); burden is an ominous pointer.

receive formal education. private and government schools have to implement young students of Manal, U ■ A child who completes elementary education Inputs from Prime Minister’s speech and the RTE Act 2009

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Ten years have passed since the international community adopted the six Education for All goals in Dakar in 2000. The record since then has been mixed. While much has been achieved, many of the world’s poorest countries are not on track to meet the 2015 targets. Failure to reach the marginalised has denied many people their right to education. —Staff Reporter

G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . 11 World view

With the effects of the global economic crisis still being felt, there is a real danger that much of the progress achieved in the past 10 years, since the goals Education for All was adopted in 2000, will be stalled or be reversed. With 72 million children still out of school, a combination of slower economic growth, rising poverty and budget pressures could erode the gains of the past decade.

he Global Monitoring Report, developed ■ another 71 million adolescents are currently not not working as the principal global education aid low, developing countries have a weak voice in annually by an independent team and at school coordination body needs fundamental reform. governance, the private sector’s role is minimal Tpublished by UNESCO, assesses global ■ gender disparities remain deeply ingrained, Aid commitments to basic education, having and countries affected by conflict are poorly progress towards the six Education for All goals to with 28 countries across the developing world stagnated from 2004, fell by more than one-fifth served. which over 160 countries committed themselves having nine or fewer girls in primary school for in 2007. The aid budgets of three major donors – The Report calls for fundamental reform of the in 2000. The 2010 Report, released in January every ten boys France, Germany and Japan – continue to reflect Fast-Track Initiative. Drawing on the experience this year, ‘Reaching the Marginalised’, charts ■ girls still account for 54 per cent of the children a relative neglect of basic education, as they of global health funds, the authors call for more some spectacular advances in education over the out of school– and girls not in primary school are commit over half of their education aid to post- effective multilateral approaches in education, past decade, a striking contrast with the ‘lost far less likely than boys ever to attend school primary levels. Spain, on the other hand, has led with a focus on closing financing gaps, raising decade’ of the 1990s. Since 1999, the number of ■ 10.3 million additional teachers will be needed the way by increasing its aid to basic education by learning achievement and strengthening equity. children not attending school has fallen by 33 worldwide to achieve the goal of universal 78 per cent since 1999. In addition, aid effectiveness needs to be improved million – and more children are completing a full primary education by 2015 The Report estimates that low-income to fix problems with aid predictability, donor cycle of primary education. ■ there has been little progress towards the goal of countries could raise an additional $US 7 coordination and donors’ failure to use national Sub-Saharan Africa has increased enrolment halving adult illiteracy – a condition that affects billion per year, or 0.7 per cent of GDP, by financial management systems. Donors also need at five times the rate achieved in the 1990s, 759 million people, two-thirds of them being increasing domestic resources and allocating to adopt more flexible approaches in order to with countries such as Benin and Mozambique women more to education. However, even if governments scale up support to conflict-affected countries, registering rapid advances. In South and West ■ child malnutrition remains a major barrier to maximise their efforts to increase domestic which account for one-third of children not in Asia, the number of children out of school has progress in education, with 178 million children spending on education, the financing gap is school, but less than one-fifth of aid to education. been more than halved, partly through policies aged 0-5 years old affected and the numbers rising estimated by the Global Monitoring Report to aimed at getting more girls into school. In India, ■ far too many young people emerge from be US$16 billion annually for 46 low-income Fighting ‘education poverty’ is key to the number of children not in school fell by primary school unable to read or write. In some countries. Previous estimates have underestimated better progress almost 15 million in just two years, from 2001 to countries in sub-Saharan Africa, young adults the cost of achieving core education goals, partly Extreme and persistent inequalities linked to 2003. The gender gap has also narrowed. In the with five years of primary schooling have a 40 because they have failed to count the additional poverty, gender, ethnicity and language are space of one primary school generation, Senegal per cent chance of being illiterate. spending needed to reach deprived groups. The holding back progress in education, wasting has moved from 85 girls for every 100 boys to UNESCO Report acknowledges that increasing human potential and undermining prosperity. an equal number of girls and boys. However, all A collective aid failure aid will be challenging for donors in a period of Lost opportunities for education hinder is not well with economic recession forcing the There has been a collective failure by the acute budget stress. Aid levels will have to rise economic growth, and efforts to reduce poverty donor countries to reduce their grants. donor community to act on the pledge made markedly, however, to close the Education for and improve health. in 2000 that ‘no countries seriously committed All financing gap of US$16 billion: current aid Using a new measurement tool – the Falling short of the goals to education for all will be thwarted in their for basic education in the 46 countries covered Deprivation and Marginalisation in Education With less than five years to the 2015 target date, achievement of this goal by lack of resources’. amounts to just US$2.7 billion. data set – the Report explores the extent of the Global Monitoring Report warns that the In fact, the Report adds that a financing gap of The centrepiece of multilateral aid for acute disadvantage, using an ‘education poverty’ window of opportunity for getting on track is US$16 billion a year must be bridged to reach education needs fundamental reform. The Fast threshold of four years in school, the minimum closing. The global indicators highlighted as a the Education for All goals. It claims that rich Track Initiative has achieved some significant required to acquire basic literacy, for young cause for concern are: countries are exaggerating how much aid they results, but the Global Monitoring Report adults in the 17-22 year old age range. The report ■ on current trends, 56 million primary school have provided to help poor countries cope with identifies wide-ranging problems that have identifies 22 countries with 30 per cent or more age children will still be out of school in 2015 the financial crisis and the Fast Track Initiative is diminished its effectiveness. Payout rates are very young adults below the four year threshold, and

12 . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . 13 World view

The Report indicates that marginalisation in education is fuelled by structural disadvantages, bad policies, and neglect by political leaders; and further identifies policies that successfully counteract persistent inequalities in education. Education strategies need to be integrated into wider anti-marginalisation policies. Social protection policies, including cash transfers, are a key way to counteract poverty and vulnerability.

11 countries in sub-Saharan Africa that have 50 school fees for basic education to cutting informal per cent or more below the threshold. charges, and providing targeted incentives for The Global Monitoring Report data set reveals disadvantaged groups. An innovative programme stark differences in education opportunity within in Cambodia, for example, which supplies grants countries: to families of girls who reach the final grade of ■ Being born into a poor household significantly primary school on condition that they then go on raises the risk of deprivation. In the Philippines, to secondary school, is estimated to have increased there is a four-year education gap between the enrolment among participants by 30 per cent. richest and poorest households. The gap in India ■ Strengthening the learning environment is seven years. Governments need to ensure that marginalised ■ Gender interacts with wealth and location. In children have access to highly skilled teachers, Nigeria, the average youth aged 17-22 has received by offering incentives for deployment to remote seven years in education. For poor rural Hausa rural areas and disadvantaged urban areas, and females, that figure drops to less than 6 months. by recruiting teachers from ethnic minorities. ■ Disparities within countries are often bigger The experience of Bolivia, where inter-cultural than disparities between countries. In Mexico, bilingual teaching has expanded rapidly since the one quarter of the young adults in the southern mid-1990s, shows how such reforms can help to state of Chiapas have fewer than four years of overcome language-related disadvantages, while education - a figure that falls to 3 per cent for the at the same time challenging discriminatory Federal District. social attitudes. ■ Some groups face acute disadvantage. In Kenya, ■ Expanding entitlements and opportunities 51 per cent of male Somali pastoralists aged 17-22 Education strategies need to be integrated into have less than 2 years in school, rising to 92 per wider anti-marginalisation policies. Social cent for females. protection policies, including cash transfers, are a ■ Language and ethnicity often reinforce key way to counteract poverty and vulnerability. marginalisation. Turkey has made rapid progress Half of the households that receive cash under an in education, but Kurdish-speaking females from Ethiopian programme, for example, report being poor households average around three years in able to keep children in school for longer as a school, which is at par with the national average result. Legal entitlements also have a role to play, for Chad. and are most effective when backed by political mobilisation, as demonstrated by the success of Policy interventions New Zealand’s Kohanga reo (Maori) language Marginalisation in education is fuelled by movement. Redistributing public spending structural disadvantages, bad policies, and neglect more fairly is also crucial, and in Brazil it has by political leaders. The report identifies policies been a central pillar of wider strategies aimed at that successfully counteract persistent inequalities breaking the links between poverty, inequality in education, including: and marginalisation in education. ■ Improving accessibility and affordability Inputs from EFA Global Monitoring Report 2010: Reaching the Governments need to go beyond removing formal Marginalised, UNESCO.

14 . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . 15 energypowergrid india

Powergrid in its environment and social policy states its commitment to the goal of sustainable development and conservation of nature and natural resources. It promises to continually improve its management systems and access specialist knowledge in internationally proven technologies. Powergrid follows the basic principles of avoidance, minimisation and mitigation and where necessary, it also undertakes restoration and enhancement.

Sustainable Development The Powergrid Approach —Staff Reporter

16 . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . 17 powergrid

The Corporate Environmental and Social Policy and Procedures (ESPP) outline POWERGRID’s approach to deal with grass root issues relating to its transmission projects. It lays out management and protocol machineries to mitigate concerns arising out of environmental and social problems at both organisational and project levels.

Transportation of tower material by head loads into forests minimises damage to vegetation and reduces habitat fragmentation. Also, POWERGRID does not use any chemicals for forest clearance, maintenance or manual stringing in thick forests and on slopes to reduce damage to the environment.

he Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. mitigate the same. It includes a framework for grid systems avoid ecologically sensitive areas lines to avoid ecologically sensitive areas has (POWERGRID) operates about 72,500 identification, assessment, and management like forests, sanctuaries, national parks, tiger/ resulted in massive saving of forest area and the TCkt km transmission lines and 124 sub- of environmental and social concerns at both biosphere reserves, and coastal areas covered forest involvement has reduced from 6 per cent in stations and about 82,100 MVA transmission organisational and project levels. The ESPP was under CRZ, as far as possible. In case traversing 1998 to 1.35 per cent 2009. capacity. Although grid developmental revised in 2005 based on the newly enacted forests is unavoidable due to terrain or technical ■ Tower design activities have minimal environmental and Electricity Act, 2003 and National Policy on reasons then the grid involvement of such areas is POWERGRID has adopted innovative tall tower social impact owing to the very nature of Resettlement and Rehabilitation (NPRR-2004). restricted to the barest minimum as POWERGRID designs (80 m and occasionally over 140 m) its activities, but POWERGRID is committed The ESPP has been further updated in 2009 to follows the practice of land management in order to protect trees and wildlife in ecologically to the goal of sustainable development. The meet the requirement of Use of Country Systems to minimise the land requirement. Routing its sensitive areas. During the construction of Corporation realises that given the scale of (UCS) after detailed review by World Bank and Tehri Hydel Project, transmission line tree its operations, there must be an impact upon consultations with stakeholders. The ESPP is now Cumulative savings of right of way (ROW) requirements felling was reduced to 14,739 trees against both natural environment and communities. accepted by the World Bank as fully equivalent by constructing 765 kV lines an earlier estimate of 90,000 trees in the (in sq metres) In fact, POWERGRID is the first Government to their environment and social safeguard policies 150000 downstream Rajaji National Park with the of India undertaking in the power sector to and appreciated by multilateral agencies like, installation of towers well above 85 m. Also have evolved its Corporate Environmental and ADB, JBIC etc. and deals with environmental and with the development of innovative pole type Social Policy and Procedures (ESPP) in 1998 social concerns within the adopted principles of 100000 tower design right of way (ROW) requirement to ensure that its activity has least impact on avoidance, minimisation and mitigation. has been reduced from 85 m to 64 m for 765 environment and its habitat. The ESPP outlines metres square 50000 KV and from 52 m to 46 m for 400 KV D/C POWERGRID’s approach and commitment Initiatives line. Installations of pole type towers for 400 to deal with environmental and social issues, ■ Protecting land and bio-diversity kV in the urban areas near Delhi and Noida 0 relating to its transmission projects, and lays The Corporation is conscious of the need to 2006-07 2007-08 20008-09 (Dadri-Ballabhgarh transmission line) have out management procedures and protocol to conserve the natural resources and hence its Year not only reduced ROW requirements but are

18 . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . 19 powergrid Get a copy now Welfare agenda : The Corporation accords utmost importance to communities with whom it shares the local resources. It LIBRARY EDITION 2009 organises regular health camps for free medical check-up/ medicines for villagers; provides vocational training; distributes sewing machines, cycles etc., to develop community resources and undertakes various community development work such as roads, potable water tanks, etc., in and around its establishment/ affected villages. Besides planned afforestation programmes, rain harvesting structures are also being placed in upcoming substations for conservation and recharge of ground water. more aesthetically pleasing as compared to the of different species have been planted in new sub- erstwhile conventional lattice structures. stations. Provision for rain water harvesting and ■ Multi circuit and compact towers collection of even used/wastewater in upcoming In Jaldapara Sanctuary in West Bengal and in substations is being undertaken for conservation Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam and and recharging of ground water. Thrisur of Kerala, the existing and cleared ■ Using GIS and GPS corridor of 220 kV line is utilised by installing POWERGRID extensively uses modern tools like multi circuit towers to avoid further requirement Geographical Information System (GIS) and of forest area and reduction in ROW. Moreover, Global Positioning System (GPS) for selecting the transportation of tower material by head loads optimal route for transmission lines. into forests minimised damage to vegetation and habitat fragmentation. Also, POWERGRID Promoting Green Energy and Reducing does not use any chemicals for forest clearance/ Climate Change ROW maintenance or undertake treacherous POWERGRID has initiated a project titled ‘North manual stringing in thick forests and on slopes, Eastern Region (NER) – Northern Region (NR) to minimise damage to the environment. Interconnector’ which aims at reduction of green ■ Compact substations house gas emissions through facilitating transfer POWERGRID has been developing compact of clean/green hydro power from the hydro- substations that have a minimal land requirement dominated northeastern region to avoid addition of and tries to locate sub-stations on government fossil fuel thermal power in power deficit, thermal- land to reduce social impact. The Corporation dominated northern grids of India with minimal also undertakes massive plantations in sub- carbon footprints. Under this project POWERGRID stations and 2 to 4 acre of land is afforested is constructing ± 800 KV HVDC high capacity The Library Edition 2009 has all the 6 issues of G’nY published in 2009 with suitable species in consultation with local transmission system for evacuation and transfer of (from January to December). Please send demand draft or MO of Rs forest department in almost each of its 120 sub- about 3100 MW of power from hydro projects under 360, inclusive of postal charges, to purchase a copy. Copies of Library stations through a separate fund earmarked for construction. It is estimated that about 257 million Edition 2005 (Rs. 270/-), 2006, 2007 and 2008 the purpose. During 2008-09, POWERGRID tons of CO2 emission shall be reduced during the 30 paid a sum of Rs.108.13 Crore to different forest year lifecycle of the transmission project. However, (all Rs. 310/-) are also available. authorities which comprises Rs. 45.36 Crore for it may go up to 497 million tons of CO2 in phased CA, Rs. 57.39 Crore towards NPV, Rs. 4 Crore manner if proposed additional 3000 MW capacity For further details please contact our Book Section: towards wildlife management/conservation and is added. IRIS Publication Pvt. Ltd. Rs.1.38 Crore towards plantation of medicinal Address of Correspondence 1584, B-1, Vasant Kunj, plants. During 2008-09 more than 50,000 trees Inputs from Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (2010/2) New Delhi -110070, Tel: 011-26122789. Offer valid all over India

2 0 . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . 21 energy india Renewable An update on recent happenings in News the world of renewables.

told officials at a meeting that diesel which fuels around Regents. Misra, director of investment is to electrify the and sewage treatment, as the the company would invest 2,000 buses. However India’s the University of Nevada, village using an indigenously government had earmarked nearly Rs.5 billion (Rs.500 dependency on diesel is still Reno’s Renewable Energy developed solar-cum-biomass higher allocation for crore) for the project. EBS- high. In order to lessen its Centre, has published 183 fuelled technology, through infrastructure projects. SunPower had already started reliance on fossil fuels energy technical papers in the areas which the Village will get —Business Standard work for commissioning the crops are being grown on of materials, nanotechnology electricity round the clock, first grid connected 5 MW land that is not being used to and environmental and mineral even during the rainy season Punjab targets 1,000 MW solar power plant at Sahiba cultivate food crops. Karnataka process engineering, according when sunlight is scarce. The solar power village in Shaheed Bhagat has been growing these crops to Nevada News. A faculty Union Finance Minister, in his April 3, 2010: Chandigarh Singh Nagar district. It is likely on 6,000 hectares on land member since 1988, he has Budget speech had announced Faced with a severe power to be operational by July. since 2009 but it is hoped had 10 patents published and an increase in the plan outlay crunch, the Punjab government —IANS this will increase to 25,000 another 12 are pending. He has for the Ministry of New and announced that it would set hectares between 2010 and secured over $25 million dollars Renewable Energy by 61 per up a chain of solar power 2011. Ramakrishna has asked in grant funding. cent, from Rs 620 crore in Commonwealth Games plants over the next 2 years the forest department officials —IANS 2009-10 to Rs 1,000 crore in Village gets ‘green grid’ to generate nearly 1,000 to take advantage of the non- 2010-11. He also provided a April 4, 2010: New Delhi MW of electricity. The solar agricultural land across the concessional customs duty The Commonwealth Games power plants will be set up in Kodagu district and use it grow of 5 per cent to machinery, Village got a dedicated power collaboration with US-based biofuel plants. instruments, equipment and sub-station, the first green SunPower Corporation and —www.biofuels-news.com appliances required for the grid in north India on the Enterprise Business Solutions India increases biofuel initial setting up of photo- 3rd of April 2010. The Rs (EBS), a State government production voltaic and solar thermal power 40-crore Commonwealth Grid spokesman said. The Science March 17, 2010: Bengaluru generating units, and exempted sub-station with a capacity and Technology department With 135 million litres of Thermax in RE all those items from central of 66/11KV will distribute will to prepare a comprehensive ethanol being manufactured March 1, 2010: Mumbai excise duty. At the moment, around 50MW electricity to plan to establish a network of from six sugar factories in Pune-based energy and setting up a unit to generate one the two lakh people residing solar power plants in the State Karnataka it seems that the environment solutions’ provider megawatt of solar energy costs in the Village as well as through the Punjab Energy country’s production of biofuels Thermax is gearing up to double that for each megawatt adjoining localities. There will Development Agency (PEDA). is on the rise. The ethanol is tap incentives offered in the of a coal-based thermal power be no power failure as this grid SunPower and EBS have been blended with petrol in order Indian-American professor Union Budget for renewable unit. The Budget had exempted operates on a dual system and asked to set up a demonstration to comply with India’s 10 per turns chicken feathers into fuel energy, water and wastewater ground-source heat pumps if it cannot draw power from projects on rooftops of cent ethanol target by the March 11, 2010: Washington treatment. The company is used to tap geo-thermal energy Delhi, it will take electricity government buildings for end of 2011. According to the Manoranjan Misra, an Indian planning a strong foray into from basic customs duty and from the National Grid. The tapping solar energy. These Karnataka’s Biofuel Task Force American professor known solar, biomass and geothermal special additional duty. The grid reflects the ‘green’ spirit will be later on replicated in president Y B Ramakrishna, for turning coffee grounds sources of energy. The incentives will reduce the of the Games as fly ash bricks other government buildings ‘There is a target of increasing and chicken feathers into company had initiated a solar cost for initiating a project, as were used for its construction; such as district administrative the use of ethanol to 10 per fuel, is been honoured as the project at a village in Chakan geothermal energy is relatively it has facilities for water complexes, warehousing and cent by the end of next year.’ 2010 Regents’ Researcher near Pune, in association with new to India. Thermax was harvesting and 30 per cent of Markfed godowns, officials He says that 7.5 per cent of by the Nevada System of the Department of Science and also looking forward to big its area has green cover. said. SunPower representative the ethanol is mixed with Higher Education Board of Technology. The Rs 13-crore business from water, wastewater — TNN.

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As the demand for minerals grows, the huge revenues generated from it are too often fuelling conflicts and A New human rights violations, increasing poverty and undermining sustainable development. The new legislation the government is introducing must ensure Framework transparency in allocation of mining concessions, and participation of, in consultation with, communities for Sustainable affected by mining projects. Mining —Mukul Sharma

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The global demand for these commodities, some of which are relatively scarce, and the increasing demand from emerging economies such as China, has led to political complacency when it comes to effectively regulating the extractive and energy sectors.

fter introducing the new National violations of the right to life, including killings atomic minerals) during 2008-09 is estimated at termination, expansion and amalgamation were Mineral Policy 2008, the government is and disappearances, as a direct result of the Rs 115980.53 crore. Though mineral production vastly increased. Even the area restrictions of Aplanning to repeal the prevailing Mines manner in which security operations (whether is reported from 23 states and union territories, mining lease/prospecting licence/reconnaissance and Minerals (Development and Regulation) public or private) associated with the industry are the bulk of value of mineral production is permits have been substantially liberalised by Act 1957 and introduce new legislation. The carried out. confined to a few states (including offshore areas) making such restrictions applicable state-wise ministry of mines is holding consultations with The communities most frequently affected - Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya instead of to the country as a whole. Third, other central ministries, state governments and are poor, vulnerable or marginalised groups, Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka though there is a reference to ‘sustainable stakeholders, mainly corporate bodies. The new including indigenous people. The nature of and Maharashtra. development framework’ in the policy, it draft of the Mines and Minerals (Development extractive and energy industries is invasive, and During 2007-08, the public sector continued remains limited to mining plans, scientific and Regulation) Act (MMDR) talks of investor- the associated processes and waste materials are to play a dominant role in mineral production, methods and information technology on the one friendly regimes, private sector participation, polluting (affecting water, soil and health, if not accounting for 67 per cent or Rs 72,863 crore in hand and improvement of local infrastructure, generation of additional revenues, grant of well regulated and monitored).These sectors the total value. Small mines, which were mostly maintenance of community assets and services concessions, power to state governments, creation also involve commodities of considerable value in the private sector, continued to be operated and human resources development on the of a mineral fund, curbs on illegal mining and that are under the control of the state but that manually either as proprietary or partnership other. Vital issues of environment, habitat of protection of host population. However, at a are exploited by private actors through state- ventures. The minerals which were wholly local communities, rights to natural habitat, time when the mining sector in the country is investor contracts. The majority of commodities mined/recovered by the public/joint sector community rights and transparency have not characterised by an abundance of controversies, are found in remote, largely poor areas, where in 2007-08 were copper ore and concentrate been addressed. corruption, abuse of power, illegality and violations, systems of accountability are often weak, diamond, dunite, fluorite (graded) and The production trends have visibly changed the government should review the past practices offering considerable opportunities for abuse of concentrate phosphorite/rock phosphate, rock in the last couple of years. For example, the in resource extraction projects, and identify public office for private gain and corruption. salt, sand (others), selenite and sulphur. By and value of metallic minerals in 2007-08 at Rs criteria for future decision-making, guided by a Security forces, whether private or public, large, almost the entire production of lignite, 24,038 crore increased by about 31 per cent human rights framework. To effectively mitigate are directly involved in extractive and energy gold and gypsum was from the public sector. over the previous year. Among the principal economic, social and environmental impacts, projects, in a manner not seen in most other In 2007-08, the public sector accounted for a metallic minerals, iron ore contributed Rs the collective participation of all stakeholders, industries. Companies in these sectors often sizeable 92 per cent production of coal, 85 per 18,495 crore or 76.9 per cent. About 32 per cent including scientists, banks and public interest enjoy particularly close ties with governments, cent of petroleum (crude), 76 per cent of natural of the total iron ore production was shared by groups, as well as inhabitants of the mining sites, either because of links to national energy security gas (utilised), 76 per cent of tin concentrate, 97 public sector companies like SAIL (including is required, to assess past experiences and create policies, or direct state ownership, or through per cent of barytes, 75 per cent of kyanite, 71 per IISCO), NMDC, etc. The share of the private new regulatory frameworks. joint ventures and other frameworks like public- cent of sillimanite and 68 per cent of magnesite. sector became as high as 68 per cent. Mining private partnerships. Overall, there has been At least three developments have taken of chromite is now mostly dominated by private Mining and extractives: global and a lack of appropriate and effective regulation place in the mining sector after liberalisation sector producers. Tata Steel (formerly TISCO), national trends and legislation at the national and state levels measures were initiated in 1991. First, the IMFAL, Balasore Alloys Ltd, Jindal Strips Demand for access to the world’s limited natural in these sectors. The global demand for these National Mineral Policy 1993 and 2008, and Private Ltd and FACOR have their own plants, resources is growing, as new economies seek commodities, some of which are relatively scarce, subsequent legislative changes removed the and jointly accounted for 63 per cent of total raw materials to fuel their growth, making and the increasing demand from emerging restrictions on foreign equity holding in the production during 2007-08. The production of environment and peoples’ rights increasingly economies such as China, has also led to political mining sector, enabling any company registered manganese ore is also dominated by companies vulnerable. The extractive and energy sectors complacency when it comes to effectively in India, irrespective of foreign equity holding, to in the private sector, mainly MOIL, Tata Steel, (oil, gas, mining, hydro-electric power, biofuels/ regulating the extractive and energy sectors. apply for mining concessions. The role of the state SMIOR and Mangilal Rungta. Along with this, agrofuels) are widely associated with serious There is also a lack of government capacity and was hence relegated only to that of a facilitator illegal mining is widespread all over the country. violations, including forced evictions, violations understanding in various cases. and regulator. The private sector became the Instead of strengthening and re-energising of the rights to adequate food, housing, water, main source of investment in exploration and vital institutions like the Geological Survey of sanitation and health. These sectors are also Changes in production trends production. Second, states and their governments India (GSI), the Indian Bureau of Mines, and associated with sexual violence, discrimination, Mining is a fast expanding sector in this country. increasingly became the major sites of decision- the Institute of Miners Health, all of whom have harassment, denial of peaceful assembly and The total value of mineral production (excluding making. Their exclusive powers in lease, renewal, contributed immensely in the past, these liberal

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Illegal mining in the top 10 states of India of tenure will be assured and new instruments A new framework for new legislation States No. of Cases (2006-June’09) will be introduced and ‘terms and conditions In this scenario, the new legislation requires a new Andhra Pradesh 35,411 of existing instruments will be liberalised framework for sustainable mining. It should also Gujarat 23,240 where needed’. Prioritisation of development be made clear what effective regulation entails of a proper inventory of resources and reserves, since measures like suspension, cancellation Maharashtra 17,900 mining tenement registry and a mineral atlas and punishment have proved ineffective. The Madhya Pradesh 16,068 has been laid down in the new policy. sheer absence of, or failure to use, appropriate Karnataka 11,896 The new policy is also based on the fact that prevention mechanisms and tools is also a reality. Rajasthan 7,932 India is a federal structure with a single economic The state-corporate relationship is also a factor Kerala 7,685 space. It states that the revenues from minerals responsible for the poor regulation within the Chhatisgarh 6,923 will be rationalised to ensure that the mineral- mining sector. For example, in many states, state- Tamil Nadu 5,074 bearing states get a fair share of the value of the company joint ventures often result in the state minerals extracted from the state concerned. being both shareholder and regulator, presenting Haryana 3,141 New sources of revenue will be developed for a clear conflict of interest. In others, states are Source: Ministry of Mines, Government of India, data released on the states. It is also stated that to give effect both promoters and regulators, leaving scope for December 7, 2009. The Indian Bureau of Mines has identified 17 states where illegal mining is going on. The worst affected are Bellary-Hospet to the directions enunciated in the National massive corruption. in Karnataka, Obullapuram, Kurnool and Cuddapah in Andhra Pradesh, Mineral Policy 2008, legislation proposals will What is important for a sustainable framework Keonjhar and Barbil in Orissa, and Jod and West Singhbhum in Jharkhand be formulated and finalised in consultation is greater transparency at the national and state with state governments before being introduced levels - the basis on which mining concessions are in Parliament. allocated, and, critically, what is done with the reforms have actually led to their terminal decline The final draft of the new Mines and Minerals revenues. There should be checks and balances on or they have been made into supporting agencies Development and Regulation Act proposes the the role of state-linked investments and financial of the private sector. For example, under the biggest change in the role of the government. support mechanisms and how they can be National Mineral Policy 2008, the Geological The Act proposes that the government and its harnessed as a means of preventing or sanctioning Survey of India remains the principal agency in agencies will no longer control the sector, but will companies in the mining sector. Participation of, the country for geological mapping and regional regulate it through independent administrative and consultation with, communities affected mineral resources assessment. However, GSI and technical bodies and state tribunals. As by mining projects is vital to prevent human programmes are prioritised and chalked out such, the Central government will retain the rights violations. The task is to engage with, and after taking into account the exploration work power of prior approval only for coal and atomic challenge, companies and industry bodies, in undertaken by the private sector, for which the minerals, deleting all other minerals from its order to deepen understanding and to promote existing arrangement of programme formulation purview. States will now be fully responsible for uptake of relevant robust policies and due through the Central Geological Programming managing the new concessions even if the Centre diligence frameworks. Board (CGPB) has been revamped. A high- has retained some specific powers to intervene No doubt, the demand for minerals and powered committee was also constituted to in cases where there is contravention of the law. extractives will grow, particularly from suggest the revamping of GSI, and gave its States will get new powers for notifying the new within the country and from economies such report in March 2009. areas and the seamless transfer of leases along as China. Energy extraction and the huge with security of tenure for investors. revenues generated from it are all too often New mineral policy and draft act According to the draft act, a National fuelling conflicts and human rights violations, The basic features of the New Mineral Policy Mineral Fund, collected from a cess of up to increasing poverty and undermining sustainable 2008 relate to the role of the State, changes in 10 per cent of the royalty to be levied on major development. Recently, the UN and others have the regulatory environment to attract private minerals, will help to meet the objectives of highlighted serious human rights concerns investment, inventory of resources and reserves, sustainable development on both the technology associated with mining. The World Bank has and regulation of mining and revenue. The front and people-related issues. Funds coming responded to the mining problems by initiating policy states that ‘the role of the State will to the Centre will be used to promote scientific an Extractive Industries Review, though the primarily be facilitatory and regulatory. Private mining activities, including mine closures, and independence and inclusiveness of this review are sector will be the main source of investment for beefing up the Indian Bureau of Mines to questionable. There are also reasons to suggest in reconnaissance exploration’. The new strengthen its enforcement role, while the funds the establishment of a Commission on Mining, NMP states that ‘the regulatory environment going to the states will be used to improve local Gas and Oil Extraction. will be improved to make it more conducive infrastructure and equip the people with job The author is an independent writer and journalist. This to investment and technology flows into skills through local self-government bodies such article is an edited version of a paper published in the prospecting and mining.’ It says that the security as panchayats or gram sabhas. website infochangeindia.org in January 2010.

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ince the earliest phase of human Reasons for Persistency existence, man has always been integrally The Jhum cultivators have been practicing this associated with nature, and thereby with form of cultivation for generations and the socio- Jhum land and forests. Shifting cultivation, cultural and religious significance in their lives Scommonly known as ‘jhum’ is one of the most cannot be ignored. The shifting cultivators ancient systems of farming believed to have generally care for and even worship the forests. Focus: West Khasi Hills and Ri-bhoi originated in the Neolithic period around 7000 While the systems vary from tribe to tribe/region districts, Meghalaya BC. The system is regarded as the first step in to region, yet the belief of a good burn for a transition from food gathering and hunting to bumper crop remains. Also, jhum is perhaps the crop husbandry and is still practiced in the hilly cheapest method of tillage involving minimal land areas of the north eastern states and in certain preparation and insignificant capital investments other pockets of the country. in terms of manure and fertilisers. Energy input is the only requirement which is largely contributed Meghalaya Profile by family members. In the absence of land Jhum remains predominant among the rural ownership rights, as the land belongs to the entire population of Meghalaya and the estimated community, jhumias are unwilling to invest in jhumia population of Meghalaya is 13.87 per land development activities and at the same time cent of the total rural population of 18.53 lakhs are also unable to access bank facilities. Moreover, in 2001. Although a clear decline may be noted the jhum tiller finds his plot more sustainable as from a steep 40.91 per cent engaged in this he can grow multiple crops for the sustenance of form of cultivation in 1971, yet its lingering the family. In comparison wet terraces usually significant proportion even after 30 years support monocrops. The tiller argues that the indicates problems that are more deep rooted. presence of different crops in the same plot can Shifting cultivation or jhum, predominantly practiced in Rapid increase in human population has serve as an effective pest management system; resulted in corresponding heavy pressure on land sequential harvesting of crops is an effective way the north-east of India is an agricultural system where and the jhum cycle has reduced drastically over of managing many species over both space and a farming community slashes secondary forests on a the last few decades to an average of below 10 time and contributes to agro-ecosystem stability, years and in extreme cases such as that of Garo besides showing better orientation of nutrient predetermined location, burns the slash and cultivates hills to as short as 3 to 5 years. In due course, use efficiency. The long isolation of jhumias the land for a limited number of years. The land is then this cycle may be scaled down even further. by such constraints as terrain and topography, left fallow and the farming community moves to the Without a sufficient period of recuperation deficiency in infrastructural support, historical and consequent capacity of the soil to regain isolation, and unbalanced economic growth next location to repeat the process till they return back its lost fertility, the immediate consequence has and inadequate delivery of social services such to the starting point. It has often been alleged that jhum been a sizable reduction in the productivity of as health, education, etc., must end if they are the jhum system. This has resulted in increased to look for other rural livelihood option besides has led to the loss of valuable natural resources of the food insecurity and associated problems such shifting cultivation. The severance of their region. This essay documents the cultivation practices as acute soil erosion and fast depletion of the natural markets across the international borders of the Khasi tribe through a study of several villages of valuable fertile topsoil, loss of flora and fauna, has also uniquely disadvantaged the jhumias reduced availability of water both for drinking from taking up competitive agriculture. West Khasi Hills and Ri-bhoi Districts of Meghalaya and irrigation, siltation of lakes and rivers and Although jhum tillers have begun to realise with an objective of drawing lessons for developmental consequent floods, loss of valuable forest species the deleterious effects (dwindling productivity, etc. If we were to convert the above physical labour intensiveness, poor living conditions, planning concerning natural resource management degradation into financial terms, the figures deteriorating environment) of this form of and land use in the region will be stupendous, hundreds of thousands of cultivation yet the lack of alternatives entrenches —Sanjoy Choudhury crores of rupees, a colossal loss to the people and them in these systems. The jhumias, conscious Land burnt in preparation in mawhati : photo by author the country. of the monetised economy, would like to respond

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The jhum control programmes being implemented by different developmental agencies are in relative isolation and lack to the interventions in the form of inputs and into private property. The hutments of the co-ordination through a multi-disciplinary marketing, yet are unable because of the lack of villages now remain at the same place in contrast approach. Thus, low levels of awareness and location specific and need based programmes and to earlier days when the whole village also shifted non introduction of improved technologies solutions such as allotment of wetland terraces to new site. Land preparation and cropping only strengthen the farmers’ resolve to resist into assured irrigation particularly among paddy is undertaken with minimum tillage and no change and persist with jhum. growing tribes. animals or large machinery are used by the jhum cultivators. The only implements used are the Field Observations chopping knife, sickle, dibbling stick, spade and Jhum is commonly practiced in the West Khasi hoe. Labour and seeds in usually sourced from assured irrigation has attracted the jhummias of arecanut, cashew, citrus, etc. Creation of tea Hills and Ri-bhoi Districts of Meghalaya. Among within the household. The yield obtained from particularly in the paddy growing areas. And plantation has also helped to a certain extent. A the Khasi people, this system of cultivation is jhum fields at present is only a pittance and can with the jhummias becoming conscious of three-tier system proposed by ICAR in which known as ‘Thang shyrti’ or ‘Thang bun’. The sustain the jhumia families for only about four to the monetised economy, the introduction of agricultural practices are carried out in the Jhumias of the villages of Mawhati, Raitong, Wah five months in a year. Most of the jhumias here plantation/cash crops that assure perennial lower portion of the slope with support of bench Khatsawmer of Ri-bhoi district and in Shangpung have been converted to Christianity – thus rites returns has had a tremendous response. However, terraces as conservation measures is also a fruitful and Raliang villages of Jaintia Hills District, and rituals related to shifting cultivation are no poor extension services, lack of dedicated prospect in the states of Meghalaya, Manipur, revealed varied aspects of shifting cultivation in longer being performed. Some of the Jhumias officers to work in rural areas and the failure to Nagaland and Tripura. an informal interaction with the author. have started to rear cattle as well as poultry ensure effective marketing linkages along with On the civil society front, a group of Mizo The essential features of the cultivation besides jhuming, marking a transitional phase communication and transport network means farmers, technicians and people from different system in this region conform to the standard in the lifestyle of these cultivators. International that the jhumias continue to miss opportunities. backgrounds got together in 1997 to form procedures. A site is selected by individual tillers Fund for Agricultural Development (FAD) Modified shifting agriculture was introduced the All Farmers’ Union, a non-governmental according to the needs and size of the family, has introduced many programmes to improve during the past decade with implantation of two organisation, to tackle the problem of jhum. They usually by end November to mid December. The the living status of the jhumias here and the development projects, Nagaland Environmental have come up with a solution called the compost jungle is cleared by end January and the debris cultivators have availed many facilities offered Protection and Economic Development (NEPED) pit system, wherein pits are dug perpendicular to left to dry. Once dry, by about mid February or by them. However, many cultivators, especially in Nagaland; and North Eastern Region the direction of the slope and agricultural residues March, the cut foliage is set to fire. Great care is those in the Ri-Bhoi District were critical about Community Resource Management Project in buried. The leftover soil is used for contour taken during this operation to avoid the spread the work of Indian Council of Agricultural Meghalaya, Manipur, and Assam. These projects bunding for the growth of nitrogen fixing crops of forest fire in areas not selected for jhum. Research (ICAR). have demonstrated that through multi-pronged such as soyabean. The sowing and planting of various crops now external intervention, the productivity of shifting follows, undertaken in an intimate mixture by Discussion agriculture can be enhanced. Land development End Note the method of dibbling. The Government of India through various in the form of bench terraces with assured Despite the success stories, our field experiences Upland paddy (hill rice) is the main crop prominent programmes have tried to immobilise irrigation facilities have proved most effective show an alarming trend. As ownership of land, grown in mixture with maize, millet, sorghum, the jhumias throughout the northeast. The in attracting the jhumias to settled agriculture. a fairly new concept, is beginning to take hold tapioca, chillies, cotton, turmeric, pumpkin, last 30 years marked a proliferation of schemes Shifting cultivation of alder (Alnus nepalensis), of communities, the more influential and etc. Broom grass (Thysanolaena maxima) are through state as well as central governments as practiced in villages such as Khonoma in socially mobile individuals within these tribes are commonly grown along with other crops in Ri- aimed to stabilise the slopes and encourage terrace Nagaland is more sustainable, when the trees moving towards sedentary farming. The poorer iange bhoi district. The soils on the slopes of Jaintia farming with assured irrigation. Introduction l are cut but waist high stumps are left, (a practice are marginalised within the same framework to hills are very ideal for turmeric while ginger is of plantation crops such as rubber, coffee, tea, called pollarding) which is proving to be indeed eke sustenance from the traditional method of the most productive crop in Ri-Bhoi District. black pepper, cashewnut, etc; afforestation agers of ra beneficial in the hill slopes. Cash and horticulture tillage from ever shrinking shreds of land. This The land is tilled for about 2 to 3 years after programmes; land development schemes and ll crop plantations undertaken under this scheme is alarming trend is now giving rise to a new group which it is abandoned, a new site selected and many others were taken up to assist farmers to also making an appreciable impact in the process of farmers, the ‘landless jhumia’. the process repeated. The pressure on the land opt for an alternative settled cultivation. Many of weaning away the jhumias from their age- The author is Lecturer, Department of Geography, St. today is higher than it ever was, as most of the jhummias have accepted these schemes and it is old practice. Many abandoned jhum areas have Edmund’S College, Shillong, Meghalaya. he author with the vi community and clan-land have been fragmented seen that the creation of wetland terraces with T today been converted into permanent plantations E-mail: [email protected]

32 . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . 33 Agro concerns

Sunderban Study area

Covering an area of 9630 sq.kms, including 102 islands, with an average elevation of 3 to 4 metres above mean cale sea level, the region supports a total population of about 42 lakhs as per p not to s a

the 2001 census. M

underban, or the part that falls within the - settle their subjects and increase the revenue. boundaries of India, is located on the lower Thus began the saga of floods. The depth Spart of the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna of the rivers and creeks of the estuarine delta along the Bay of Bengal, between Hugli belt progressively decreased with increased estuary on the west and Ichamoti-Raimangal sediment deposition along drainage channels. river on the east. Prone to varied natural disasters, Embankment height along riverbeds increased from flooding to cyclones, Sunderban offers a continuously, whereas; land within remained as fragile refuge to its teeming masses. and where it had been earlier creating a negative Natural hazards cannot be prevented, but their gradient. Generally a gentle slope is found from impacts might be diminished if proper scientific the river channels to the interior of the islands. remedial measures are adopted in time. From With the presence of huge water bodies around the beginning of our civilisation, embankments Sunderban it would have been advantageous if have been constructed to redress the damage the interior were of lesser negative gradient. In incurred by monsoonal floods, and tidal and that case the pressure of the water bodies could wave incursions during severe tropical cyclones have been counteracted. But this is not the case Embankments of affecting the coastal areas. — since the embankments were constructed From the last quarter of the 18th Century during the formation of the islands, the natural to the beginning of 19th Century, the British dynamic process of gradual sediment transfer reclaimed the islands of Sunderban by placing from the riversides to the interiors of the villages Sunderban a girder of water-front mud embankments along was artificially blocked leading to a difference in the coasts. However, as the insides of these depth and a resultant manifold flood potential. A Legacy of Historical Blunder loamy dynamic islands were lower than the When engineering embankments, technically tri s i surroundings, it resulted in depth differences sound methods and proper maintenance The construction of the embankments and in the post construction phase with serious measures need to be put in place — according and far-reaching environmental problems. to soil conditions, height of the tides (base-width waranjan M s the occurrence of floods in the Sunderban i In the British period, zamindars were the and top-width), slope of land, point heights etc. intermediaries between British rulers and their In the Sunderban the total length of the flood- have raised the question of relevance subjects, insofar as the socio-economic system embankments on rivers, tidal creeks, and sea and maintenance of the water front was concerned. Following the technical advice is around 3,500 km. Tidal water level swings of the British rulers, local zamindars constructed between 3.5 to 4.0 m. As per engineering embankments to protect the region. embankments by mobilising the poor peasantry prescriptions, when increasing the height of without paying heed to proper and necessary an embankment is necessitated the base of the

—Abhay Sankar Sahu Sunderban embankment : Photo B engineering specifications. The purpose was clear same has to be widened accordingly. But this

3 4 . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . 35 In Sunderban the total length of the flood-embankments on rivers, tidal creeks, and sea is around 3,500 km. With anthropogenic pressure the embankments are prone to breaches. The visual above is a testimony to the devastation caused to the embankments by the Aila that hit Bengal in May 2009. widening of base cannot be carried out since demand continuous maintenance, an unending it usually envelops land already occupied for exercise and a serious drain on our resources. agriculture, fishing and other public uses. Under The demand becomes more acute and prolific these circumstances, compromises are often during the rainy season, particularly during the sought and height increase or vertical dimension highest astronomical tidal phases. of the embankments is commissioned. Vertical On a pessimistic note, with unmet propping up of embankments without horizontal environmental challenges serving as a propellant, expansion cannot endure the pressure of water perhaps it would be better to allow the islands bodies. Also locals use embankments for their here to meet their deadly fate. The treasure of the various socio-economic pursuits. Cows are mangrove forest overlaying the entire region is tethered to stakes along the banks and events and not such a bad idea after all. Why construct these meetings are held on the high ground. Rampant embankments at all? As for the communities that activity creates cracks and fissures that make the have made their homes here, they will need to be embankments prone to breaches. phased out, relocated, in just the same way as we In the post Independence era Sunderban has have relocated millions during the construction found little respite in the form of scientifically of so many dams and projects. A special status engineered interventions. Today embankments of climate change refugees may be awarded to are a necessity and a reality for the survival of these vulnerable sections, and the demand for the people inhabiting these lands despite the fact environing the islands with embankments to tri s that they may have in many ways compounded protect them from the devouring water will be i the problem of flooding and salt water eliminated once and for all. I am not suggesting inundation. With a climate change crescendo that embankments are faulty in their principle waranjan M s in the wake Sunderban seems to be more – it has worked well in many countries world i vulnerable now than it ever was before. Faulty over, but perhaps in the context of Sunderban design compounded by anthropogenic pressure they were untimely in their origin, ill-designed on the embankments make it vulnerable. They during their maturity, and inadequate in their are unable to withstand the continual pressure final hours. the high and low tide exerts and are on many The author is Lecturer, Department of Geography, Kashipur occasions breached successively. Since this M. M. Mahavidyalaya, Purulia, West Bengal. vulnerability is visible to the local people, they Email [email protected] Sunderban embankment : Photo B

3 6 . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . 37 nature Watch Snake Medicineof Bastar Tribal Bastar

In India, snakes are sacred, held in reverence second only to perhaps the cows. The tribal people of Bastar, Chhattisgarh, have in fact adapted their lives around the reptiles and believe that snakes offer cures with great efficacy. Although modern medicine is known to use snake venom, but the traditional medicine systems of this region throw up challenges that are yet to be explored. —Vinay Ghatke

ndia is home to over 270 species of snakes, out in India and conclusively evaluate the claims of of which about 60 are venomous. In many Bastar’s traditional knowledge systems in the Icultures world over, consumption of snakes treatment of various ailments using snakes and for their medicinal property is acceptable and snake products. considered a delicacy. Knowledge accumulated through centuries of interaction with the natural Study Area habitat by the aboriginal and tribal people is dying The plateau land, Bastar, is located in the southern slowly as communities are being mainstreamed part of Chhattisgarh and situated at a height of into the formal structures that conform to the 609.6 m above sea level. The beauty of Bastar in law of the land. It is understandable that with terms of its deep green forests and vibrant tribal A tribal medicine man development some information is bound to be lost life has often been described in texts both ancient leaving home to collect as communities disappear in transition. It is thus and modern. The inhabitants of Bastar, both medicinal plants and snakes: pertinent that the scientific community takes tribal and non-tribal, their traditional living ways, Near village Pooda, Bastar, proactive steps to document tribal knowledge medicinal plants and cultural aspects have always Chhattisgarh

3 8 . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . 39 Traditional Knowledge

Inroads into tribal communities is the toughest job of all. Once that is achieved, adequate scientific study is required to not only document snake products, but to also observe their clinical trials.

aroused the interest of researchers. However, a ache, rheumatic and burn wound pain. Although focus on ethno-ophiology practices has not been not medicine and more in the realm of faith, the reported. The information documented here tail bone of the python adorns the throat of many is based on data collected from both tribal and tribal people of Bastar, as a locket to allegedly non-tribal medicine men. The people of Bastar, wards off evil spirits. like many other indigenous people world over, Snake: Vipera russelli, Russel’s viper believe that the efficacy of their therapies will be Used for: A powerful and poisonous reptile, lost if disclosed to strangers. The snake derived the Russel’s viper finds little favour in the remedies and the manner in which the medicines tribal medicine system of Bastar. Remedies were prepared and administered were recorded. associated with it are restricted to its scales being Most of the species are common and easily placed beside patients suffering from fever. An identified using zoological references. interesting religious belief includes the tradition of keeping viper scales in lockers and chests as a Findings lucky charm to gain much in earning. Various snakes were observed during the course Snake: Lachesis gramineus, Bamboo snake of the study. From the marking of their territory Used for: The raw flesh of the snake is marinated and capturing, to usage and proffered remedies in the fermented rice drink Landa and used as for ailments, all events were documented. Here tonic to improve appetite, and to strengthen we present a brief account of remedies that various bones, tendons and muscles. common snakes have been traditionally put to. Snake: Eryx johni, Black earth boa Snake: Ptyas mucosus, Common rat snake Used for: The fat and oil extracted from the Used for: Fats and oils of these snakes are used to snake are applied on the chest to reportedly cure cure joint pain. The meat of the snake is cooked asthma. and eaten to help alleviate weakness and regain vigour. End Note Snake: Naja tripudians, Cobra The present study is a brief outline of what could Used for: Blood of cobra reportedly increases conceivably be a vast repository of untapped sexual virility. The blood is drained while the knowledge. However, there are several issues cobra is still alive (when and if possible) mixed that need to be tackled before such information with rice liquor, and used as tonic to increase may be documented. First and foremost is to sexual performance. Fats and oils of the cobra win the trust of the tribal medicine men and are messaged onto the head to cure hair loss. It is respect their remedies instead of scoffing it off as also claimed that applied externally on the head occult mumbo-jumbo. Inroads into tribal their and forehead cobra fat can cure migraine and also communities is the toughest job of all. Once that rapidly heal fractured bones. is achieved, adequate scientific study is required Snake: Python moLurus, Python to not only document the snake products, but Used for: Cooked meat of the snake can to also observe their clinical trials. In this way, reportedly alleviate weakness and help regain traditional snake products from the distant vigour. It is often roasted and offered to children plateau lands of Bastar will find its way into in tasty morsels to ward off malnutrition among modern medicine and perhaps help save many the young ones. Bile of the python is used as an lives world over . antidote against spider and venomous snake bites. The fat of the snake is applied to relieve body The author is an independent writer residing in Pune.

4 0 . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . 41 Nature watch

Wetlands occur where the water table is at or near the surface and land remains covered by water. Wetland Once treated as transitional habitats or seral stages in succession from open water to land, wetlands are now considered to be distinct ecosystems with specific Conservation ecological characteristics, functions and values. —Staff Reporter India Profile

Wetlands are commonly defined as, ‘lands transitional List of identified 115 wetlands under NWCP between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems where State/UT Wetlands the water table is usually at or near the surface or the Andhra Pradesh Kolleru Lake land is covered by shallow water’. Assam Deepor, Beel, Urpad Beel, Sone Beel Bihar Kabar, Barilla, Kusheshwar Asthan Gujarat Nalsarovar, Great Rann of Kachh, Thol Bird Sanctuary, Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, Little Rann of Kacchh, Pariej, Wadhwana, Nanikakrad etlands, natural and man made, freshwater factor to which this degradation can be attributed also prevents sunlight from filtering through the Haryana Sultanpur, Bhindawas Wor brackish, provide numerous ecological is human interference and mismanagement. water column, hampering the growth of aquatic Himachal Pradesh Renuka, Pong Dam, Chandratal, services. The density of birds, in particular, is Wetlands are shrinking. Conversion of swamps, plants and algae, important sources of oxygen for Rewalsar, Khajjiar an accurate indication of the ecological health marshes, lakes and floodplains for agriculture, other organisms Jammu & Wular, Tso Moriri, Tisgul Tso and Kashmir Chisul, Marshes Hokarsar, Surinsar- of a particular wetland. However, unsustainable housing and industrial schemes has led to Mansar, Ranjitsagar, Pangong, Tsar, use of wetlands without reckoning of their dramatic alterations of landscapes and ecosystem India approach Gharana, Hygam, Mirgund, Shalbugh, assimilative capacity constitutes a major threat to functioning. The United States has already India has a wealth of wetland ecosystems Chushul and Hanley the conservation and management of these vital lost some 87 million hectares (54 per cent) of distributed across various eco-geographical Jharkhand Udhwa, Tilaiya Dam biodiversity rich areas. This restricts the prospects its original wetlands, mainly to agriculture. In regions that range from the Himalayas to the Karnataka Magadhi, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary, Bonal, Hidkal and Ghataprabha, Heggeri, of future generations to utilise the benefits of Europe, Italy has lost about 94 per cent of its Deccan. Varied topography and climatic regimes Ranganthittu, K.G. Koppa wetland services provided by wetlands. wetlands, while Ireland has lost an equivalent support and sustain diverse and unique wetland Kerala Ashtamudi, Sasthamkotta, Kottuli, amount of its peat bogs. Similar examples can be habitats in our country. Kadulandi, Vembanad Kol Definition found around the world. With 47 per cent of the According to the Directory of Asian Wetlands Madhya Pradesh Barna, Yashwant Sagar, Ken River The term ‘wetlands’ refers to a broad collection world’s inhabited land being in river valleys, it is (1989), India has a total of 27,403 wetlands, of Wetland, National Chambal Sanctuary, of water-based ecosystems, but more than 50 not surprising that such impacts will occur. The which 23,444 are inland and 3,959 are coastal. Ghatigaon, Ratapani, Denwa Tawa wetland, Kanha Tiger Reserve, Pench definitions of wetlands are used worldwide. abuse of wetlands and their unwise use, reduces Wetlands occupy 18.4 per cent of the country’s Tiger Reserve, Sakhyasagar, Dihaila, Wetlands vary enormously in size, from tiny their ability to perform useful functions such area of which 70 per cent are under paddy Govindsagar, Sirpur village ponds to lakes, bogs, marshes, rivers, as water retention and flood control, to supply cultivation. Natural wetlands in India consist of Maharashtra Ujni, Jayakawadi, Nalganga Wetland and the largest inland delta in the world, the services and, valuable products. As per studies high altitude wetlands in Himalayas; flood plains Manipur Loktak Lake Okavango Delta in Botswana, and character. conducted by The Wildlife Institute of India of the major river systems; saline and temporary Meghalaya Umiam Ramsar Convention on wetlands uses the (WII), wetlands in our country are disappearing wetlands of the arid and semi-arid regions; definition, ‘areas of marsh, fen, peatland or at a rate of 2 to 3 per cent each year. coastal wetlands such as lagoons, backwaters, Mizoram Tamdil, Palak water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or Pollution in wetlands is greatest concern, estuaries, mangroves, swamps and coral reefs, Orissa Chilka, Kuanria Wetland, Kanjia Wetland, Daha Wetland, Anusupa temporary, with water that is static or flowing, affecting drinking water sources and biological and so on. In addition to these natural wetlands, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine diversity. Drainage and run-off from fertilised a large number of man-made wetlands, which Puducherry Ousteri lake water the depth of which at low tide does not crops introduce high concentrations of nitrogen have resulted from the needs of irrigation, water Punjab Harike, Ropar, Kanjli, Nangal exceed six metres’ to classify wetlands. and phosphorous nutrients to water bodies. The supply, electricity, fisheries and flood control, are Rajasthan Sambhar Lake accumulation of toxic chemicals in the fatty substantial in number. These wetlands can be Sikkim Khechuperi Holy Lake, Tamze Wetland, Threats tissue of animals can lead to reproductive failures, classified into different categories on the basis Tembao and Phendang Wetland Complex, Gurudokmar and Tsomgo Wetland Dense human population in catchments, suppression of immune systems, genetic damage of their origin, vegetation, nutrient status and urbanisation, and various anthropogenic activities and death. Mercury used to separate gold from thermal characteristics. Tamil Nadu Point Calimere, Kaliveli, Pallaikarni have resulted in over exploitation of wetland silt in illegal mining operations has a similar In India, out of an estimated 4.1 million Tripura Rudrasagar, Gumti Reservoir resources, leading to degradation in their quality effect on organisms in the food chain, which hectares (excluding irrigated agricultural lands, Uttar Pradesh Nawabganj, Sandi; Lakh Bahoshi, Samaspur, Alwara Wetland, Semarai, and quantity. Today, there is increasing concern goes far beyond the aquatic milieu. Non-point rivers, and streams) of wetlands, 1.5 are natural, Nagaria and Keetham Lake, Shekha to conserve and restore perishing wetlands source pollutants are among the most difficult while 2.6 are manmade. The coastal wetlands Wetland, Saman Bird Sanctuary, Sarsai and endangered habitats to achieve ecological to monitor as their sources cannot usually be occupy an estimated 6,750 sq km, and are largely Nawar, Patna Bird Sanctuary, Chando Wetland, Basti, Tal-Baghel Wetland, Taal sustainability. According to a World Wildlife traced to a single location. But water pollution dominated by mangrove vegetation. Ganbhirvan and Taal Salona, Aadi Jal Jeev Fund’s report, half of the world’s wetlands may is not linked to chemicals only. High levels Jheel, Ban Ganga Jhilmil Tal, Asan have been destroyed in the past 100 years alone. of sediment, often derived from the removal National wetlands conservation West Bengal East Calcutta Wetlands, Sunderbans, Wetland habitats are among the most heavily of vegetation in catchment areas, are equally programme Ahiron and Rasik Beel, Santragachi impacted and degraded of all ecological systems. detrimental to aquatic species, particularly fish, The Government of India has been implementing Patlakhawa-Rasomati What is perhaps more alarming is that the only the National Wetlands Conservation Programme Chandigarh (UT) Sukhna insects and filter feeding organisms. Turbidity As on March 31, 2010

4 4 . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . 4 5 India Profile

In India, out of an estimated 4.1 million hectares of wetlands, 1.5 are natural, while 2.6 are man made. The coastal wetlands occupy an estimated 6,750 sq km, and are dominated by mangrove.

How wetland works: Among the most productive ecosystems wetlands directly or List of wetlands in India under Ramsar Convention for inclusion in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of indirectly support millions of people. State Name of Wetland International Importance. Ramsar Convention is Dissipates stream energy Andhra Pradesh Kolleru Lake the only global environment treaty dealing with Flood mitigation a particular ecosystem. The Ramsar Convention Contaminants and Assam Deepor Beel sediment filtered on Wetlands was developed as a means to call An important resource Himachal Pradesh Chandratal, Renuka, Pong Dam international attention to the rate at which wetland for sustainable tourism, Lake recreation and cultural Provides critical wildlife habitat/ supports habitats were disappearing, in part due to a lack heritage; source of Jammu &Kashmir Hokarsar, Surinsar - Mansar, Tso all life forms through extensive food webs Moriri, Wular Lake of understanding of their important functions, livelihood to local people values, goods and services. Governments that join Habitat for aquatic flora and fauna, Kerala Sasthamkotta Lake, Ashtamudi, as well as numerous species of birds, Vembanad-Kol Wetland the Convention are expressing their willingness including migratory species; genetic Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Wetland to make a commitment to helping to reverse Stabilisation of reservoir for various species of plants the history of wetland loss and degradation. local climate (especially rice) Manipur Loktak Lake In addition, many wetlands are international Cleaner water outflow; Orissa Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Chilika systems lying across the boundaries of two or Lake water purification; provides more countries, or are part of river basins that drinking water, fish, fodder, Punjab Kanjli, Ropar, Harike Lake fuel, etc.; controls rate of include more than one country. Nutrients runoff in urban areas Rajasthan Sambhar Lake, Keoladeo National Ground water flow recycled The health of these and other wetlands is Park dependent upon the quality and quantity of the Tamil Nadu Point Calimere Sanctuary transboundary water supply from rivers, streams, Buffers shorelines Bacteria breaks down Tripura Rudrasagar lakes, or underground aquifers. This requires contaminants against erosion Uttar pradesh Upper Ganga Slow release framework for international discussion and Saturated layer Stream stores water of stored water West Bengal East Calcutta Wetlands cooperation toward mutual benefits. Major obligations of countries which are party to the Convention are: Maintenance of stream flow; ground water recharging (NWCP) in close collaboration with the state/ ■ designate wetlands for inclusion in the ‘List of UT governments since 1985-86. The aim of Wetlands of International Importance’; the programme is to conserve wetlands in the ■ promote, as far as possible, ‘the wise use of Major threats to wetlands : country so as to prevent their further degradation, wetlands in their territory’; ■ Urbanisation - increasing developmental pressure for residential, industrial and commercial facilities. ensuring their wise use for the benefit of ■ promote ‘international cooperation’ especially ■ Anthropogenic activities-unplanned urban and agricultural development, industries, road construction, impoundment, resource extraction and dredge disposal local communities and overall conservation with regard to transboundary wetlands, shared ■ Agricultural activities - conversion of wetlands for paddy fields; construction of a large number of of biodiversity. Under the programme, 115 water systems, and shared species; and reservoirs, canals and dams; diversion of streams and rivers to provide for irrigation wetlands have been identified by the Ministry of ■ create ‘wetland reserves’. ■ Deforestation - removal of vegetation in the catchment leading to soil erosion and siltation Environment and Forests which require urgent Earth Summit, 1992 as well as other global ■ Pollution-unrestricted dumping of sewage, solid wastes and toxic chemicals from industries and conservation and management interventions. conservation organisations have identified households, leading to eutrophication and hypoxia in marine and non-marine environments. aquatic biodiversity to be the most threatened of ■ Salinisation due to over withdrawal of groundwater International efforts all biodiversities. Further, the World Summit on ■ Introduced species - exotic introduced plant species such as water hyacinth and salvinia clog waterways and compete with native vegetation The ‘Convention on Wetlands’, signed in Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg ■ Climate change - increased air temperature; shifts in precipitation; increased frequency of storms, Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, is an intergovernmental in August 2002 highlighted the fact that nearly droughts, and floods; increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration; and sea level rise. treaty which provides the framework for national 1.1 billion people do not have access to safe action and international cooperation for the freshwater and there are nearly 1.7 billion people conservation and wise use of wetlands and their living in water scarce areas. resources. There are presently 158 Contracting Inputs from National Wetland Conservation Programme: Guidelines for Conservation and Management of Wetlands In India; Parties to the Convention, with 1758 wetland Conservation and Survey Division; Ministry of Environment and sites, totaling 161 million hectares, designated Forests; June, 2009 (MoEF 2009-10/6)

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Photo essay gandhi sarovar through kedarnath —Sumit Chakraborty

We worked backwards - decided to reach as early as possible, by at least 8 in the morning. The 3.5 km long route from Kedarnath is not very steep, so were sure that 2 hours would be fine for a comfortable well paced trek to Gandhi Sarovar. Next morning we ripped off our warm blankets at 5, drank a quick cup of hot tea and were off by 5.45. The Sarovar is a small glacial lake in Uttarakhand, (the origin of Mandakini, a major tributary of Ganga), at an elevation of about 3900 m. According to Hindu mythology Yudhishthir, the eldest of the Pandavas is said to have departed to heaven from here. The Mahatma’s ashes were immersed in this Lake. Since then it has been renamed Gandhi Sarovar. Swathed in heavy woolens, barely recognisable Ratan, my brother in law, reverently rang the bell of the Kedarnath Temple and prayed for a safe journey.We crossed the river Mandakini, followed the right angled turn from the powerhouse, and at 6.10, saw the first rays of the sun enveloping Mt Kedar in a glassy golden glow, proclaiming the start of another We had reached in mesmeric day in the Himalayas. The bite of the cold time – the winds hadn’t became less penetrating as we puffed along, breaking picked up, the waters free from the cobbled roads to ascend the bare were calm and the rocky surface. In the last 500 meters or so, there was reflection perfect. no distinct roadways, and we had to trek through a Our early start from boulder zone. Kedarnath paid off. The author is an independent writer and a photographer from Kolkata. Email: [email protected]

4 8 . JULY - aUGUST 2009 . G e o g r a p h y a n d You G e o g r a p h y a n d You . M a rc h - A p r i l 2 010 . 4 9 Thinkers The Makers of Indian Geogr aph y

Paul Vidal de la Blache’s main called to inform his students that India, which Professor Chatterjee disciples) completed research on they were to wait for him at the drafted and submitted to the Le plateau de Meghalaya. In fact, Calcutta University. The flight Planning Commission in 1958. Professor the name Meghalaya was coined was a good two hours late, but When ‘Bengal in Maps’ was by Professor Chatterjee. This his students waited. He hurried nearing completion, partition took pioneering study earned him from the airport to the Department place. Immediately, he decided Shiba Prasad D. Lit. from Université de to share his experiences and to recreate the maps and also Sorbonne, which was eventually material he had collected, and mark the affected villages - published as a monograph in the discussions continued for though a complicated task, all Chatterjee 1936 in Paris. He then obtained well over three hours! Another changes were incorporated before a Teachers’ Diploma from the student, he recalled, had financial publication. A Biography University of London and was problems and was on the verge The Calcutta Geographical awarded Ph.D. in Education of leaving the University – Society, later renamed as the from the same University for his Professor Chatterjee met the Vice Geographical Society of India, Awarded Padma Bhusan by the Government of India in 1985 for his dissertation on the Comparative Chancellor and arranged for a was established by Professor contribution to geography, Professor Chatterjee is known for his relentless Study of the British and French scholarship as he did not want to Chatterjee in 1936 and the toil for national development. His pioneering work raised the profile of Indian Educational Systems. lose the talented young student. research journal of the society, geography within the country and in the world. Talking to Justice Umesh Professor Chatterjee worked Such care and nurturing can only Geographical Review of India, as the head of the Department be found in a true teacher, one was started at his initiative. Chandra Banerjee, former Chief Justice of Andhra High Court, his son-in- of Geography and Geology at with a golden heart. In 1956, Professor Chatterjee law - Dr Sumana Bandopadhyay, and Dr Sarfaraz Alam uncovers hitherto Rangoon University from 1928 Professor Chatterjee has was appointed as the founder unknown facets of the exemplary achiever and lifelong learner. to 1932, when he left for Europe published over 150 scientific (honourary) director of the for higher studies. On his return papers for national and National Atlas Organisation to India he joined Calcutta international journals. Some of (later renamed as National University, and introduced his pioneering contributions were Atlas and Thematic Mapping geography first in the Teachers’ Bengal in Maps (1949), National Organisation). The first ever ustice Umesh Chandra Chatterjee’s sincerity and he wasn’t told of their arrival. Training Department in 1939 and Atlas of India (1968), Planning atlas of India in Hindi, Bharatiya Banerjee remembers his reverence for work, his energy, When Justice Banejee asked then at honours level in 1941. Atlas of the Damodar Valley Rashtriya Atlas, and National Jfather-in-law Professor S and above all, his towering why the Professor didn’t turn the He was the founder professor Region, Progress in Geography: Atlas of India (in English) in eight P Chatterjee as a disciplinarian personality. The same man was fan on, as it was a very hot day, and head of the Department of A Decade of Science in India volumes were compiled in this with deep devotion towards his also extremely simple and down he said that the fan would make Geography in Calcutta University, (1973). He also wrote a chapter organisation under his editorship work. As the greatest guiding to earth who never seemed to be him feel too restful and the mind and after retirement appointed on the Physiography of India in in 1957. For these works, he was spirits of his life, he looked up to perturbed by the complexities doesn’t work well when one feels as emeritus professor, and he the Gazetteer of India and about awarded Murchison Grant by two personalities and in his words of life and took every person too relaxed! Very often, while remained so until his death. He the Himalayan ranges in The New the Royal Geographical Society, ‘treated them as God’ – one, he met at face value. Professor he worked, wrote or taught, it was also a visiting professor Encyclopaedia Britannica. London. Professor Chatterjee his own father, the best criminal Chatterjee insisted on family seemed as if he was in a trance, in at University of Georgia (USA), A predominant share of the time was appointed the President lawyer of his times, and the get-togethers every Sunday and deep meditation. University of Austin (USA), he devoted to his work as a of International Geographical other, his father-in-law Professor spent the morning selecting the Born in Kolkata in a well to do Moscow University (the then teacher was spent in conducting Union for the term 1964-68 and Shiba Prasad Chatterjee. As a menu and collecting his son-in- Bengali family, Professor Shiba USSR), Université de Sorbonne field work, which he believed was chairman of the National token of his respect for these law’s favourites from the market. Prasad Chatterjee had a brilliant and California State University was the way geography could be Committee of holding IGU great persons, he dedicated On one such Sunday, Justice academic and professional during 1960s and 1970s. learnt best. While in the field, or Congress in New Delhi in 1968. his retirement benefits to the Banerjee reached the Professor’s career. His contributions to Indian As an educationist, Professor even while he worked at home, he About the geography as it is establishment of two Research home earlier than usual and found geography are immense and he Chatterjee constantly strived to constantly created maps – mostly today, Justice Banerjee feels that Centres of Hyderabad, the work him sitting cross-legged on his was a true institution builder. enrich his students so that they mental maps and sketches of if one can inculcate within oneself, for which he started while he cot, clad in a dhoti, writing with Professor Chatterjee obtained could be at par with geography the natural world. His penchant the devotion, sincerity and love was Chief Justice of Hyderabad immense concentration, sweat masters degree in Geology teachings across the world. His for maps to create a greater for the subject, which Professor High Court – befittingly named running down his bare back – in 1926 from Banaras Hindu students remember his devotion understanding of geography Chatterjee lived by, then one the S P Chatterjee Institute of the fan over his head, still. He University and subsequently, to the subject as well as his and history was expressed in his may fulfill dreams of establishing Environment Sciences and the N stood there for a good while, under the guidance of French love for them. Justice Banerjee ‘Bengal in Maps’ on which, the learning in its true glory. C Banerjee Institute of Intellectual but Professor Chatterjee neither Geographer, Emmanuel de recalls a student having shared then Prime Minister Jawaharlal The authors are Associate Professors Nehru congratulated him and Property Law, respectively. looked up nor moved. Much Martonne (who himself was such an experience. Once in the Geography Department, Calcutta As a young man, Justice Banerjee later, on hearing voices from the one of the founding fathers of before boarding a return flight enthusiastically set in motion, the University and Benaras Hindu University, was influenced by Professor next room he complained why geomorphology and one of from London, the Professor creation of the National Atlas of Varanasi, respectively.

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Youth from the Great Andamanese community all set to dance : Tsunami Relief Vanishing Camp, Port Blair Languages and Endangered Ecosystems Linguistic and biological diversity are inseparable and the strongest ecosystems are those which are most diverse as diversity contains the potential for adaptation. Uniformity can endanger a species since it is always accompanied by inflexibility and non adaptability. —Dr Anvita Abbi

Biocultural Diversity endemic languages and endemic higher vertebrate Scientists maintain that there is an inextricable species brings out the remarkable overlap between relationship between biological, cultural linguistic and biological diversity throughout the and linguistic diversities. It draws from world. It has been observed that social factors anthropological, ethnobiological, and linguistic combine with geographic and climatic factors in insights concerning the relationships of human determining higher and lower diversity. Moreover, language, knowledge, culture and practices there is an unavoidable overlap between location of with environment and nature. It has been threatened ecosystems and threatened languages. proved through the work of Luisa Maffi, titled ‘On Biocultural Diversity: Linking Language, Threatened Languages of India Knowledge and the Environment’ published in About 6,500 languages are spoken worldwide. 2001 by the The Smithsonian Institute Press, that Almost half of them are endangered. Every linguistic and biological diversity are inseparable fortnight a language dies. A quarter of these and the strongest ecosystems are those which are languages have fewer than 1,000 speakers, and most diverse. This is because diversity contains many of them are already moribund, no longer the potential for adaptation. Uniformity can learnt by children. India represents one of the endanger a species since it is always accompanied greatest linguistic diversities with six distinct by inflexibility and non adaptability as discussed in Tove Skutnabb-Kangas’s work tiled ‘Linguistic Genocide in Education – or Worldwide diversity The author (second from L) and Human Rights? Mahwah’ published in with Boa Senior (third from 2008 by Orient Blackswan. The interlinkages, L), the last speaker of a interdependencies, and interaction between language called Bo, died on linguistic, cultural and biological diversities January 26 in Port Blair. She have serious implications for the conservation of was around 85 years old. With her death, the language she spoke has become extinct. biocultural diversity. A global cross-mapping of

52 . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . 53 Members of Great Andamanese community 2005: As Andamanese communities have lived in isolation away Feasting on a turtle: The Great Andamanese community is extremely fond of hunting and eating turtles. Their from contact from outsiders till very recently, the languages of the community are also very old and relics of knowledge about nutritional aspects of the various parts of turtles helps them distribute specific portions to the language/s of the pre-Neolithic tribes of Southeast Asia. The population of Great Andamanese which was pregnant women, old and the young. Above is a visual of the jungles of Strait Island wherein the community estimated to be 5000 just 150 years ago has dwindled to mere 51 today. is breaking fast after the death of a Great Andamanese member with a turtle feast. language families — Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, attitude towards these subsumed languages. The there are those languages which have a small their environments, such as tribal societies. Each Austroasiatic, Tibeto-Burman, Angan (Onge- so called ‘assimilationist goal’ while laudable population base but nonetheless very significant language has unique lexical stock and unique Jarawa) and Great Andamanese. With more from the ‘national’ and administrative point of from the point of view of Indian history and significance. Hence language death signifies the than 1600 mother tongues in India there are 500 view, is a device to swallow the small fish — the heritage. These are one of the oldest languages closure of the link with its ancient heritage. tribal languages which are still spoken but are languages not included in the Eighth Schedule. of the world, and are spoken by less than 1000 threatened with extinction under the dominance This in turn has led to the loss of identities for speakers each, e.g. Parenga, Toda, Tukpa, Dhimal Language Contact of the Eighth Schedule languages and English. many languages and their speakers since language and languages spoken in the Andaman Islands India has always offered a fertile ground for The policy of listing a select few languages as is one of the biggest factors to define an identity of such as Jarawa (300), Onge (100) and Great language change in a very healthy multilingual scheduled and embracing a large number of an individual and community. Andamanese (05). It is these languages which are environment generated by language contact. The languages under the umbrella of one of the The Government does not even report those under serious threat of extinction as the population results have been seen in language convergence ‘scheduled’ languages has created an arbitrary languages which are spoken by less than 10000 base is depleting very fast and languages survive as and emergence of new languages, such as Sadari cleavage between major and minor languages. people, such as a large number of Tibeto-Burman long as the speakers live. and Halbi in Jharkhand and Chattisgarh, The reductionist policy of the Indian Government languages, e.g. Khamti, Dzonkha, Byangsi, Chakesang in the Northeast as well in number to enlist fewer and fewer languages in the census, Koireng, Singpho, Zyphe and many varieties of Endangered Knowledge Base of lingua franca in the Northeast and varieties e.g. 1652 mother tongues reported in 1961 were Naga languages and other small languages from Languages carry evidence of earlier environment, of communicative Hindi across the nation reduced to 122 languages in the census report Munda and Dravidian language families. Then habitat and practices which may or may not and more significantly, in the similarities of of 2001, has left a large number of communities be in the memory of the community. Loss of grammatical structures shared by languages of speaking unlisted languages as those belonging Fig.1 Hierarchical Status of Indian Languages and Varieties language thus, translates into loss of biodiversity four language families of mainland India, i.e. to minority communities (Fig 1). Ironically the 2001 and comprehension of the ancient world- excluding Andaman and Nicobar territories. census 2001 reports — ‘raw returns of mother knowledge. Cultural beliefs, values, knowledge, Contact brings in change and not death of a tongues has totalled 6,661, and this resulted in English and behaviour in relation to the environment are language unless the ethnolinguistic minority 1635 rationalised mother tongues and 1957 names Scheduled expressed in language. If intergenerational transfer status induces a negative attitude towards which were treated as unclassified and relegated Languages : 22 of heritage language is absent, the loss of language language loyalty. Communities, in such cases, are to other mother tongue category’. Obviously, the Dialects of Scheduled leads to loss of beliefs, values, and knowledge. happy to do mass linguistic hara-kiri. Absence of Languages : 94 Government does not equate ‘mother tongues’ Non Scheduled Removal of indigenous environmental base of institutionalised support to small languages robs with ‘languages’. Languages : 100 the various tribal societies force them to forget communities of their linguistic rights and forces The Eighth Schedule subsumes a large number Dialects of Non Scheduled their language as it no longer serves the purpose them to move on to the dominant language of the of languages under one rubric (under Hindi Languages : 140 of transferring indigenous knowledge. This may state. To arrest this, one has to provide dignity one finds 49 different languages including eight Languages not recognised be easily recognisable in indigenous, minority, or and honor as well as meaningful functionality to varieties of Rajasthani) generating a negative (less than 10000 speakers) A total of 357 local communities that maintain close ties with these languages.

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Early 1860s Year 2004 Fig. 2. Andamanese indigenous peoples Comparison of territorial distribution: Pre-establishment of British penal colony vs present-day population distribution

Great Andamanese is an independent sixth language family of India which had 10 different but mutually intelligible languages in its fold. They were vibrant languages in 1860. What remains today is a mixed variety of 4 Great Andamanese languages which were spoken in the North Andaman, such as Jero, Sare, Khora and Bo. The speakers of Khora and Bo languages, Boro and Boa Sr. respectively died recently within the span of three months leaving this world bereft of unique culture and distinct languages. Strait I. (Gt. Andamanese)

Great Andamanese (10 groups) Jarawa Jangil (extinct by 1920s) Sentinelese Onge Non-indigenous settlements

The Great Andamanese Languages for the first time in the ethno-biological history. According to geneticists the Andamanese tribes The most disturbing fact however is that not more in general represent one of the oldest tribes in the than 5 speakers remain of this language without world with a history that dates back to 70,000 any hope of its survival as intergeneration transfer years before present when the first migration of no longer exists. humans took place out of Africa. The population of Great Andamanese which was estimated to be Globalisation Effect 5000 just 150 years ago has dwindled to mere 51 Various manifestations of language are ecological today. The present Great Andamanese language and archeological signatures of the communities incorporates words and linguistic structures drawn that maintain close ties with their environment. from these four languages and fortunately has And when this environment is punctured by our been documented as extensively as possible in the senseless policies of either building roads through forms of trilingual pictorial interactive dictionary the jungle, or cleaning the forest for making (Great Andamanese-Hindi-English) with sound cities, or establishing power plants and multi star files, so that one can hear Boa Sr. or Boro hotels for city users we not only violate the land speaking a particular word from their languages, rights of the tribals but also displace them from descriptive grammar, folktales, narrations, folk their environment, and of their language. When songs, and video recordings of speech, discourse, Boa Sr. was migrated from Mayabandar, her and glimpses of their daily life in the Vanishing original habitat in the North Andaman she was Voices of the Great Andamanese (VOGA) project robbed of her base, her link to the ecological and undertaken by me (the project was supported linguistic environments. The time has come to by Hans Rausing Endangered Language Fund, sensitise the custodians of the tribals of the urgent SOAS, University of London 2005-2009). We need for sustaining endangered languages. And have completed ethno-linguistic-ornithological if we cannot in the last resort, revive the dying work listing and describing 57 species of birds, languages, we can at least document them so as mostly endemic, of the Andaman Islands. the world knows what we lost.

Local names of a variety of birds in the Great The author is Professor, Centre for Linguistics, Jawaharlal Nehru Andamanese language have been mapped by us University, New Delhi.

5 6 . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . 57 islands of india Islands underSiege The oceanic environment of the Andaman and hri Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of eliminated. Land submergence is an issue that Nicobar Islands endows them on one hand with needs proactive action. The adaptation measures unsurpassed beauty, and on the other exacerbates their Parliament, Lok Sabha, from the regarding agricultural practices, housing development and infrastructure upgradation fragility. The Islands also fall in the Zone V of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands need to be sorted out. Issues of security also earthquake hazard map adding to their vulnerability. S need deliberation and action. China is reportedly deliberated on the multifarious problems occupying the uninhabited Coco Island where —Staff Reporter they have constructed a state-of-the-art runway, of the Union Territory in the Delhi Round airport, helipad, jetty, barracks and more. Our Islands in fact are the safest havens for people Table Conclave on the 16th and 17th involved in illegal activities. Out of 572 islands only 36 are inhabited - the rest are dense jungle. March, 2010 (G’nY was the Knowledge Poachers from Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Bangladesh use these Islands to reap the Partner). The Conclave outlined future wealth from land and the surrounding seas. The wildlife, endemic species and precious timber are issues pertaining to the oceans and seas being looted before our eyes and we are unable to control them as we have no logistic support. around India and the science of climate With rising unemployment locals readily join hands with the poachers. We have to create job change. The recommendations of the opportunities as development is the key to stop this menace — and we urgently need schools, Conclave will be released in May 2010. playgrounds and hospitals. The policies regarding the primitive tribal groups living in Andaman and Nicobar Islands are archaic. The Jarawas are giving birth to children with mixed racial characteristics. They openly The Andaman and Nicobar islands are blessed engage in barter, speak Hindi, use the medical with adequate rain, vibrant tropical greenery, systems set up by the Government, eat mainland fertile productive soil and a biodiversity so rich food, and most importantly want to be part that we are yet to uncover it in totality. It is of the mainstream — get education and seek not the lack of resources but the lack of plans, employment. We need to understand what the targeted programmes and committed will that Jarawa wants rather than peremptorily imposing withhold the island’s development to bring it at our will upon them. Our primitive tribal groups par with island nations that surround it, say for are a repository of knowledge. Where science has example Singapore. With only 770 sq. km of failed, generations of know-how has helped them land (Andaman alone has 1500 sq. km of land to effortlessly survive the fury of the tsunami. area) the level of development that Singapore has Perhaps time has come to hold a serious discourse achieved is enviable. Today the per capita income on the holistic development potential of the difference between the Union Territory and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and not engage Singapore is more than 500 times. in piecemeal measures.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands too The above is an extract from the talk delivered on 16th March can achieve such levels if systemic faults are 2010 by the Hon’ble Member of Parliament.

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Port Blair’s only firm reminder of its gloomy past, the sturdy brick Cellular Jail overlooks the sea from a small rise in the northeast of town

arly one January morning we took off Wandoor, about 30 km to the south-west is from Kamaraj Airport in Chennai for a where the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Eshort vacation to the Andaman Islands. Park is located. It had been cloudy ever since we Located in the Bay of Bengal, this group of landed and the light mid morning drizzle gave a Islands lies 193 km away from Cape Negrais in freshly washed look to the countryside. Enroute Myanmar, 1255 km from Calcutta, and 1190 km we picked up wafers and cool drinks to last the from Chennai. The Nicobar Islands are located journey. Suresh, our driver was a ‘local’ and traced to the south of the Andamans, 121 km from the his ancestry to one of the tribes. He had been Little Andaman Island. Of the total 572 only 36 schooled and was now a Hindi speaker - only islands are inhabited. It is said that Marco Polo his elderly relatives could speak Andamanese, he was among the first from the West to set foot claimed. He showed us a 80 acre herbal garden on one of the islands; Kanhoji Angre, a Maratha in Sippyghat where many medicinal plants were admiral set up his base in Port Blair in the early being researched — Rauwolfa, Insulin Plant 18th century; and the British established a penal (Costus ingenus), Aloe vera, etc. colony even later. The Marine National Park was not operating Two and a half hours, and we were deposited the glass bottomed boats to ferry tourists to Jolly at Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar airport at 7 am. Buoy Island owing to a bureaucratic tussle over Nestled in a green upturned bowl of tropical issue of permits. In desperation, Suresh took us vegetation, the tiny airport and the runway to a beach 2 kilometres away, New Wandoor, rising out of the sea reminded us of a similar where private operators were ferrying tourists scene at Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Although to an exclusive beach, Mouaduga, to offer them the islands have a vibrant native population, the an unforgettable snorkelling experience, for Rs. present day residents of Port Blair are derived 500 per person. We savoured the freshly plucked largely from the mainland Bengali, Tamilian, king coconut water while the boatman got the Bihari and the Malayali stock. We were escorted outboard motor on his dugout ready and firing. The Andamans through undulating palm lined roads, with a We took our places in the boat and sped past A thriving, underwater world, white sands, dark multitude of shops selling local and imported cave like formations along the shore, to alight merchandise, to the Circuit House on Mahatma at a changing point among the mangroves and tropical forests and visions of the erstwhile kala Gandhi Road in a Omni taxi. On the way we the coconut palms. Into our swim wear, we pani made this vacation more than just memorable. caught a glimpse of the Phoenix Bay which gingerly held onto our snorkelling gear while is the port on call for ferry services to other we were led into the sea by a couple of ‘experts’. —Dr S Srinivasan islands. Following breakfast we took off in the Instantly two things hit me – one that even hired jeep to visit Wandoor. in January the water was warm and two we

6 0 . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou G e o g r a ph y a n d Y ou . M a rc h - A pr i l 2 010 . 61 earlier. The prisoners endured grim conditions in 34 cottages and suites offers buffet meals — but the dirty and ill-ventilated cells where drinking no room service except for bed tea. water was limited to two glasses per day and the By 3 pm we were on our way to the convicts were expected to wash in the rain as they Radhanagar, the Beach no. 7, which reportedly worked - clearing forests and building prison offered an unmatched view of the sunset against quarters. Food was stored in vats where the rice a backdrop of fine white sands, gentle blue seas and pulses became infested with worms; more and deep green wooded cliffs. But, to our dismay than half the prison population died long before the horizon was clouded and we were unable to their twenty years’ detention was up. Frequent watch the setting sun drown into the sea. The executions took place in full view of the cells, tented accommodation run by the Government, at the gallows that still stand in squat wooden located at the beach, was tepid in its appeal and We arrived at a private plantation where orange-yellow areca fruits were being harvested from tall trees. shelters in the courtyards. The sound and light the rooftop restaurant serving this camp had an The fruit was being split open by local women; and dried before being cut into various shapes and sizes. show outlines the history of the prison, and a unappetising fare. We wandered about a mile small museum by the entrance exhibits lists of inland to reach the Barefoot Resort with an array convicts, photographs and torture devices. The of interesting bamboo structures. Dinner was to needn’t be swimmers to be able to snorkel. The in unabashed pleasure about being privy to the cell occupied by Veer Savarkar bears his picture be served from 7 pm and we divided waiting apprehension I felt evaporated the moment I sensations of an amazing underwater world. in chains and a commemorative plaque. Part of time between the well stocked bar and the stuck the glasses to my face and dunked my head Suresh expertly manoeuvred the jeep onto the jail houses the present day Mahatma Gandhi tastefully arranged dining hall. The Italian chef under water. Very soon we had all mastered the the road to the plantations, showing us enroute Hospital; its Telemedicine Unit played a stellar made valiant attempts to win us over with an technique of breathing and began to take mental damage wreaked by the tsunami. The sea had role in reaching medical services when the array of superlative dishes as we leisurely dined notes of the underwater world of live corals and inundated houses and we could see tree stumps tsunami hit the Island. Darkness had descended in the company of a Bollywood celebrity. Rain multicoloured fish darting all around us. Our standing mid water. We arrived at a private as we returned to the Circuit House for much commenced as we arrived back at Dolphin. ‘guides’ identified for us finger-tip corals, brain plantation, the owners lived in Kolkata, where needed rest and refreshments. Tomorrow we By 5 next morning we were out in a glass- corals, brilliant blue star fish, sea anemone, and orange-yellow areca fruits were being harvested were to ferry to Havelock Island where rooms bottomed boat, to view the corals. With all a multitude of colourful fish cavorting through from thin, tall trees. The fruit was being split had been booked for us at the Government run the features of a clandestine operation (as the them. Their enthusiasm in sharing a world open by elderly women; and dried before being Dolphin Resort. government ban on these boats had not been known to them from childhood was contagious cut into various shapes and sizes. Cinnamon, Early next morning we left for Phoenix Bay lifted), we had to walk through the fish market to say the least and we noted that commercial, black pepper, cardamom, nutmeg and cloves after a rushed breakfast and waited a while at the to a small secluded alcove where a dozen of us exploitative interests had not taken over the were also grown, apart from rubber trees which holding area with a couple of hundred passengers boarded a dinghy fitted with an outboard motor. tourism industry in Andamans as yet. About were regularly tapped for latex and dried on flat prior to boarding the Makruuz, a modern The launch sped past the main jetty, along the an hour later we were transported back to New pans to be sent to factories in Kolkata for further catamaran with twin air-conditioned decks. mangrove-lined ‘sugar’ island on the far-side and Wandoor where we boarded our jeep, chatting processing. We picked up pouches of spices Costing nearly double, it is faster and immensely was anchored mid-sea. The floor was cleared to and reached Port Blair for lunch at Annapurna more comfortable than the conventional ferry. reveal the glass bottom as the boatmen pointed Restaurant which offers pure vegetarian fare. Looking out of the large windows, we sighted the out a variety of live corals, starfish and multi- Following lunch we went to the Cellular red and white light house (the one that is printed coloured tropical fish. Few of the passengers Jail past the clock tower. Port Blair’s only firm on the 20 Rupee note) as we glided out of the opted for a quick snorkel for an extra fee of Rs. reminder of its gloomy past, the sturdy brick harbour onto the open sea. Havelock Island is a 200. By then the all-pervading smell of kerosene Cellular Jail or Kala Pani overlooks the sea from large landmass situated North-East of Port Blair. combined with the heat of the blazing sun a small rise in the northeast of town. Seven wings In an hour, just as we downed the coffee from overhead rendered some of us sick and we were originally radiated from the central tower out of the lower deck cafeteria, we alighted at the dock. desperate to return. which only three remain, the rest being destroyed The Dolphin Resort situated on the Vijayanagar We ate lunch at Dolphin, snoozed and went by the Japanese and the vagaries of the weather. Beach (beach No. 5, as is customary here to for a leisurely swim in the evening. I spotted a Built over a period of 18 years at the start of the number the beaches), is run by the Government few herons and egrets perched on submerged tree 20th century by the British, its dingy solitary was value for money. We were given two cottages trunks and sand that extended for almost half a Rubber trees are tapped for latex and dried on flat pans cells were quite different and far worse than facing the sea — spacious and comfortable. The mile into the sea. We returned to our rooms and to be sent to factories in Kolkata for further processing the dormitories in other prison blocks erected dining hall located in the centre of the cluster of watched India winning the cricket match on TV.

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By late afternoon we were on our way to the Radhanagar, the beach no. 7, which offers an unmatched view of the sunset against a backdrop of fine sands, gentle blue seas and deep green wooded cliffs.

Morning started with the sun bouncing our path on several occasions and at places the out of sea well before 6 am. It was a magical ground was slushy owing to the frequent rain and moment to capture on film, the red ball of sun we would slither and slide. Nearly an hour later leaving the water’s edge. I spotted a gamut of we converged upon the mangroves and hopping birds - woodpecker, magpie robin, kingfisher, and leaping over aerial roots we whooped for parrots, cormorant, herons, egrets, coucal, tree joy when we found ourselves standing on the pie, swallows, cuckooshrike and the racket tailed Elephant Beach. Despite our little out of plan drongo amongst others. sojourn, we had enough time to have lunch, pack After a hurried breakfast we visited the our bags and be at the jetty in time for the ferry Govindnagar bazaar where we bought several back to Port Blair. artefacts both Indian and Indonesian in character It was dark by the time we landed and we were hewn out of coconut shells, corals, stones, sea delighted to see our old friend Suresh waiting for shells, etc. One such shop owned by Mr. Saha, us with the jeep. A quick wash at the Circuit a Bengali migrant with an Andamanese spouse, House and we were ready for a memorable dinner has an excellent collection, well worth a visit. with Brigadier Srinivas. Reached his house on By mid morning we were walking through Corbyn’s Cove cutting across the airport runway a patch of rain forest in the quest to reach the and were treated to sumptuous meal on the Elephant Beach, famous for its corals. We saw terrace, ‘fouji style’. Our unforgettable vacation, European tourists trekking through the jungle thanks to the generous Leave Travel Concession and followed them, picking up courage to Scheme for government employees was coming explore this route through the dense forest. The to an end. By early next morning we were at the canopied rain forests of the islands harbour 3,000 airport to board the flight for Chennai. There species of plants including mangroves, epiphytes are innumerable places on these emerald isles (130 ferns, 100 orchids), palms, woody climbers, which we were yet to see - Neil and Long Island, timbers (teak, mahogany, Andaman paduk) and Diglipur, Baratang, North Passage, islands in a wide variety of tropical fruits. Further down the the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, path, tall trees made it difficult for sunlight to etc., the list is long and endless! We will be back, penetrate to the forest floor. Here parasitic plants I silently promised as the Islands blurred in the and orchids thickly populated moist tree trunks. background. Chameleons and monitor lizards criss-crossed The author is a practicing paediatrician in Delhi.

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