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Lt. Governor against permanent settlement in Andamans (EXCERPTS)
http://www.hindu.com/2004/11/26/stories/2004112601000900.htm The Hindu, 26th November 2004
"The Lt. Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Ram Kapse, has written to the Centre seeking a total ban on migration of people on the island in the "interest of the ecology and the local community''. "
"People can come and visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands but they should not be allowed to settle there, he said adding that this had been done following reports of experts who feel it was necessary to save any further damage to the fragile ecology of the islands and for the sustenance of the 3.56 lakh people there. "
"We are now trying to promote high-value agriculture, fisheries and eco-tourism. While the Cabinet has cleared high-value agriculture and fisheries schemes, clearance for eco-tourism will depend on the National Tourism Policy which is yet to be announced,'' he said. "
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COMMENTS:
Any parallels with Goa? Aren't the interest of the Goan "ecology and the local community" the same, to a wide extent? Sooner or later we will have to face this question which is seen as "uncomfortable" by many political correct people in Goa. Yet, fortunately, some are raising their voices. The question is if it is too late.
Fact is that Goa's ecological system, language and cultural uniqueness are fading away. What sense does it make to have a "state" of Goa when its primary foundation basis - language (and consequent cultural tradition and Goan people) disappear? This is a problem similar to that of many other smaller Indian states and also many other states in large federations.
What mechanisms and ideas to prevent Goa's ecological system from being destroyed and Goans from being reduced to a minority and tourist attraction in their own land?
Gov. Ram Kapse's idea is an interesting starting point for this.
regards, Constantino H Xavier
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