Serendipity : Musings of an Islander

The recent revision of convoy timings for travel between J irkatang - M iddle S trait and vice versa through which the number of convoys had been cut short to half of what it exists at present (ie., the existing 8 convoys stands reduced to 4 ) is going to create more problems than any good. Let us first take a comparative look at the revised as well as the existing timings. It appears that the existing 630 am, 7 am and 730 am convoy from J irkatang practically stands merged. Hence a large number of intending vehicles would make it to the first convoy. Which means the first convoy is expected to have around 8-10 buses, 60-70 passenger car and 15 - 20 goods vehicle which when lined up one behind the other, would reach a kilometer in length! Further the revised convoy intends to do away with the existing separate convoy for passenger and goods vehicles. This means the first convoy from J irkatang of around 100 vehicles comprising of bus, cars, tourist cabs, goods vehicles etc, whil...

Vast separation of the A ndaman and N icobar group of islands from mainland India by sea, its unique biological wealth, strategic location and the fact that these islands are home for six Primitive Aboriginal Tribes, instilled awe from all quarters of the world. The islands ecosystem is unique, fragile, biodiversity is rich and endemism is high, hence utilization of the islands natural resources are restricted by various regulatory mechanisms. Owing to limited resources, environmental constraints and obvious compulsions, the islands are depending on mainland India for almost anything to everything from essential commodities such as food, clothing and shelter material to health care facilities and services. Large ships facilitate movement of these essential commodities between mainland and P ort B lair ports. Once the bulk cargo meant for the entire population of A&N I sland lands at Port Blair, small to medium capacity boats ferry these essential commodities by sea rout...