Influx of population in Andaman and Nicobar creating problems

Port Blair, Jan 25 (UNI) Influx of population in the remote areas of Andaman and Nicobar islands is causing a serious concern to the local people.

''We are demanding for an urgent solution of the problem, which has become a threat to us,'' G Raju, a prominent member of Local Born Association, told UNI.

The Local Born Association, a group for islanders, whose families have been living in these remote islands for more than five decades, are protesting against the influx.

Recently a delegation of the association had submitted a memorandum to the new Lt Governor of the islands requesting him to cap the increasing influx.

According to the 2001 census, the territory's total population was 3.56 lakh but the latest report says figure had reached to nearly 4.5 Lakh.

Though the Supreme Court had declared an inner line to check influx but nothing had been done in this regard by the local administration, Healthy Environment and Less Pollution, (HELP) secretary Subashish Ray said.

''The main problem due to the influx is shortage of land,'' said a local farmer.

The other problems include water crisis, excessive use of electricity, unemployement and increasing crime, Mr Ray said.

Various other organisations of the islands have also expressed their concern against the continuous influx.

UNI