Port Blair, Feb 04: The Lt. Governor, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lt Gen (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM commissioned the eco tourism initiative at Aamkunj sea beach at a distance of 100 metres from ATR at Rangat. This beach is the main outing area and weekend recreation for the people of Rangat and adjoining areas. The beach area has been developed into five different sections like vehicle parking area, two eco huts, Casurina Grove, Jamun Grove and Pandanus Grove.
As majority of the visitors/tourists reach this sea beach by vehicle, the open space at the beginning of the beach has been allotted for parking of vehicles.
The Eco-huts as the name suggests are made using eco-friendly materials that are available in the forest. The roofing is done with the help of leaves locally known as silai pathi (Licuala peltata). The inner frame work of the roof is made up of ballies and posts available in the forest. The seating arrangement is made by using a species of cane locally known as Mota Beth (Calamus andamanicus). The matting of the side wall is done with the help of thin walled bamboo locally called as chatai bamboo (Gigantochloa andamanica).
The groves are named after the naturally available flora at the locality viz. Casurina tree (locally known as Jhav), Jamun tree (Syzygium samarangense) and Pandanus (locally known as Keora). The Grove is furnished with unique structures obtained from nature as detailed below.
The chairs are chiselled out from the huge logs of Khari Badam tree (Terminalia catappa) which got uprooted because of the impact of tsunami-2004. These logs which were lying on the seashore were dragged with the help of elephants and brought to the present location. These log chairs are maintenance free, durable and will last for decades to come. Teapoys placed here are the trunk portion of an uprooted Khari Badam tree, which has been obtained by cutting it in cross section.
Log stools are the upper portion of uprooted Khari Badam tree, which has been obtained by cutting it in cross section. An easy simple and unique way of furnishing areas which are frequented by people.
A swing for children has been set up with the help of a pair of Teak posts (Tectona grandis). The seat of the swing is made with the help of planks of superior hardwood species of Toungpeing (Atrocarpus chaplasa) and Titmin (Pondocarpus neriifolia).
Benches are provided around the tree trunk for the visitors to enjoy the nature. These benches are made up of the lateral cut pieces of logs which are generally left unused. While making these benches due care is taken to ensure that less/no damage is caused to the tree trunk.
The Dustbins provided are unique because of their nature. These are hollow Padauk logs (Pterocarpus dalbargioides) which have no economic value as such. A deciduous tree like Padauk develops hollowness when they are atleast few centuries old and when heartwood portion of the tree deteriorates.
Lt. Governor has commended Shri Viswha Kannan, Divisional Forest Officer posted at Rangat for this initiative which has used local products with the active involvement of PRI and local population. Lt. Governor has directed the PCCF to replicate these facilities at all the beaches within three months.
This will go a long way in sustainable development of the beaches and will provide eco friendly facilities to the local people as well as visiting domestic and foreign tourists.
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