Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr 28: With deep concern for the longstanding hardships faced by the tsunami-affected families in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, A&N Islands, has submitted written request letter to the Lt. Governor, A&N Islands, seeking intervention to issue tenancy rights to the allottees of permanent tsunami shelters. A copy of the request has also been endorsed to the Prime Minister of India and the Hon’ble Union Home Minister for their kind perusal and necessary support.
In his letter Mr. Ray has stated that the permanent tsunami shelters, constructed between 2006 and 2009 across various locations such as Campbell Bay, Little Andaman, Sippighat, Terelabad, Burmanallah, Calicut, Chouldhari, Nayashahar, Bambooflat and others, were allotted to the affected families who had suffered immense loss of life and property during the 2004 Tsunami. These shelters were built through a collaborative effort involving NGOs and government agencies.
While the families were allotted shelters through formal allotment orders and have independently managed utility services like water and electricity for the past 16 years, they have not received any financial assistance for repairs or maintenance. As a result, most of these shelters are now in a dilapidated state, with extensive damage to roofs, ceilings and structures
Adding to their distress is the absence of any written legal title or tenancy rights over the land under their occupation (approximately 200 sq. meters per household). This lack of formal tenure has deprived them of the opportunity to access bank loans, avail benefits under various government housing schemes, or undertake repairs and renovations independently
In his communication, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray has requested that tenancy rights, by way of issuing licences over the occupied lands, be granted to these families under the relevant provisions of the A&N Islands Land Revenue and Land Reforms Regulation, 1966 and the associated rules. Granting such rights would empower the affected families to maintain and reconstruct their homes according to their requirements, access financial and government support systems, and improve their quality of life.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray has expressed hope that the Lt. Governor will consider the genuine plight of these families and take swift action to grant them the legal protection and dignity they deserve.
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