Andaman Diaries - 2

 

 

Andaman Diaries -  2

Journey Through the Andaman Rain Forests

(My thanks are  due to  my  Ph.D Guide and Senior  colleague in GSI , Dr. J.R.Kayal professor emeritus, Kolkata, for    providing valuable insights  while writing this article .  This write up  is based on experiences of the GSI team at Andaman Islands, India)

One of the most memorable parts of our journey through the Andaman Islands was passing through the dense rain forests inhabited by the Jarawas, one of the region's oldest indigenous communities. Living primarily by hunting, fishing, and gathering forest produce, the Jarawas have maintained a way of life closely connected to nature for centuries.

Today, the Jarawas are no longer entirely unfamiliar with the outside world. The police officers stationed along the route knew many of them by name, reflecting the limited but ongoing contact between the community and the administration.

As our vehicle moved along the forest road, we spotted small groups of Jarawas standing quietly by the roadside. For security and conservation reasons, vehicles were not permitted to stop, and the Jarawas appeared largely indifferent to the passing traffic. However, one incident stood out. A young Jarawa boy approached a vehicle ahead of us, apparently hoping to receive some food. Nearby, a group of children watched the passing vehicles with curiosity, chatting among themselves and imitating words they had heard from travellers. It was a rare and fascinating glimpse into a culture very different from our own.

To protect the Jarawa community and preserve their traditional way of life, the government prohibits visitors from feeding or interacting with them. As we continued through the rain forest, we occasionally caught sight of more islanders among the trees, making the journey even more unforgettable.

Our route eventually brought us to the ferry crossing at Baratang, where vehicles and passengers were transported across narrow stretches of water separating the islands. After crossing two ferry points and traveling nearly 300 kilometers, we reached Diglipur, the northernmost town in the Andaman Islands.

From Diglipur, we continued to Mayabunder, a small coastal settlement where, with the assistance of local authorities, we installed our second seismograph. We spent the night at a PWD Rest House overlooking the sea. The peaceful surroundings, cool sea breeze, and panoramic ocean views provided a perfect ending to a long day of travel.

On 22 September, we began our return journey to Port Blair. As we retraced our route through the forests and islands, the images of the Jarawas, the lush rain forests, and the serene coastal landscapes remained etched in our memories, making this expedition one of the most remarkable experiences of our lives.

- Pankaj Mala Bhattacharya