MP Bishnu Pada Ray has written to PM Modi, raising concerns over gaps in environmental regulation and coastal governance in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, calling for an urgent shift in policy to address risks posed to fragile island ecosystems.
In his representation, the Member of Parliament pointed to what he described as a structural limitation in the current legal framework under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019. He argued that while these regulations focus on defining permissible zones for development, they do not sufficiently address the discharge of waste and effluents into the sea, which can have long-term ecological consequences.
The MP noted that in ecologically sensitive island regions such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the concept of a “safe zone” for development remains limited. He stated that even activities permitted under existing norms could result in irreversible environmental damage if post-development waste management and discharge systems are not effectively regulated.
The letter also raised concerns about administrative functioning in the Islands. Ray stated that governance has seen a widening disconnect over the past eight years, marked by reduced public engagement and a pattern of halting or avoiding statutory processes rather than strengthening them. He linked this trend to challenges in policy implementation and declining public confidence in administrative systems.
Highlighting citizen-level impacts, the MP said that regulatory complexity and compliance costs have created practical barriers for residents. He noted that excessive procedural requirements have made compliance difficult, leading to situations where bypassing rules becomes a functional alternative. He attributed this not to individual failure but to a mismatch between policy design and the ground realities of island life.
The communication also outlined key infrastructure concerns, including continued reliance on diesel-based power generation, gaps in sewage treatment capacity, and shortcomings in waste management systems. The MP further pointed to rising tourism pressure without corresponding expansion in infrastructure, indicating a growing strain on local resources.
Calling for reforms, Ray proposed a transition towards a performance-based coastal management framework that prioritises measurable environmental outcomes over zoning restrictions alone. His recommendations included universal sewer connectivity, the deployment of advanced sewage treatment systems, the development of marine outfall infrastructure, and the introduction of real-time monitoring mechanisms for effluent discharge.
He emphasised that responsibility for environmental protection should rest primarily with the government through the creation of robust infrastructure, rather than placing a disproportionate compliance burden on residents.
As part of broader policy suggestions, the MP proposed that rationalising airfares to improve connectivity could be linked with a nominal “Island Sustainability Fee” based on duration of stay. He suggested that such a mechanism could ensure that tourism contributes directly to infrastructure development without increasing the burden on local populations.
The MP has urged the Prime Minister to direct relevant ministries to undertake a comprehensive review of existing frameworks and implement an island-specific coastal management model. He also called for measures to restore administrative responsiveness and rebuild public trust in governance systems.
