ZP – Technology & Outdoors

Andaman is a destination gaining international repute today. With pristine waters, numerous islands, historic monuments and spectacular coral reefs, it is the place to visit. A year ago this was truer than today. Andaman is on the verge of becoming a world class destination, a landmark in India’s tourism portfolio. However something sad has occurred in the last one year. This article is to let you in on what transpired here, from the perspective of an Andaman based bread earner/owner.

Counterproductive tourism policies have been passed by the local administration between March 2017 and now, but before I dwell further, understand the money. These islands and its residents make their living with incoming tourists, bringing direct or indirect revenue to resorts, hotels, water sports (prominently scuba) and many other activities, industries. There is no alternate resource that can support the existing population, as well as the rising number of new settlers.

Tourism is the bread & butter here. Having seen these islands grow since 2012, I am burdened with the responsibility of highlighting some truths. The administration here (supervised by the Honorable Lieutenant Governor’s office as per union territory rules) in a shocking blow to tourism shut down all diving, alcohol shops, permits, as well as boat license renewals in the first quarter of 2017. An Island can offer only so many choices and happiness factors. Water sports, comfortable stay, access to the pristine ocean via boats, sightseeing of historical locations and pleasant consumption of legal alcohol are basic ingredients of a good vacation, for most. Lakhs of tourists have done this for decades now. For years the tourist numbers have been rising, bookings for months ahead have been growing. It has been a prosperous business environment, for Andaman Islands, so far.

Despite better awareness of these facts, the administration brought an abrupt stop to the tourism machinery here. For however good a motive, the impromptu decision was a disaster for locals, owners and tourists; who have booked experiences months in advance. For whatever intention (unknown to masses till date), there had to be a mandatory buffer for such drastic policy changes. Everyone who lives or works here fails to understand till date as to how the bureaucracy could be so unreasonable and drastic. What has followed is worse; boats on these islands remain in the grey due to a conflict within the administration, as to which department will license them hereon. For decades the fisheries department had been renewing licenses. But suddenly there is a clash. It has taken the administration nearly a year to settle internal differences and provide a solution. Which remains vague and accessible often only to the big operators.

The case of alcohol ban is another shocker. A thoughtless move, lobbied for by an incorrect use of political power. It doesn’t take an expert to realise that beach locations across the world have required alcohol licenses to reach their full potential, as a vibrant and happening destination.  Yes, few sporadic licenses have been issued over the past year, but there is still no official wine shop on Havelock or on many other islands. A few officially operate in Port Blair. As you may predict, this has encouraged hoarding and illegal supply of the same within these islands.

Bringing the tourism industry to a standstill, in this manner was uncalled for. It has affected crores in revenue that was being generated by various businesses. Taxes from which were feeding the very administration and the government at the center. In essence it has been a loss for the entire nation. I am writing this article from Havelock Island, amidst tourists and owners who are suffering. The question on everyone’s mind; why let such a beautiful destination, with abundant tourism potential, take an uncalled for hit? Ironically from the very departments that are meant to ensure stability and growth.

While the motive behind all this remains beyond me. I urge the administration at the top tier to see sense. There needs to be a detailed analysis for such areas, with geographical limitations and limited revenue sources. Especially before such horrendous policies are put into action. It is the prerogative of the administration to analyse loop holes and provide tangible facts for such a disastrous season. Overall the business environment on the islands is surviving but not growing. Repeat customers, in thousands, have decided to forgo the Andaman Islands last season. If immediate action is not taken to rectify the situation, we may lose these islands, as well as the giant tourism potential they hold for India.

A functional, reasonable format of administration needs to be restored immediately. There is still a looming cloud on licenses and permits for these basic ingredients of good tourism. This is not a situation that Andaman deserves. This is not an ideal scenario for a destination or its residents to thrive. I hope sense prevails. A new LG is in the office now, and hope awaits a positive environment in Andaman.