Rs 2.5 b allocated to improve tourist facilities in the Andamams

The government is acting on a study conducted by the union territory administration, the United Nations Development Programme and the World Tourism Organisation to promote eco-friendly tourism in the archipelago of 572 islands, of which only about 36 were inhabited.

The plan considered sustainable development of air, water and surface transport systems and communication networks among the islands and to the mainland. More hotels, beach resorts and water sports facilities will be set up and more hydel power generated in the next three-four years, Gupta said.

Inadequate communication, insufficient seagoing vessels and air links with Calcutta and Madras had stunted tourism in the union territory, he said. So now the administration proposes to give top priority to expanding the Port Blair airport, spending Rs 500 million in constructing a longer runway and improving other facilities.

By 2000, Gupta said he expected many private airlines to operate to and from Port Blair on a regular basis. Currently, only Indian Airlines operate three Boeing 737 flights each from Calcutta and Madras every week with limited passengers because of the shorter runway.

Following liberalisation of the economy, demand from both foreign and Indian tourists to visit Andamans had increased, but poor communication was still a bottleneck, Gupta regretted.

The authorities had also ordered construction of 18 new vessels, including a ship seating 1200 and costing more than Rs 1.68 billion.

Both cheap and expensive hotels, beach resorts, guest houses and tourist lodges were envisaged. Camp sites at the more attractive resorts like those at Red Skin island, Havlock island, Ross island, Long Beach island and Neil islands. Hotel chains have been invited to set up hotels in Port Blair and the smaller resorts too. But so far, due to infrastructural problems, the response had been poor, Gupta regretted.

To protect the environment, the lieutenant governor said no permanent structure would be allowed within 200 metres of the high tide mark, with allowances being made for very small islands.

Tourists were increasing and compaired to 1994 when 50,000 tourists came in, last year 73,000 came, with this years target being 100,000.