Member of Parliament Requests DG, MMD, DG Shipping to Consider Expansion of Inland Vessel Operations for Sustainable Tourism in Andaman Islands

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Port Blair, July 20: The Member of Parliament, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Director General, Marine Mercantile Department, DG Shipping, Mumbai to consider permitting Inland Vessels to operate in a few more islands to promote Sustainable Tourism in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

In a letter addressed to the DG, MMD, DG Shipping, the Member of Parliament said that Tourism has emerged as the primary source of employment for thousands of Islanders and Tourist Boat Operators of Andaman & Nicobar Islands are one of the leading contributors to employment generation, especially when considering the allied services.

He mentioned that the area declared under the Andaman Nicobar IV limit is limited, restricts the scope for further growth.

Expressing his appreciation for DG Shipping's regulation F.NO.NT (2)/2004-Pt-III dated 03.01.2018, the Plying of Inland Vessels (I.V) Act, for short distances outside the I.V. declared area of A&N Islands, he said that this regulation has been instrumental in preserving the natural ecosystem of Jolly Boy / Red Skin Island, which are alternately opened for six months each. This approach ensures that the Island's ecosystem is maintained while allowing tourists to experience the best of Andaman.

In this context, he requested the DG, MMD, DG Shipping to consider permitting Inland Vessels to operate in a few more islands as per the D.G. Shipping Circular No.1 of 2015, dated 05.11.2015, F.NO.5-NT(1)2003-II, Subject – Inshore Operational Limits for vessels registered under the IV Act.

The MP proposed the following routes:

1) Chidya Tapu / Wandoor to Cinque Island / Tarmugli Island / Jolly Boy & Red Skin Island in the Wandoor Marine National Park.

2) Havelock jetty to Inglish Island / Wilson Island / Henry Lawrence Island / Havelock jetty to John Lawrence Island / Jonny & Dickson Island around RITCHIE'S ARCHIPELAGO.

The Member of Parliament added that these additions will not only ease the pressure on the existing tourist hotspots but also create new opportunities for exploration and enjoyment, thus promoting sustainable tourism in the region.

He pointed out that the new world class Airport Terminal Building of VSI Airport Port Blair was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on 18 July 2023 after which the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are expecting a considerable rise in the number of tourists visiting the Islands. Hence it will be a wise decision to add a new Tourists Destination by permitting Inland Vessels to operate in a few more islands, added the MP.