Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 29 July 2025
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has issued a strong appeal to the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to take immediate steps towards reopening the Wandoor Sea Beach, which has remained closed for more than eight years following a crocodile attack in 2017.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of the A&N Administration and copied to the Hon’ble Union Home Minister Mr. Amit Shah, the MP criticised the prolonged closure of one of the Islands’ most scenic and popular tourist destinations. He highlighted the severe impact this has had on the livelihoods of residents, especially unemployed youth in and around the Wandoor Gram Panchayat of Ferrargunj Tehsil.
Mr. Ray stated that despite repeated assurances by the Administration that the closure would be temporary and that adequate safety measures would be put in place, no concrete action has been taken by the concerned departments — neither the Forest Department nor the Department of Tourism. No permanent infrastructure, such as crocodile monitoring systems, safety nets, or lifeguards, has been implemented to ensure visitor safety or allow for the controlled reopening of the beach.
Drawing a comparison, the MP pointed out that a similar crocodile-related incident in Swaraj Dweep in 2020 was swiftly addressed with safety measures, allowing tourism to continue without long-term disruption. However, Wandoor Beach has seen no such urgency or seriousness despite persistent appeals from local panchayats, PRI members, and unemployed youth.
In his communication, Mr. Ray made the following key demands:
- A thorough and immediate reassessment of the current status of Wandoor Beach in consultation with the Forest, Tourism Departments, and local stakeholders.
2. Installation of robust safety infrastructure including crocodile surveillance, safety nets, trained lifeguards, warning signage, and emergency protocols.
3. Swift reopening of the beach for regulated tourism and swimming activities.
The MP stressed that reopening Wandoor Sea Beach is not merely a tourism issue but a matter of economic survival for hundreds of local families who have been pushed into financial distress due to prolonged inaction.
