Sri Vijaya Puram | January 12, 2026
by Tarun Karthick
The Andaman Nicobar Tour Operators Association (ANTOA) has urged the District Administration, North and Middle Andaman, to take immediate steps for the construction of new, properly maintained toilet blocks at the Baratang Jetty and Limestone Cave area, citing serious inconvenience to tourists and local residents.
In a representation submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, North and Middle Andaman, ANTOA President Mr. Simson highlighted that Baratang, particularly the Limestone Cave, attracts more than 1,500 tourists daily. Despite the heavy tourist footfall, the area is currently served by only one toilet facility, which is in a dilapidated and unhygienic condition.
According to the association, the existing toilet lacks basic amenities such as adequate water supply and handwash facilities and is poorly maintained, rendering it largely unusable. ANTOA stated that this has resulted in frequent complaints from both domestic and high-end tourists, adversely impacting visitor experience and the image of Andaman tourism.
Emphasising that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are being developed as a world-class tourist destination, the association pointed out that availability of clean and functional public convenience facilities is a basic requirement. The absence of such infrastructure at a major tourist hub like Baratang, it said, undermines tourism promotion efforts and causes hardship to local residents as well.
ANTOA has requested the administration to consider the immediate construction of new toilet blocks at the Baratang Jetty and Limestone Cave area to cater to the needs of tourists and the local population and to support sustainable tourism growth in the region.
The association expressed hope that the administration would accord due priority to the issue and take early action in the larger public interest.
