Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 16 July 2025
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has urged the Union Territory Administration to urgently provide essential amenities at the North Bay tourist destination, following his recent visit to the site on 8th July 2025.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, the MP highlighted the growing popularity of North Bay among both islanders and mainland tourists, particularly after the inauguration of the new shoreline road from Chunna Bhatta to North Bay on 30th April 2025. The scenic route, he noted, has boosted tourism potential and opened new livelihood opportunities for local youth and Self-Help Groups engaged in small businesses and tourism-linked services.
However, the MP said he observed several critical shortcomings that are adversely affecting the visitor experience and local economic activities. He raised four major concerns:
1. Lack of Drinking Water: The site has no access to safe drinking water or a water pipeline network, forcing tourists to purchase bottled water at inflated prices. The MP has urged the APWD to address the issue without delay.
2. No Electricity Supply: Absence of electricity and proper power infrastructure is making the area unusable in the evenings. Mr. Ray has requested the Electricity Department to initiate electrification work immediately.
3. Inadequate Public Transport: With no government-run transport service on the Bambooflat–North Bay route, tourists are reliant on private vehicles that often charge unreasonable fares. The MP has suggested that the State Transport Service (STS) introduce at least three daily trips at 9:30 AM, 12:00 Noon, and 6:00 PM to improve accessibility.
4. No Toilet Facilities: The absence of public toilets is leading to open defecation, a serious concern for a tourist hotspot. Mr. Ray has called on the Tourism Department to install at least three prefabricated toilet blocks each for men and women, to be operated on a “pay and use” model to ensure hygiene and upkeep.
The MP warned that failure to provide these basic services could damage the reputation of North Bay as a premier tourist destination in the Islands. Copies of the letter have been forwarded to the Chief Engineer (APWD), Superintending Engineer (Electricity), Director (Transport), and Director (Tourism) for immediate and coordinated action.
