Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 31 August 2023
Great Nicobar Island, the southernmost frontier of India, boasts an array of natural wonders, including the majestic Indira Point, yet it remains largely undiscovered by tourists. The recent revelation by Mr. Nityanand Rai, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, that tourists are allowed to visit Campbell Bay on Great Nicobar Island has shed light on the untapped potential of this hidden gem. Despite the government’s efforts to promote tourism on the island, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has yet to take substantial steps to showcase this unique destination to the world.
In August 2023, Mr. Nityanand Rai responded to inquiries from two Rajya Sabha MPs by confirming that tourists are indeed permitted to visit Campbell Bay. However, he also emphasised that the movement of people on Great Nicobar Island is subject to various laws and regulations, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956.
The Minister outlined several measures undertaken by the government to boost tourism in the region, including improvements in internet connectivity through submarine optical fibre cable installation, the introduction of helicopter services, and the incorporation of Great Nicobar Island into the Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) Scheme.
While Mr. Nityanand Rai’s response clarified the misconception surrounding the accessibility of Great Nicobar Island, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration appears to be lagging in promoting this picturesque destination. Surprisingly, the official website of Andaman Tourism lacks even a basic PDF brochure on Great Nicobar Island and offers no information on how to reach it.
Great Nicobar Island, with its crown jewel, Indira Point, has the potential to become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the country. However, it seems to be held back by legal restrictions that make little sense, as Indira Point remains largely unexplored.
While the families of senior administrative officers frequently visit Great Nicobar during the turtle nesting season, ordinary citizens are barred from accessing the main nesting site at Galathea Bay due to restrictions imposed by ANPAT, 1956. This paradoxical situation limits the island’s accessibility to the select few with connections to top bureaucrats.
The island’s lush natural surroundings also make it a paradise for birders, yet this unique appeal remains a well-guarded secret, available only to the privileged few. To unlock Great Nicobar’s full potential as a tourist destination, the bureaucracy of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands needs to take proactive measures and remove the barriers hindering its promotion.
Moreover, the region’s local economy is in need of revitalisation, and tourism could provide the much-needed boost. Partnering with the local population to create facilities for tourists would not only benefit the island’s economy but also provide new employment opportunities.
The designation of Tribal Reserve under ANPAT, 1956 for certain areas of Great Nicobar, including potential tourist destinations like Indira Point, seems counterproductive. Amending these designations could open up new possibilities for the island’s development and its inhabitants.
While the Government of India has ambitious plans for Great Nicobar, it is crucial for the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to act swiftly and wholeheartedly embrace the island’s potential as a tourist destination. By doing so, they can stimulate economic growth, enhance local livelihoods, and help this unique gem shine on the tourism map.