Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 14 December 2024
Shoal Bay-19 in the Mannarghat Range of South Andaman Forest Division now boasts a newly constructed Mangrove Walkway, inaugurated on December 13, 2024, by Mr. Sanjay Kumar Sinha, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The ceremony was attended by senior officers of the Forest Department, the Gram Pradhan, Samiti members, and other local PRI representatives.
The 450-meter-long and 1.2-meter-wide walkway links the Shoal Bay-19 Dinghy Ghat to the beach, providing visitors a seamless connection through the scenic mangrove landscape. Constructed entirely from timber and wooden posts, the walkway blends harmoniously with the environment, preserving the area’s green profile. Along the route, eco-huts crafted from natural materials such as thatching leaves, teak posts, rattans, and bamboo offer resting spots for visitors.
The project, undertaken by the South Andaman Forest Division under the Eco-Tourism Scheme, replaces the earlier cumbersome mode of dinghy transport used to access the beach. The new infrastructure is expected to enhance eco-tourism opportunities in the area, providing visitors with a more enjoyable experience while boosting commercial activities.
The development of Shoal Bay-19 is also seen as a significant step towards generating green employment for the local community. Members of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) lauded the Forest Department for their eco-friendly initiatives, emphasizing the positive impact on the region’s tourism and economic potential.
This eco-developmental effort underscores the commitment to sustainable tourism, offering visitors a chance to experience the untouched beauty of the Andaman Islands while fostering opportunities for local livelihoods.