The government of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has announced a new strategy to study and manage the ecological impact of rising tourism as visitor numbers increase in the archipelago. Officials said the move aims to balance tourism growth with environmental protection.
The Islands, known for their white-sand beaches, rich biodiversity and clear waters, saw a busy tourist season last year, welcoming 7.2 lakh visitors, and numbers continue to grow this year. With limited air access and strict environmental oversight, authorities say they are monitoring key locations before opening more islands to tourism.
Tourism Secretary Jyoti Kumari said the government is assessing the impact of expanded access to lesser-visited islands. So far, 21 islands have been opened for tourism in a planned, step-by-step manner, and the ecological effects are being closely reviewed before any further openings.
Officials also highlighted efforts to diversify tourism offerings beyond beaches and water sports. Birdwatching and astro-tourism initiatives are being promoted to attract nature lovers, while local youth are being trained as guides and tourism professionals. The government has launched an astro-tourism policy and is identifying sites with minimal light pollution for stargazing.
The emphasis on sustainability and environmental evaluation is a reflection of larger regional trends, as both domestic and foreign tourists are increasingly drawn to eco-friendly travel destinations including nature resorts and specialized activities like birdwatching.
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