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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Van Dhan Vikas Kendra set up for Onge tribe in Little Andaman to promote self-sustainability
Port Blair, The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration has set up a Van Dhan Vikas Kendra for the Onge tribe at Dugong Creek under Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan to make them self-sustainable through coconut-based products. Van Dhan Vikas Kendra set up for Onge tribe in Little Andaman to promote self-sustainability Located in Little Andaman, Dugong Creek — about 93 km from Port Blair — is a reserved area for the Onge tribe and is currently home to only 140 people, including 74 males and 66 females. Speaking to PTI here on Wednesday, Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar said the VDVK initiative builds upon the traditional practices of the Onge community, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group. "As a part of their tradition, the Onge tribe has been making coconut-based products for years in their reserved forest areas. We just gave a value addition to their product, including virgin coconut oil , and helped them in creating a market through VDVK," Kumar said. "We are paying special attention to maintaining the integrity and purity of their products in their habitat. It's a learning process for us also, but I am happy to share that Onge tribe wholeheartedly welcomed our small steps towards their welfare. We are also in the process of making a short documentary of this initiative," Kumar said. The VDVK is registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. "The VDVK is poised to revolutionise livelihoods through sustainable enterprise and economic empowerment of the Onge," a senior tribal welfare department official said. Initially, 56 members of the Onge tribe will be part of VDVK, focusing on producing value-added coconut-based products, including high-quality copra and cold-pressed coconut oil. To empower the community, Onge VDVK members have received extensive training in copra processing, coconut oil extraction, and the use of specialised machinery. "Essential toolkits, including coconut peelers, steel containers, manual de-husking tools, and knives, have been provided. A state-of-the-art cold-press coconut oil extraction and filter machine have also been installed at Dugong Creek, enabling premium-quality production," a senior administrative official said. The Directorate of Tribal Welfare serves as the nodal agency, with Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti as the State Implementation Agency and Directorate of Rural Development as the training partner, ensuring comprehensive support for this transformative initiative, he said. In another historic achievement, nine students from the Onge community passed this year's CBSE class 10 examination for the first time. "This milestone reflects the unwavering commitment and dedication of the Onge students and the UT Administration for the welfare, safety, and well-being of the tribes of these islands," the official said. SN MNB This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
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Business Standard
26-06-2025
- Business Standard
Andamans to expand Blue Flag beaches to boost eco-tourism: Chief secy
To boost beach tourism, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration is planning to expand Blue Flag certifications beyond the already accredited Radhanagar Beach at Swaraj Dweep, popularly known as Havelock, a top official said. Talking to PTI, Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar said, "Five additional beaches have recently been evaluated, aiming to draw more environmentally conscious visitors. We hope to get five more Blue Flag-certified beaches in the islands." Blue Flag is an international eco-label awarded to beaches that meet high criteria for safety, cleanliness, environmental sustainability, and accessibility. In India, there are 12 such beaches, and the recognition is given by a Denmark-based non-profit organisation known as the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Kumar added, "We are getting a good tourist footfall. Infrastructure upgrades are also progressing, with a new modern 500-passenger terminal jetty at Swaraj Dweep nearing completion." "With a strong foundation already laid and ambitious plans in motion, the archipelago is fast emerging as one of India's most promising and diversified tourist destinations," he said. The administration is placing increased emphasis on cultural tourism, he said, adding, "Signature events like the Island Tourism Festival in December continue to attract visitors, while new additions such as the Coconut Festival and a Book Fair organised in collaboration with the National Book Trust are broadening the region's cultural appeal." "We want tourists to experience not just our scenic beauty and history, but also our rich cuisine, traditions and cultural diversity," the Chief Secretary added. On the new airport at Diglipur in North Andaman, Kumar said, "We aim to operate it for tourists by the next season. This enhanced connectivity will also help open access to Great Nicobar, the southernmost part of the territory in the future." In terms of sustainability, the administration is pushing for cleanliness and environmental stewardship. "Under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, solid waste collection is being managed in collaboration with local panchayats. A complete ban on small plastic bottles (below 2 litres) has also been implemented. A massive marine clean-up drive, led by the forest department, has already collected over 50,000 kg of marine plastic waste," he said. On the energy front, the administration is shifting toward clean power solutions. "A 50 MW LNG plant is currently under development, led by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). A grid-based energy link between South and North Andaman is also in the pipeline, being executed in collaboration with the Power Grid Corporation. The project is expected to be completed within two years," he said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Business Standard
20-06-2025
- Business Standard
Andaman to get 5-star resorts, yacht marina in tourism overhaul: Chief secy
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar has said that a comprehensive roadmap has been prepared to transform the archipelago into a world-class tourism destination. Talking to PTI, Kumar said the ambitious plan focuses on infrastructure development, heritage promotion, eco-tourism, and sustainable growth. Emphasising the strategic importance and unique appeal of the islands, he added, "The Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, comprising 836 islands, is a rare blend of natural beauty, historical depth, and adventure tourism. We aim to elevate it to international tourism standards." Kumar said that under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, approvals have been given for the construction of four five-star resorts on select islands, marking a key step towards premium tourism infrastructure. Additionally, a dedicated yacht marina is in the pipeline, with an Expression of Interest (EoI) already floated. "The marina will be instrumental in attracting cruise tourism and private yachts, enhancing the Islands' profile as a luxury destination," Kumar added. On the heritage front, Kumar said efforts are underway to obtain UNESCO World Heritage Site status for the Cellular Jail, which is already on the tentative list. "We want visitors to truly connect with the legacy of India's freedom struggle," he added. To deepen this experience, a tourism circuit is being developed connecting the Cellular Jail, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island and Viper Island. The circuit will offer light and sound shows, guided tours, and immersive experiences to connect with India's freedom struggle, he added. Recognising the island's vast coastal potential, accounting for over 25 per cent of India's coastline, the administration is promoting water sports and eco-adventures. Activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, and game fishing are being expanded with strict safety regulations and professional operators, he said. The Chief Secretary also unveiled plans for astro-tourism, leveraging the region's unpolluted skies. "Tourism is no longer confined to Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep. New destinations like Baratang Island, known for its mud volcanoes and limestone caves, are gaining popularity," he said. The Chief Secretary said skill development programmes are being implemented for local youth to promote employment in tourism, hospitality, fisheries, and support services. According to the tourism department, the Islands witnessed a significant rise in tourist footfall over the past three years. In 2022, the archipelago recorded 2,35,061 domestic and 4,461 foreign tourists. In 2023, the numbers rose to 3,23,619 domestic and 9,025 foreign travellers. The upward trend continued in 2024, with 7,10,397 domestic and 11,497 foreign tourists visiting the islands. Tour and travel operators anticipate a further surge of over 25 per cent in tourist arrivals in the current year (2025), buoyed by new infrastructure developments and targeted promotion campaigns. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hindustan Times
20-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Andaman to get five-star resorts, yacht marina in tourism overhaul: Chief secy
Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar has said that a comprehensive roadmap has been prepared to transform the archipelago into a world-class tourism destination. Talking to PTI, Kumar said the ambitious plan focuses on infrastructure development, heritage promotion, eco-tourism, and sustainable growth. Emphasising the strategic importance and unique appeal of the islands, he added, "The Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, comprising 836 islands, is a rare blend of natural beauty, historical depth, and adventure tourism. We aim to elevate it to international tourism standards." Kumar said that under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, approvals have been given for the construction of four five-star resorts on select islands, marking a key step towards premium tourism infrastructure. Additionally, a dedicated yacht marina is in the pipeline, with an Expression of Interest already floated. "The marina will be instrumental in attracting cruise tourism and private yachts, enhancing the Islands' profile as a luxury destination," Kumar added. On the heritage front, Kumar said efforts are underway to obtain UNESCO World Heritage Site status for the Cellular Jail, which is already on the tentative list. "We want visitors to truly connect with the legacy of India's freedom struggle," he added. To deepen this experience, a tourism circuit is being developed connecting the Cellular Jail, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island and Viper Island. The circuit will offer light and sound shows, guided tours, and immersive experiences to connect with India's freedom struggle, he added. Recognising the island's vast coastal potential, accounting for over 25 per cent of India's coastline, the administration is promoting water sports and eco-adventures. Activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, and game fishing are being expanded with strict safety regulations and professional operators, he said. The Chief Secretary also unveiled plans for astro-tourism, leveraging the region's unpolluted skies. "Tourism is no longer confined to Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep. New destinations like Baratang Island, known for its mud volcanoes and limestone caves, are gaining popularity," he said. The Chief Secretary said skill development programmes are being implemented for local youth to promote employment in tourism, hospitality, fisheries, and support services. According to the tourism department, the Islands witnessed a significant rise in tourist footfall over the past three years. In 2022, the archipelago recorded 2,35,061 domestic and 4,461 foreign tourists. In 2023, the numbers rose to 3,23,619 domestic and 9,025 foreign travellers. The upward trend continued in 2024, with 7,10,397 domestic and 11,497 foreign tourists visiting the islands. Tour and travel operators anticipate a further surge of over 25 per cent in tourist arrivals in the current year , buoyed by new infrastructure developments and targeted promotion campaigns.
