Port Blair, Oct 03: The 4th Edition of the Tour of Andaman (ToA) concluded successfully on 30th September 2023, at Diglipur, marking a significant milestone in promoting eco-friendly tourism in the scenic Andaman & Nicobar Islands and highlighting the islands natural beauty and potential as an environmentally conscious tourist destination.
A group of 25 cyclists from across India, along with 10 local participants from the Islands, embarked on a 9-day cycling tour. The journey commenced with a grand flag-off ceremony at the historic Cellular Jail in Port Blair, led by Commander Coast Guard Andaman Nicobar, IG Mr. Bhisham Sharma. The route covered captivating locations, including Chidiyatapu, Mount Manipur, Shoal Bay, Jirkatang, Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, Ross & Smith Island, before concluding in Diglipur. This remarkable journey covered over 400 kilometres, traversing the islands of Andaman and putting participants’ endurance, determination, and mental fortitude to the test.
The events concluding segment was flagged off from the Indian Coast Guard Station (ICGS) Mayabunder on 28th September 2023, where cyclists joined hands with ICG personnel to pledge their support for the Special Swachhata Campaign 3.0. Their commitment was to carry the message of Swachh Bharat to the remote areas of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and environmental responsibility.
In tandem with this effort, a cleanup drive “Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar” was conducted at the Tourist Jetty, Aerial Bay in Diglipur on 29th September 2023, with active involvement from ToA cyclists, who worked hand in hand with the ICG personnel of District Headquarter 9 and made a meaningful contribution to nation-building.
The 4th Edition of the Tour of Andaman, organized by Team Parikrama with the invaluable support of the Tourism Department of the A & N Administration, the Hoteliers Association of A & N Islands, and logistic partner Transport Corporation of India (TCI), took place from 23rd September to 1st October, 2023.
Mr. Girish Arora, President of the Hoteliers Association A&N Islands, emphasized that this event signifies a crucial step in promoting sustainable and eco-friendly tourism for the years ahead. It is expected to diversify the kinds of tourism experiences available in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
