Port Blair, Jan 23: Ross and Smith Islands are Eco-tourism sites in Wildlife Division, Mayabunder/Diglipur Forest Division. Ross Island is a Wildlife Sanctuary whereas Smith Island (excluding the revenue village Sagardweep) is a Reserved Forest. Fee for permit is collected by the Divisional Forest Officer (WL), Mayabunder for entering Ross Island Wildlife Sanctuary as per the provisions of the A&N Islands Wildlife (Protection) Rules, 2008. The boats which are permitted to take the tourists to Ross Island are also required to deposit an amount of Rs. 10,000/- annually under provision of Rule 18 (v) (d) of Andaman & Nicobar Islands Wildlife (Protection) Rules, 2008. Normally, applications are not received to obtain permit for entering Smith Island and the Department does not collect any fee for entry into the Reserved Forest.
There is a Sand-bar/beach, connecting the two islands and tourists after obtaining permit for entry in Ross Island visit the Sand-bar/beach connecting the two islands also. The Department does not impose any restriction on the tourists for entry to the aforesaid sandy beaches.
There is no unjustified fee collection by the Forest Department as reported in a section of media. Fee is collected only for entering the Ross Island Wildlife Sanctuary by the Divisional Forest Officer (WL) Mayabunder who is authorized for issuing permits for entry into Sanctuary/National Parks.
