Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, May 5: A recent viral video posted by two tourists from Bengaluru has sparked controversy after it falsely claimed that swimming is entirely banned across all beaches in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The video, which urged viewers to avoid visiting Andaman and instead choose destinations like Goa or Bangkok, has drawn sharp criticism from local tourism stakeholders.
Mr. Saikat Biswas, Joint Secretary of the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), strongly condemned the video and termed it “misleading and damaging to the tourism image of these Islands.”
In an exclusive statement to Andaman Sheekha Daily, Mr. Biswas said, “There is absolutely no blanket ban on swimming in Andaman. The islands remain one of the safest and most attractive destinations for beach and water sports tourism in India. Such misinformation can severely harm the reputation and economy of our tourism industry.”
Mr. Biswas clarified that only a few beaches, such as Wandoor and Chidiya Tapu, have swimming restrictions due to ecological reasons — either because they fall within a Marine National Park or have witnessed occasional saltwater crocodile sightings.
“Saltwater crocodiles are a Schedule I species and protected under Indian wildlife law. The Forest Department is responsible for ensuring their habitat remains undisturbed. That said, there are numerous other beaches in Andaman that are fully safe, well-maintained, and open for swimming,” he added.
Mr. Biswas emphasized that beaches like Radhanagar Beach (a Blue Flag-certified beach), Corbyn’s Cove, Lalaji Bay, Elephant Beach, and Ram Nagar Beach offer secure and supervised swimming zones with lifeguards, rescue teams, and well-defined swimming areas.
Additionally, he highlighted that adventure activities like scuba diving, sea walking, and snorkeling are actively available at Havelock, Neil Island, North Andaman, and Long Island, among others.
Calling the viral claims of scams and fraud “baseless,” Mr. Biswas urged tourists to verify facts from authentic sources before forming opinions.
“We request all visitors to gather accurate information from the official Department of Tourism website, the Ministry of Tourism, or trusted local tour operators. AATO has over 130 registered members, all committed to responsible and transparent tourism practices,” he said.
Mr. Biswas concluded with an appeal to tourists, “Please be assured, Andaman is very safe, secure, and tourist-friendly. The Administration and Tourism Department have done significant work to improve the island experience, especially under the Modi Government. We wholeheartedly welcome tourists to explore our beautiful islands without fear or hesitation.”
