ATITHI ‘JHELO’ BHAVA? Comfort of Tourist; Last Priority in Andaman

DJ Venkatesh
Baratang, Apr 18: Baratang is the most sought tourist destination after Havelock Island, in this Union Territory. About 40 four wheelers and 300 tourists flockBaratang every day to visit Limes Stone Caves, Mud Volcano and also Parrot Island. But sadly there is no one to take care of the comfort of these tourists at Baratang Island.
The drivers park their vehicle at parking areas and take a nap inside Passenger hall of ALHW. They occupy most of the seats and thus they deprive tourists even a seat inside the passenger hall.
They occupy mostly all the three sides of the hall, leaving hardly any space for passengers. Tourists are forced to stand outside the hall or sit rotationally at the centre of the hall. Often even dogs occupy some seats inside the passenger hall.
One Water cooler has been placed for passengers but unfortunately neither chilled nor normal water comes out from the water cooler, most of the time.
Making mockery of system, one signboard has been erected as Baratang, which says ‘Litter free zone’ but garbage is seen everywhere at Baratang.
This is high time for the Tourism Department to ensure that tourists get good treatment and best facilities in Andaman, which is key for the growth of Tourism in any place.