Marine Interpretation Centre at Wandoor inaugurated
Port Blair, Apr 09: A Modern Marine Interpretation Centre has come up in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park at Wandoor. The Lt. Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) Bhopinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM today inaugurated the Centre by unveiling the plaque. The First Lady of these Islands, Smt Bhawanee Singh also graced the occasion.
The exhibits displayed in the form of three dimensional life size dioramas provide a glimpse into the unique natural heritage being conserved in this Marine National Park, which a normal visitor with limited time and resources is not normally able to see during a day time visit. The information provided in the accompanying colourful panels adds to the wealth and richness of the Interpretation Centre. The painstakingly made coral reef with all fine details in an interactive mode, a first one of its kind in the country, is perhaps the best feature of this unique facility.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt. Governor expressed his happiness about the interdepartmental coordination shown by various departments and harnessed the support and expertise of national level institutions like the CEE and efforts made by Andaman and Nicobar Environment team. The funding for the project was provided by the department of tourism. Lt. Governor stated that they have beautifully brought all the hidden natural wealth and rich marine and biodiversity of the islands not only to enrich the experience of a discerning visitor but also to our local resident particularly our children and students who will definitely get benefited from this facility. The interpretation facility which is now housed in a reconstructed timber building using our unique wood and local artisans is a fine example of local renewable natural resources in eco-friendly manner.
On this occasion, the Lt. Governor directed that in the newly constructed wooden auditorium building a documentary film about our marine and biodiversity system should be arranged for the visitors. He further directed that basic tourism amenities like sitting area, toilets, change rooms and lockers should be provided at all tourist spots in the islands. There should also be a provision for sufficient parking, drinking water and garbage bins. These facilities should be provided by using eco-friendly materials which are freely available in the islands on the pattern of initiative taken at Rangat. In addition souvenir shops should be set up by ANIIDCO which can sell T-shirts, caps, mugs, plates, key chains and other handicrafts made of local resources so that tourists can cherish the fond memories of the islands. Colourful pamphlets highlighting marine and biodiversity should also be prepared by forest department and distributed to the tourists at tourism spots.
In his address, the Member of Parliament, Mr. B. P. Ray described the construction of interpretation complex in wood as an excellent example of eco-friendly work. He said that there is a huge scope for development of eco-tourism projects, which will not only generate employment but will make the Islands the most sought after tourism destination of the world.
Earlier, the PCCF (Environment & Forest), Mr. D. V. Negi welcomed the chief guest and others while the DCF (Wildlife), Mr. Raj Kumar proposed the vote of thanks.
