DJ Venkatesh
Diglipur, Jan 11: Six years ago three youths of Diglipur Island had put in all efforts to bring Diglipur in the list of most preferred tourist destination in these Islands, country and the world.
They had also put up a stall at ITF-2012, participated in IITF- 2012, installed huge flex banners worth lakhs in various places of these Islands in which one still shines at the administrative building at Diglipur. The group had also distributed pamphlets etc all at their own expenses.
DARTED (Diglipur Association for Rural Tourism & Ecoligical Development), team consisting of Alex Raja, General Secretary, D J Venkatesh, Vice President, Bibhas Kumar Biswas, Jt. Secretary are now deeply disheartened and disappointed seeing development in the name of the Tourism in North and Middle Andaman.
“During the campaign the Administration had promised DARTED to take various initiatives for the development of the tourist spots of Diglipur and help in employment generation in tourism but this is sad to see that although these youths have succeeded in highlighting the tourist spots of Diglipur in world map but the administration and the Tourism department completely failed in this matter, more over the administration is providing rooms to the tourists and other visitors at very cheap rates which discourages new hotel planners,” alleged Mr. Alex of DARTED.
For the better development of tourism a better connectivity is required. The thrice a week boat service which was seen six years ago has now reduced to one that too with no guarantee.
ATR condition is well known to everyone and at present no tourist wants to proceed ahead after Baratang Island. Adding to the pain, the Sea Plane services was withdrawn long back.
DARTED allege that not a single basic facility for tourists like drinking water, toilets sign boards was placed anywhere in Diglipur which were promised earlier. The HDPE floating platforms at Aerial Bay and Ross & Smith Island which was sanctioned one year ago is yet to come.
Three Lt Governors, 3 PCCFs, 4 Deputy Commissioners were transferred during this period and moreover the present Director himself is an IFS officer but the tourism employment seems a distant dream to the Diglipur.
To promote tourism activities in a Fast-track and Planned manner tourism extension offices should be opened in all potential tourism’ destinations like Diglipur, Mayabunder, Rangat, Havelock, Neil Island, Hutbay, Long Island etc.
Just running a small guest houses in these Islands by the administration with lower level staffs like receptionists, house keeping staffs, Assistant managers won’t yield results, DARTED claimed.
Although the administration promising wider roads, bridges, better internet connectivity which may fulfill after 3-4 years but the potential of employment generation and better life seems to be still a distance dream for the people of North and Middle Andaman.
