Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Nov 07: Wandoor Beach, once a bustling hub for tourists and locals alike, is facing a significant decline in visitors due to the lack of proper toilet/ changing rooms facilities and adequate crocodile safety measures. The absence of a swimming-permissible zone, once safeguarded by a crocodile safety net that has since been dismantled, after a crocodile attack, has turned the beach into a no-go zone for beach lovers.
Despite the construction of a new toilet block and changing room initiated by the Tourism Department in collaboration with the Wandoor Panchayat , the project remains incomplete. With 90% of the construction done, the remaining tasks have been stalled for nearly half a year due to unspecified reasons, causing inconvenience for the few visitors who still venture to the area.
An existing toilet block behind the waiting shed, at the entrance of Wandoor beach, also remains underutilized, as many are unaware of its existence due to the main facilities being consistently closed.
The decline in visitors is stark compared to the times when Wandoor Beach was a favorite destination, teeming with life and contributing significantly to the local economy. The situation worsened following the prohibition of swimming and the subsequent closure of nearby popular spots such as Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Islands, leading to increased unemployment among the local populace.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha, the Pradhan of Wandoor area, Mr. Adhir Das revealed that the Panchayat and administration have been proactive in addressing the issue of crocodile safety. The Forest Department initially provided an exorbitant estimate of INR 37 crores for a durable crocodile safety net with a 50-year guarantee. After negotiations, the estimate was reduced to INR 12 crores. The revised proposal awaits administrative approval to re-establish a safe swimming environment, which is expected to revitalize tourism and boost employment.
The Pradhan said that he is hopeful that the pending work on the toilet block and changing room would be completed shortly. He emphasized the urgent need for action, urging APWD to issue the tender for the construction of the crocodile safety net to restore Wandoor Beach to its former glory and support the local community by providing much-needed jobs to hundreds of people.
