Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 15: Mr. Prakash Adhikari, Adhyaksh, South Andaman Zilla Parishad, has expressed happiness and gratitude over the resumption of tourism-related water activities at Wandoor Beach, stating that the move will significantly benefit local youth, tourism, and the overall development of the region.
Addressing the media today, Mr. Adhikari said that Wandoor and Guptapara Panchayats fall under his jurisdiction as a Zilla Parishad Member, and he thanked the Administration, particularly the Director of Tourism, the Deputy Commissioner, the Chief Secretary, and PCCF, for their sustained efforts and repeated consultations on the matter. He noted that several meetings were held over the years, including discussions related to the newly framed Beach Policy, which is currently in the public domain for claims and objections and covers beaches across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Highlighting the importance of Wandoor Beach, Mr. Adhikari said it is one of the oldest beaches in the islands and serves as a key gateway to Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Islands from the Wandoor Jetty. He recalled that New Wandoor Beach was once a hub for swimming and water sports such as glass-bottom boat rides, which provided employment to many local and unemployed youths.
He said that following a tragic crocodile attack in the past, swimming activities were suspended in the interest of public safety. While expressing condolences and praying for peace for the departed soul, Mr. Adhikari stated that the closure severely impacted tourism and livelihoods in the area, depriving many local youths of their source of income. Despite efforts by the Panchayat to provide shops to villagers, business remained poor due to the absence of tourist activities.
Mr. Adhikari informed that the issue was consistently raised in District Planning Committee (DPC) meetings, starting from 2022, soon after his election, and again in 2025, as the matter remained unresolved. He also acknowledged the continuous support of PRI members, Panchayat representatives, ward members, and the local MP, who personally visited the beach and assured revival efforts.
Mr. Adhikari also raised the need for additional water activities such as banana rides and jet skis that do not require entering the water, as well as safety measures like barricading, fencing, and underwater netting to enable safe swimming zones in the future.
Turning to infrastructure needs, he highlighted the lack of adequate shelters at Wandoor Beach, especially during peak tourist days and adverse weather. He informed that the Transport Department has agreed in principle to construct a large passenger hall with seating capacity for over 200 people and has earmarked funds for the project. Land demarcation has been completed, and the proposal is awaiting NOC from the IP&T Department, after which construction will begin. Plans for a small children’s park near the Fish Landing Jetty have also been proposed, subject to necessary clearances.
Concluding his address, Mr. Adhikari reiterated his gratitude to the Administration and the Tourism Department on behalf of the Zilla Parishad, PRIs, and residents of the Wandoor region, expressing confidence that continued cooperation will accelerate development and restore livelihoods in the area.
