Port Blair, May 20: The need for observation of safety norms, conservation of fragile marine eco-system, implementation and effective monitoring of provisions laid down for safe operation of various water sports and the need for capacity development of stakeholders were discussed at length in the half-day workshop organised by the Department of Tourism on ‘Regulation of Water Sports in A&N Islands’ today in the Conference Hall of Megapode Resort.
The workshop was attended by various tourism stakeholders in A&N Islands including representatives from related departments viz Shipping, Police, Sports, Fisheries, Revenue, Zoological Survey of India, ALHW and Marine Wing faculty from DBRAIT. Representatives of Tour Operators Association, Water Sports Operators, Andaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Boat Owners, Dive Industry professionals and entrepreneurs in Adventure Sports, participated in the workshop.
Shri Amit Anand (IFS) Director (Tourism) welcoming the participants presented an overview of existing guidelines for operation of various water sports activities and also mechanisms in force for the monitoring and regulation of water sports in the Island. He also shared the initiative taken by the department and areas of concern.
Smt Ankita Mishra Bundela (IAS), Secretary(Tourism) while soliciting suggestions for improving the existing system highlighted practices adopted by other coastal states like Maharashtra and Goa which can be incorporated for further strengthening the system particularly related to qualification of crew, demarcation of water areas, determination of carrying capacity of beaches, introduction of uniform computerised ticketing, introduction of single window clearance, passenger fee, and strict penalty regime. She called for more pro-active support from departments directly related to enforcement of various water sports like Shipping, PMB & Police.
Shri Sandip Jacques, Secretary (Law) in his address shared his experience about evolution of operation and regulation of water sports in Goa.
Dr. Susheeshna Babu, Nodal Officer, National Institute of Water Sports, Goa enlighted the stakeholders about the key strength and challenges in A&N Islands in promoting the sport that need to be effectively addressed.
Shri Arava Gopikrishna, Dy. Commissioner-North & Middle Andaman, Cpt. Rohit, Marine Wing Faculty from DBRAIT, Shri Aqueb Azeem, MEO, Dte. of Shipping Services, Shri P.T. Rajan, Sr. Zoological Asst., ZSI also shared their views and vision for promotion and effective regulation of water sports in the Islands.
