Vikramaditya
Port Blair, July 25: Thousands of youths and other stake holders associated with Tourism Industry of Andaman and Nicobar Islands have lost their source of earning and are facing tremendous problems in managing daily bread for their family members.
Worst hit are the cab drivers, boat operators, cleaners, petty shop owners, workers of hotels and resorts, who are struggling even to pay their house rent.
Those who invested huge amount of money for Tourism Infrastructure are facing threat from banks and market while those used to earn daily from tourism are jobless.
As lockdowns are extended weeks after weeks, Islanders, who are connected with Tourism Industry are now demanding to reopen Tourism in Andaman, following all COVID-19 protocols.
Desperate Islanders are taking help of social media to raise their voice in this regard.
Recently the Secretary IP&T during a press meet said that it is not the right time to reopen tourism sector in Islands but this statement has left hundreds of people deeply upset, who were infact waiting for Administration to announce some relief for Tourism Industry.
“Atleast by this time the Administration should have spoken to all stakeholders to chalk-out a plan to reopen tourism in Andaman in a phase wise manner. Sadly it seems there is no plan for Tourism yet” said a Tour Operator who does not want his name to be quoted.
There are many who feel that if opening Tourism is not possible then the Administration must come out with a suitable relief package for the Tourism Industry of Andaman.
“Atleast low income groups connected with Tourism must be given ration kits and some cash to run their daily expenses,” said another Tour Operator.
The Lt. Governor of A & N Islands and Chief Secretary of A & N Administration have a bigger responsibility of saving islanders from COVID-19 and the third wave but saving thousands of Islanders from extreme poverty is also important.
Islanders hope that the Lt. Governor and Chief Secretary will look into this matter sympathetically and announce some measure to save the people associated with Tourism Industry of Andaman.
