Did you think of the Andaman islands as just a simple tourist destination. The turn of events in the recent past show that the islands are changing. There is a lot happening under the surface – literally and figuratively. In as less as a decade, we will see history unravel islands that are better that what we have imagined.
For several decades, governments have debated the costs and benefits of developing the islands. These debates have been conducted in the light of environmental concerns and the need to protect local indigenous tribes. Eventually, the need to leverage the strategic advantage of the islands outweighed the risks. And here we are in a time seeing the future being built. Haven’t had the chance to see these? Here’s a quick view
- Submarine fibre optic cable between Chennai and Port Blair
People debate this as a boon or a bane. The tourists visiting islands have treasured their isolation as a way to forcibly cut off from the social media and messaging glare and enjoy the natural peace and beauty. But that can’t be a reason to stop development that is tied to economic progress. The fibre optic cables are bound to increase the speed of communication and along with increased connectivity
- Sustainable development of the islands
The NITI Aayog is busy planning the sustainable development of five islands – Smith, Ross, Aves, Long and Little Andaman. The ‘Island Development Agency’ was established in 2017 and latest news suggests a lot of investor interest to generate eco-tourism
- Improving maritime security
Since busy shipping routes like the Ten Degree Channel are close to the islands the Indian navy may elevate the conditions of the islands to advance its own maritime goals.
- Improving inter-island connectivity: There are both highway and shipping projects to improve the connectivity between North, Middle and South Andamans. The project is set to improve tourism thus bringing more economic stability to the islands over a the next few years.
- The India-Japan collaboration to create smart islands: Though the details of this project is not fully clear, Port Blair could just about be in line to be developed like Delhi and Tokyo into a smart city. It could very well be in the line of Paris redeveloping the reunion islands.
While we peer into the future and read the signs of the times to come, we can only be excited to be a part of the generation that is witnessing this history unfold.