The Union Territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the most visited place for honeymoons and holidays. Because of its ecological sensitivity and cultural protection, it is recognized as part of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Nicobar Island has 22 main islands among which 10 are inhabited. But do you know, that tourists are restricted from visiting this island?
Andaman and Nicobar Island have a history related to the Ramayana. During that period, it was called Handuman. However, as time passed, Ptolemy renamed it Agadaemon Angademan in the 1st century, and eventually, it came to be known as the Andaman and Nicobar. It shares the ancient trade route between Myanmar and India and is known for its natural beauty and unparalleled biodiversity.
You might be wondering, if it is a part of UNESCO heritage, then why is it off-limits to tourists? Well, the answer is to save its tribes and environment. However, here is the top 5 reasons why tourists get restricted to visit this island –
1. Cultural Preservation
Do you know, that this island has preserved an untouched cultural and historical place? Modernity is still not able to touch these areas. The tribe of Indigenous Shompen and Nicobarese are living here with their ancient culture and traditions. Henceforth, if uncontrolled tourists are allowed into this area, then a huge impact might be found on these tribes.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act of 1956 protected this territory from entering tourists. One of the most isolated indigenous tribes, Sentinel, has no connection with the modern world and lives in the North Sentinel Island. For this reason, their immunity power is not that developed to connect with outsiders or tourists. If they connect with modern people, then diseases might be spread to them.
Uncontrolled tourism causes significant cultural degradation. Bali, one of the famous tourist places of Indonesia, is suffering from cultural degradation because of crowded tourist hotspots. Similarly, Venice another famous tourist spot from Italy is facing cultural degradation due to mass tourism. Therefore, to save the cultural significance and save the indigenous tribes, the government has decided to ban tourists in Andaman Nicobar.
2. Environmental Conservation
This island is a treasure trove of biodiversity. It might be wondering for you this island holds some species which are not available in any place on the earth. Unique flora and fauna are among them. However, some of the flora include Vazha, Colocassia, Banana and so on.
Around 46 species of mammals live on this island. The Andaman Wild Pig, Masked Palm Civet, Barking Deer, Sperm Whale and Flying Fox are the notable species of this island. 240 different bird species also lived on this island. Not only this but a huge variety of butterflies is also captured on this island.
The rich marine life has increased the beauty of the island. However, if overcrowded tourism is allowed in this area, then it might destroy the marine life. Habitat destruction and pollution due to human activities might become a threat to biodiversity.
The Galápagos Islands, which consist of 13 major islands have been suffering from ecological imbalance due to allowing overcrowded tourists in this area. Now strict regulations have been applied to address the climate change issue. Similarly, if tourists are allowed in Andaman Nicobar, ecological imbalance and threats to marine life might arise.
3. National security concerns
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands hold a significant position that shaped the strategic and economic landscape of India. A visionary historian and diplomat, Sardar K.M. Panikkar highlighted the importance of these islands in 1954 because of their geological presence in the Bay of Bengal.
Moreover, these islands hold a significant geological position near the Malacca Strait. It is one of the busiest trade routes in the world. Nowadays, the Indian government has used these islands to monitor shipping lanes and safeguard maritime interests.
Additionally, the Kargil conflict in 1999 increased the significance of these islands for military realisation. The Indian government has established a command base in Port Blair for the joint tri-service. This has enhanced the capability of the Indian defence system for the air force, navy and regional army.
Because of all these reasons, these islands became important to the Indian government. Henceforth, the tourists are strictly restricted from visiting these areas because of sensitive military infrastructure. To maintain regional stability in these islands, tourists are not allowed to visit these areas.
4. Geographical and Logistical challenges
The islands are 1,400 km far from mainland India and 1000 km from Thailand. Because of this reason, it is one of the remote spots where different challenges have been captured. In these islands, the lack of developed infrastructure, transportation, healthcare and accommodation increased the isolation challenge for this place.
Moreover, the threat of natural disasters also impacts the pristine and natural beauty of these islands. The largest natural disaster, the tsunami of 2004, drastically hit the coastal area causing widespread destruction in these islands and also impacting the Indigenous community.
Henceforth, if unregulated tourism is allowed in these islands, where appropriate resources are not available and uncertain natural disasters can appear might create concerns for the safety of the tourists. Similarly, the Pacific Islands are also a remote region with limited infrastructure and are prone to natural disasters, the tourism has become one of the significant concerns.
5. Protection of the Marine Protected Area (MPA)
The fifth reason for the restriction of tourism in the Andaman Nicobar Islands is to protect the Marine Protected Area. The long coastal stretch has helped to hold a rich marine biodiversity. Around 1200 species of fish, 1000 species of molluscs, and 350 species of echinoderms have been found in the pristine water of these islands.
Some of the important sea animals are sea turtles, saltwater crocodiles, sea snakes, vertebrates, dolphins and so on. These sea animals live a healthy life in the water of these islands. However, if tourists are allowed on these islands, they can cause water pollution, overfishing and habitat destruction. For which, the tourists are highly restricted to safeguard marine life from human access.
FAQ
What is the main reason tourists are restricted from visiting the Nicobar Islands?
To save its tribes and environment tourists are restricted from visiting the Nicobar Islands.
How does the cultural preservation of indigenous tribes contribute to the tourist ban on the Nicobar Islands?
The indigenous tribes, like the Shompen and Nicobarese, are protected by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act of 1956 to prevent diseases and cultural degradation.
Why is the Nicobar Islands’ environment at risk from uncontrolled tourism?
Tourism can destroy marine life, lead to habitat destruction, and harm biodiversity.
What is the strategic significance of the Nicobar Islands for India’s national security?
The islands are important for monitoring shipping lanes and military defense, especially near the Malacca Strait.
What challenges does the geographical isolation of the Nicobar Islands present to tourism?
The island’s remote location, lack of infrastructure, and vulnerability to natural disasters make tourism difficult and unsafe.
Why is the Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Nicobar Islands crucial for marine life protection?
Tourism could lead to pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction, threatening marine life.
What are the potential consequences of tourism for the indigenous tribes, particularly the Sentinelese tribe?
The Sentinelese tribe has no immunity to modern diseases, which could be spread by tourists.
How can mass tourism affect the biodiversity of the Nicobar Islands?
If overcrowded tourism is allowed in this area, then it might destroy the marine life. Habitat destruction and pollution due to human activities might become a threat to biodiversity.
Why is the Nicobar Islands considered part of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve?
Because of its ecological sensitivity and cultural protection, it is recognised as part of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Nicobar Island has 22 main islands among which 10 are inhabited.
How does the Indian government protect the indigenous tribes and their culture from tourism?
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Protection of Aboriginal Tribes Act of 1956 restricts tourism to protect the indigenous tribes.
