5-day Annual Island Tourism Festival - 2023 inaugurated; After a long time, departmental, industrial, science stalls, and cultural programs attract and offer delights to visitors

TMI Correspondent

Port Blair, Dec 27: The Honorable Lt. Governor of A&N Islands and Vice Chairman of the Islands Development Agency, Admiral D.K. Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), inaugurated the annual cultural extravaganza, the Island Tourism Festival - 2023, as the chief guest amidst fanfare at ITF Ground this evening. The inaugural function was graced by the Member of Parliament for A&N Islands, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma; Chief Secretary (I/C) of A&N Administration, Shri Nikhil Kumar, IAS; DGP, Shri Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS; PCCF, Dr. T.S. Ashok Kumar, IFS; Adhyaksh, ZPSA, Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh; Chairperson, PBMC, Smt. S. Selvi, senior officers of Administration, PRI members, and the general public. This spectacular festival is organized by the Tourism Department with the support of the Department of Art & Culture, A&N Administration.

Addressing the gathering without mentioning the media, the Lt. Governor mentioned that the analysis indicates that the Island Tourism Festival, initially intended to attract tourists, has become confined to the islands only, with a noticeable decrease in tourist participation in the festival. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the A&N Administration is organizing this festival after a hiatus of 4 years since November 2019. He congratulated the Administration for organizing this festival and highlighted that owing to its natural beauty and glorious culture, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are becoming the most sought-after tourism destination across the globe. The main objective of organizing the Island Tourism Festival is to showcase A&N Islands as an attractive tourist destination, drawing tourists in large numbers and developing the tourism sector in the Islands. To ensure more tourism footfall, the Administration is focusing on infrastructure development in coordination with the concerned Ministry, hopeful that the Islands will witness more tourists in the coming year.

The Lt. Governor remarked that the Administration's focus is to develop tourism in A&N Islands without polluting the environment, and there is no plan to establish medium and heavy industry in the Islands. Referring to an 'Investors' Meet' organized by A&N Administration on Dec. 04, 2023, at ITC Maurya, New Delhi, the Lt. Governor mentioned that the meet attended by top-end players from the Tourism and Hospitality Industry was very successful. Participants expressed deep interest and enthusiasm in investing in various projects in A&N Islands, and about 8 to 10 projects are in the stage of 'ready to launch,' expected to reach the tendering stage in three to five months.

The Lt. Governor highlighted ambitious projects like CANI Submarine OFC Project, the newly constructed Terminal Building of Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, and Azad Hind Fauj Setu on Humphrey Strait, which have become game-changers in the Tourism Sector of A&N Islands. With the coming up of the International airport, the flight frequency to the Islands has increased, giving a boost to the tourism sector.

Highlighting several upcoming developmental projects, the Lt. Governor mentioned that once the Middle Strait Bridge is completed, it will significantly reduce travel time to N&M Andaman. He also informed about the status of two new Greenfield Airports at Port Blair and Great Nicobar, sanctioned by the Govt. of India, with site selection and Lidar survey completed.

For the promotion of tourism, the Lt. Governor mentioned that operators have been selected for 4 seaports (Long Island, Shaheed Dweep, Swaraj Dweep, and Port Blair) for starting the sea plane operation. He further disclosed that for the operation of seaplanes, water segment infrastructure development is underway and will become operational soon. Under the UDAN Scheme, the runway extension work for the Shibpur airstrip at Diglipur is underway, with a 1000 mtr. runway already operational. Operators for Shibpur, Car Nicobar, and Great Nicobar have been selected for the operation of fixed-winged air services.

The Lt. Governor also stated that transformational projects like the International Container Transshipment Terminal at Great Nicobar and two new Greenfield Airports at Port Blair and Great Nicobar will prove to be milestones in the development of these Islands. Informing about the ICTT, the Lt. Governor informed that it is in the final stages of launch, with environmental and wildlife clearances obtained, and the DPR in the final stage. In the EOI, 10 big players have responded.

In his address, the Member of Parliament, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, thanked the Lt. Governor for organizing the ITF after a gap of 4 years. He urged tourists and visitors to come and witness the ITF, carrying back fond memories of the Islands' unique culture and scenic beauty. He suggested organizing a festival of this magnitude twice a year, further promoting Island tourism. He also appreciated the stalls set up for promoting Government schemes during this five-day festival.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Secretary (I/C) Shri Nikhil Kumar stated that the Island Tourism Festival is a mega cultural event organized in A&N Islands to showcase the composite culture unique to the region. Conducted after a 4-year gap, the festival was previously known as 'Islands on the March' during the 1980s and was renamed 'Island Tourism Festival' in 1994. The five-day festival will feature performances by artists from the mainland and the Islands at various designated venues, entertaining Islanders and tourists alike.

The Chief Secretary highlighted the Islands' natural beauty and tourism prospects worldwide, with ongoing efforts by the Administration to establish Andaman & Nicobar Islands as a global tourist destination. He mentioned yearlong programs organized by the tourism department for the development of tourism, including Holi Festival, Sand Art Festival, Food Festival, Island Music Festival, Dance and Music Festival, Monsoon Beach Festival, Beach Volleyball Tournament, Andaman Marathon, and Seafood Fest.

During the five-day festival, artists from different parts of the Islands, as well as the mainland, including teams from SPIC MACAY, EZCC, and Hasya Kavi Sammelan, will be performing, he said, urging everyone to enjoy the mega event.

Earlier, welcoming the chief guest and other dignitaries, the Secretary (Tourism), Shri Vishwendra, mentioned that varied and vibrant art forms would be presented by artists during the festival. Apart from the participation of artists from cultural troupes from the mainland, local artists from 50 cultural groups have been given the opportunity to perform. The festival is dedicated to the spirit of unity and diversity of the Island.

Proposing the vote of thanks, the Special Secretary, IP&T, Ms. Nandini Maharaj, IAS, thanked the Lt. Governor for inaugurating ITF-2023. She expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, Government Departments, and others for their contribution to organizing the event.

The inaugural program featured a 'Ganesh Vandana' performance by differently-abled artists on wheelchairs associated with 'We Are One.' The team performed Mahabharat- Mahishasur Vadh and a Patriotic Dance. This was followed by a Choreography presentation titled 'Resilient Rhythms: Dancing through Waves of Hope' by eminent Choreographer from Delhi, Ms. Shohini Dutta. The evening also witnessed a live band performance by Nicobarese Artistes 'Kuon Panam,' known for their soulful performance, including electrifying renditions of Bollywood songs.