He shared, “Five more beaches have recently undergone evaluation, aiming to attract more eco-conscious travelers. We anticipate adding five additional Blue Flag-certified beaches in the islands.” Blue Flag is an esteemed international eco-label granted to beaches that fulfill strict criteria for safety, cleanliness, environmental sustainability, and accessibility.
In India, there are currently 12 such beaches, and this recognition is awarded by a Denmark-based non-profit organization called the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Also read | Top 10 countries where most millionaires relocated in 2025: Where would you like to settle?
Kumar also noted, “We are witnessing a strong influx of tourists. Infrastructure improvements are underway, with a new state-of-the-art 500-passenger terminal jetty at Swaraj Dweep nearing completion.” “With a solid foundation established and ambitious plans underway, the archipelago is quickly becoming one of India’s most appealing and diversified tourist spots,” he remarked.
The administration is increasingly focusing on cultural tourism, stating, “Signature events like the Island Tourism Festival in December continue to draw visitors, along with new initiatives such as the Coconut Festival and a Book Fair— held in partnership with the National Book Trust — which are enhancing the region’s cultural allure.” “We want tourists to immerse themselves in not just our breathtaking scenery and history, but also in our rich culinary traditions and cultural diversity,” the Chief Secretary emphasized.
Regarding the new airport at Diglipur in North Andaman, Kumar mentioned, “We aim to make it operational for tourists by the next season. This improved connectivity will also facilitate access to Great Nicobar, the southernmost part of the territory, in the future.” In terms of sustainability, the administration is promoting cleanliness and environmental stewardship.
Also read | Odisha may have a strategy to enhance wildlife tourism, but it raises conservation concerns in protected areas
“As part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, solid waste collection is being managed jointly with local panchayats. A complete ban on small plastic bottles (below 2 liters) has also been enforced. A large-scale marine clean-up initiative, led by the forest department, has already gathered over 50,000 kg of marine plastic waste,” he added.
On the energy front, the administration is transitioning to clean energy solutions. “A 50 MW LNG plant is currently being developed, spearheaded by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). A grid-based energy link connecting South and North Andaman is also in the works, being executed with the Power Grid Corporation. This project is expected to be completed within two years,” he concluded.
