Indira Point: Lighthouse Conservation & Tourism Project

Source: Indian Express
GS III: Infrastructure

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Significance of Indira Point
3. Government Proposal
4. Objectives of the Project
5. Strategic Importance for India

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has proposed the conservation and restoration of the Indira Point Lighthouse on Great Nicobar Island.

News in Brief

• The project aims to strengthen and protect the lighthouse from coastal erosion, sea-level changes, and the impact of the 2004 tsunami.
• It also proposes the development of eco-tourism infrastructure, including a museum, viewing tower, cafeteria, cycling tracks, and other visitor facilities.
• The initiative seeks to preserve India’s maritime heritage, improve navigational safety, and promote sustainable tourism while protecting the island’s fragile coastal ecosystem.

Significance of Indira Point

• Southernmost Point of India
  • Indira Point is the southernmost tip of the Indian territory, located on Great Nicobar Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It serves as an important geographical landmark of India.
• Strategic Maritime Location
  • The lighthouse is situated close to the Six Degree Channel, one of the busiest international sea lanes connecting the Indian Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. Thousands of merchant vessels pass through this route annually, making it strategically important.
• Navigational Importance
  • The Indira Point Lighthouse functions as a vital navigational aid, guiding ships sailing along the Singapore–Colombo maritime route. It enhances maritime safety by assisting vessels in safe navigation through the busy shipping corridor.
• Gateway to Major Maritime Infrastructure
  • Indira Point lies south of Galathea Bay, where India has proposed an International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) as part of the Great Nicobar Development Project. This enhances its economic and logistical significance.
• Importance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
  • Its location strengthens India’s maritime presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and supports India’s strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific by improving maritime domain awareness and sea-lane security.

Government Proposal

• Structural Conservation of the Lighthouse
  • The project proposes repairing and strengthening the lighthouse foundation, reinforcing the tower structure, constructing breakwaters to reduce coastal erosion, building an all-weather access road, repairing the power house and staff quarters, and developing internal pathways and boundary infrastructure to ensure long-term structural stability.
• Tourism Infrastructure Development
  • The proposal also includes the development of eco-tourism facilities such as a convention centre, cafeteria, viewing tower, cycling tracks, an international-standard maritime museum, and a memorial. These facilities aim to promote sustainable tourism while showcasing India’s maritime heritage.

Objectives of the Project

• Preserve India’s historic lighthouse and maritime heritage.
• Improve navigational safety for domestic and international shipping.
• Promote sustainable eco-tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Protect the lighthouse from coastal erosion and climate-related threats.
• Generate employment and livelihood opportunities through tourism.
• Support India’s Blue Economy by integrating conservation with economic development.

Need for Protection of the Lighthouse

Impact of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami

• The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, triggered by a massive undersea earthquake, caused severe damage to Great Nicobar Island.
• The region experienced permanent land subsidence, resulting in the sinking of land around Indira Point.
• Consequently, seawater inundated nearby areas, the lighthouse base became partially submerged, staff quarters and settlements were destroyed, and the structure has remained exposed to continuous seawater since then.

Long-Term Structural Vulnerability

• Continuous exposure to seawater has accelerated corrosion and weakened the lighthouse foundation, making conservation measures essential to ensure its structural integrity and operational safety.

Challenges

• Coastal Erosion- Continuous erosion threatens the stability of the lighthouse foundation.
• Wave Action- Strong waves cause gradual deterioration of coastal structures.
• Saltwater Corrosion- High salinity leads to corrosion of concrete and metal components.
• Climate Change- Rising sea levels and extreme weather events increase the vulnerability of coastal infrastructure.
• Fragile Ecosystem- Great Nicobar is ecologically sensitive and requires environmentally sustainable development.

Environmental Considerations

• The project falls within an area regulated under the Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ) Notification, 2019, which governs developmental activities in island coastal regions.
• Implementation of the project requires statutory approvals from the Coastal Zone Management Authority (CZMA) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• The challenge lies in balancing infrastructure development and tourism with biodiversity conservation and the protection of coastal ecosystems.

Strategic Importance for India

• Enhances India’s maritime surveillance capabilities in the Indian Ocean.
• Ensures the safety of international commercial shipping passing through nearby sea lanes.
• Supports India’s Indo-Pacific Vision by strengthening its strategic presence in the region.
• Contributes to the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative through improved maritime infrastructure.
• Reinforces India’s strategic position near the Malacca Strait, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.
• Complements the Great Nicobar Mega Infrastructure Project, which aims to transform the island into a strategic maritime and economic hub.

Way Forward

• Construct and maintain coastal infrastructure that can withstand sea-level rise, coastal erosion, earthquakes, and tsunamis.
• Develop tourism facilities that minimize environmental impact while generating livelihoods for local communities.
• Ensure that all construction and tourism activities comply with the Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ) Notification, 2019 to protect fragile coastal ecosystems.
• Enhance coastal monitoring, early warning systems, and disaster-resilient planning to reduce risks from natural hazards.
• Protect ecologically sensitive habitats, endangered species, and the traditional rights and culture of indigenous tribal communities.
• Integrate maritime heritage preservation, environmental protection, and economic development to ensure the long-term sustainability of Indira Point.

Key Takeaways

UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question

With reference to Great Nicobar Island, consider the following:

1. It is part of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
2. Galathea Bay is known for Leatherback turtle nesting.
3. It is home to the Shompen tribe.

Select the correct answer:

A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Mains Practice Question

Q. Tourism-led infrastructure development in ecologically sensitive islands requires a balance between conservation and development. Examine with reference to the proposed Indira Point project.

Daily Current Affairs: Click Here

Rate this Article and Leave Feedback