VISVA BHARATI UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY

PAPER-(XIV): REGIONS AND REGIONAL ENTITY OF

INDIA AND WEST BENGAL

TOPIC :- THE INDIAN ISLANDS: TOURIST REGION AND

ECOLOGICAL PROTECTION

PRESENTED
BY
ASROF ALI MOLLA
M.A. SEM-III
INTRODUCATION 2

• India has a vast coastline of 7517 km, of which 5423 km is in peninsular India and 2094 km in Andaman, Nicobar and Lakshadweep
Islands.
• The Islands of India are a remarkable blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and rich biodiversity. These islands, scattered across the
Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal, add to the country’s geographical diversity. They are not just scenic landscapes but
also hold historical significance and ecological importance. The Islands of India offer a unique experience to visitors and are home to
some of the most pristine beaches and exotic marine life.
• The Coral group of the Island of India includes the Lakshadweep Islands, which are the only coral islands in the country. The Islands of
India are beautiful and play a crucial role in the country’s economy, culture, and environment.
• The Coral group of the Island of India is home to vibrant marine life and colorful coral reefs. • Andaman & Nicobar Island is a group of
islands in the Bay of Bengal, known for their tropical rainforests and indigenous tribes.
• It is a small group of islands in the Arabian Sea, famous for their coral atolls and clear blue waters.
MAJOR SIGNIFICANCE
OF INDIAN ISLANDS

TOURISM

ECOLOGICAL AND BIODERSITY

GEO Strategic Importance

 TOURISM IMPORTANCE
.

Natural Beauty

Cultural Heritage

Ecotourism.

Economic Development

Government Initiatives
 ECOLOGICAL AND BIODERSITY 5
. Biodiversity Hotspots

Coral Reef Ecosystems

Migratory Stopover

Marine Resources

Conservation Areas

Climate Change Indicators

Cultural Significance

Tourism Potential
 6
GEO STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE
.

Strategic Importance in Navigation & Security

Strategic Importance in Trade and Transport

Strategic Importance in Resources

CHALLENGES 7

Environmental

.
Geographical

Infrastructure

Road construction

Social
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS

LOCATION AND EXTENT:

This island is located in the southeastern part of
the Bay of Bengal, at a extent from 6 degree 45
min N to 13 degree 45 min N and from 92 degree
10 min E to 94 degree 15 min E. This archipelago is
composed of around 265 big and small islands.

FORMATION:
Andaman and Nicobar Islands were formed due to collision
between Indian Plate and Burma Minor Plate.
 UNIQUE FEATURES OF ANDAMAN & NICOBAR
9
ISLANDS
• Diverse Geography: Includes rugged hills, volcanic peaks, coral atolls, and pristine sandy
beaches. •
• Rich Marine Biodiversity: Home to extensive coral reefs, sea turtles, and a variety of fish
species, ideal for snorkeling and diving.
• Dense Rainforests: Lush tropical forests with unique plant species and endemic flora.
• Indigenous Tribes: Hosts several indigenous tribes such as the Great Andamanese, Onge,
Jarwa, and Sentinelese, with distinct cultures and lifestyles.
• Unique Wildlife: Endemic species like the Nicobar pigeon, Andaman wild pig, and
saltwater crocodiles.
• Monsoon Climate: Tropical climate with high humidity and a distinct monsoon season
from May to November.
• Cultural Diversity: A blend of indigenous cultures, as well as influences from Indian
and colonial history.
• Tourism Hotspots: Popular attractions include Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island, Neil
Island, and the limestone caves of Baratang Island.
LAKSHADWEEP ISLAND

• India’s smallest Union Territory,

Lakshadweep is an archipelago consisting of
36 islands with an area of 32 sq km.
• It is a uni-district Union Territory and
comprises 12 atolls, three reefs, five
submerged banks, and ten inhabited islands.
• All Islands are 220 to 440 km away from the
coastal city of Kochi in Kerala, in the
emerald Arabian Sea.
• It is directly under the control of the Centre
through an administrator.
• There are three main group of islands:
Amindivi Islands
Laccadive Islands
Minicoy Island.
 UNIQUE FEATURES OF LAKSHWADEEP 11

ISLANDS
• Geographic Location: Located in the Arabian Sea, off the southwestern coast of
India, approximately 300 kilometers from Kerala.
• Archipelago Composition: Comprises 36 coral atolls, reefs, and sandbanks spread
across about 30,000 square kilometers of ocean.
• Pristine Beaches: Renowned for their stunning white sandy beaches and crystal-clear
turquoise waters.
• Coral Reefs: Home to some of the most beautiful and well-preserved coral reefs in
the Indian Ocean, ideal for snorkeling and diving.
• Marine Biodiversity: Rich marine life, including diverse species of fish, sea turtles,
manta rays, and sharks.
LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR THE CONSERVATION 12
OF COASTAL AND MARINE RESOURCES AND ISLAND
ECOSYSTEMS
1. Constitution of India
• Art 48-A: The state shall endeavour to protect
and improve the environment and to
safeguard the forests and wildlife of the
country.
• Art-51 A (g): Imposes a similar responsibility
on every citizen to protect and improve the
natural environment including forests, lakes,
rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for
living creatures.
2. Wildlife Protection Act 1972
• Section 35(1) Declaration of national parks
(this includes the coastal and marine
protected areas)
3. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR THE CONSERVATION
OF COASTAL AND MARINE RESOURCES AND ISLAND 13

ECOSYSTEMS
1.Constitution of India 4. The Coastal Regulation Zone
Art 48-A: The state shall endeavour to Notification 1991 (Notification
protect and improve the environment No.S.0.114(E) of 19 February 1991
and to safeguard the forests and wildlife 5. Island Protection Zone Notification,
of the country.
2011
Art-51 A (g): Imposes a similar
responsibility on every citizen to protect 6. The Fisheries Act of A&N Islands
and improve the natural environment License is given for fishing by the fisheries
including forests, lakes, rivers and department
wildlife and to have compassion for
living creatures. “Andaman & Nicobar Islands is one of the
2.Wildlife Protection Act 1972 hot spots and is in the eco-fragile area
and has, therefore, the eco-diversity
Section 35(1) Declaration of national thereby has to be preserved. For this, it is
parks (this includes the coastal and essential that the natural forest is
marine protected areas)
protected and re-generation is allowed to
3.Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 take place”
 14
GOVERNMENT EFFORTS
• In 1997, the International Year of the Reefs, WWF-India had launched a project in collaboration with SANE
(Society for Andaman Nicobar Ecology), a local NGO.
• In December 1998, SANE organised a meeting for developing a coral reef monitoring action plan for the islands
with the help of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN-South Asia).
• The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests is currently undertaking a UNDP supported pilot project,
“Management of Coral Reef Ecosystem of the A&N Islands”
• The Coral Bleaching Alert System developed by Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS),
MoES, helps monitor and predict coral bleaching events in the Andaman, Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands
• Wildlife Institute of India is engaged in a project to develop a management plan for the Mahatma Gandhi Marine
National Park at Wandoor
• The Government has issued the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification (2011) and the Island Protection Zone
(IPZ) Notification 2011, The Ministry also provides financial assistance to Coastal States/Union Territories, who so
request, under its Centrally Sponsored Scheme for conservation and management of mangroves.
• NITI Aayog and the Future of Tourism: NITI Aayog, the central government’s think-tank, has clearly stated its
intention to promote tourism in Smith and Ross, Long and Aves Islands. This is a part of a three-year action agenda
for 2017 to ‘20 for the regional development of coastal areas that are otherwise geographically isolated from the
mainland, and to put the Andaman Islands on the global map of high-end tourism
THANK
YOU
Join Us in Safeguarding the Indian Islands' Ecosystems for Future Generations!