India 2018

States and Union Territories 659
1,200 species of fish, 359 species of echinoderms, 1067 species of molusscs and
many more lower forms of life. Among vertebrates dugongs, dolphins, whales,
salt water crocodiles, sea turtles, sea snakes, etc., are common. Reefs are mostly
fringing type on eastern coast and barrier type on the western coast.
Industry
There are 1833 registered MSMEs and handicrafts units. Two units are 100 per
cent export oriented in the line of fish/prawn processing activity. Apart from
this, there are shells and wood based handicraft units. SSI units are engaged in
the production of paints and varnishes, mini flour mills, soft drinks and
beverages, steel furniture and fixtures, readymade garments, steel gate grills
and structures. MSMEs handicraft units are also engaged in shell crafts, bakery
products, rice-milling, furniture-making, etc. The Andaman and Nicobar
Islands Integrated Development Corporation in the public sector has spread
its wings in the field of tourism, fisheries, industries and industrial financing
and functions as authorized agents.
Transport
The Motor Transport Department operates from 14 stations in northern and
southern Islands. The Department has a fleet of 264 buses in operation mainly
in rural area. Computerized advanced ticketing for ATR express service is in
operation since 2007 where advance tickets can be obtained.
Tourism
Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been recognised as an eco-friendly tourist’s
destination. As a tourist paradise, these Islands have something very special
to offer like historic Cellular Jail, Ross and Havelock Islands. The Andaman
tropical evergreen rain forests, beautiful silver sandy beaches, serpentine
mangrove-lined creeks, marine life abounding in rare species of plants, animals,
corals, etc. provide a memorable experience to the tourists. There is a
tremendous scope for enjoying nature in the beach resorts, water sports and
adventure water sports, adventure tourism like trekking, island camping,
nature trail, scuba diving, etc.
Tourism Department runs guest houses in various parts for comfortable
accommodation. The important places of tourist interest are Anthropological
Museum, Marine Museum, Water Sports Complex, Gandhi Park, North Bay,
Viper Island, Ross Island, Chidiya Tapu, (Bird watching), Red Skin Island,
Corbyn’s Cove Beach, Islands like Neil Island, Havelock Island, Cinque, Little
Andaman, Diglipur (Ross and Smith), etc.
The Islands are well connected to the mainland by air and sea. Air Deccan,
Jetlite, Air India operate to Port Blair from Kolkata and Chennai. There are
regular passengership services from Chennai, Kolkata and Vishakhapatnam.
O. W.: http://www.and.nic.in