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Indira Point Lighthouse: Tsunami-Hit Structure Faces Facelift
8 Jul
Summary
- Lighthouse at India's southernmost tip to undergo repairs and upgrades.
- The structure was damaged by the 2004 tsunami and subsequent coastal erosion.
- Development plans include tourism facilities alongside structural reinforcement.
The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has proposed significant protection and development works for the lighthouse at Indira Point, India's southernmost tip in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This initiative, managed by the Directorate of Lighthouses and Lightships, seeks coastal regulation zone clearance for its execution.
The lighthouse, a crucial navigational aid on the Singapore-Colombo international maritime route, was commissioned in 1972. It suffered extensive damage from the December 2004 earthquake and tsunami, which caused land subsidence and inundated its foundation with seawater. Subsequent coastal erosion and wave action have further necessitated structural reinforcement.
Beyond essential repairs to the tower, foundation, and approach road, the project includes developing tourism amenities. These proposed enhancements encompass eco-tourism facilities, a convention center, cafeteria, viewing tower, and a museum, aiming to transform the site into a tourism destination.
These development activities, situated within sensitive coastal habitats, require prior approval under the Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ) Notification, 2019. The proposal addresses structural issues like a 3.86° inclination, ensuring the lighthouse's functional integrity and preserving its historical significance.
