June | 2020 | Cursing the Darkness

Seaview from South Point Circuit House Port Blair Andaman & Nicobar

As the COVID crisis has raised it’s fangs all over the world, different sectors of economy, have started facing survival issues. The stakeholders have been compelled to resort to brainstorming trying to to evolve strategies for revival and survival in Post COVID world.

Amongst the blooming sectors of economy which had to bear the COVID impact the biggest sufferer has been the Tourism industry.

Rural population in North East managing life under COVID norms

In age of social distancing and contactless deliveries, people even in remote places have been confined to securities of respective homes and major tourism related places and streets present deserted looks .The Tourism industry has been in forefront of sufferings and declining incomes.

Beautiful Zuari Bridge in Goa with deserted look

Tourist traffic has been severely restricted due to COVID outbreak as multiple restrictions came into place on movement of people within cities as well outside. Within City the business of all kind of operators whether artisans and transporters or hoteliers connected with tourism is dented by distancing restrictions and diminishing travel facilities. Movement of population from one end to another end within the country or outside the country has also been further adversely impacted by continuous increase in fuel prices which has become a compulsive revenue generation option for Govts. of the day in order to fill up the breach in financial resources created by COVID related expenditure.

Recently while searching the net for tourism related material I came across a video on a virtual meet of Ex Tourism Secretaries namely S/Sh. SK Mishra Chairman ITHRD, MP Bezbaruah and Vinod Zutshi all distinguished ex Civil Servants. who have been connected to Tourism in senior positions.It can be viewed on you tube at link given (https://youtu.be/iEKI_QOK8Gk).

It came out that the meet was hosted by an organisation called Total Synergy and Consultants Ltd. (TSCPL). The meet organised by M/s TSCPL offered an enlightening discussion which could come out with useful conclusions on issues and challenges with reference to some major Tourism hotspots in the Country.It was felt that for planning for future there will have to be a dynamic and flexible approach if we want to give a new life with added survival strength to the Tourism industry.

An important strategic change which emerged concerns promotion of tourism based on cluster approach. This would mean covering all nearby tourism related facilities connected with an important tourist place in a particular area. The authorities would have to interlink the spots and major attractions. The transport and stay arrangements , even upto level of guides can be managed by a common agency.This will have added benefit for promotion of cottage industries and the ancillaries for overall promotion of tourism.

It can be expected that such an approach will empower even the smaller players in the field. Connectivity and synergising through all stake holders would act as a comprehensive cover against short term setbacks. This will insulate the industry against similar suffering related to short term ups and downs.With the increased connectivity and sharing of resources the industry would be insulated from shocks which are now becoming more frequent due to globalisation of our economies .

At this juncture the need of the day is to devise a long term plan for good of the Tourism Industry and stay confident about future.The Industry has weathered many such storms at the times of war, pandemic and natural calamities.

Having once worked in Andaman & Nicobar Islands I can recall experience of Andaman & Nicobar Islands after Tsunami (in 2004). The Islands a treasure house of unique bio diversity offered captivating exposure to natural beauty for the visiting tourists.

However the scenario was completely changed after the Tsunami struck in December 2003.The tourist were hastily collected and packed off in first available flights . There was massive damage to Power houses, Communication networks and habitations.For some days everything appeared to have been lost.

At one stage after Tsunami the Tourism Industry in Andamans appeared to have totally collapsed.The visitors avoided the Islands for fear of repeat Tsunami. But such feeling got dissipated later.The repair to Jetties and docks was taken up on war footing.Normal flights resumed very soon.

a plane poised for landing at Port Blair

The subsequent relief and reconstruction activities had also exposed the Islands to the entire world.The increased footfalls acted as catalysts for publicity.Numerous new projects came up later for growth of Tourism.It was not long before normal activities resumed.The Islands now have a flourishing tourism industry and has advanced to higher levels with introduction of new world class facilities and infrastructure for inter island tourists.

Taking lessons from Andamans we may wish good luck to one and all and to the Tourists And Operators, wishing for speedy recovery .

बहारें फिर भी आती हैं बहारें फिर भी आयेंगी

After the recent skirmishes on China border I was compelled to search through my collection of Arunachal Pradesh photographs and located some iconic memories of the place for the places connected with Indo China War in 1962.

State of Arunachal Pradesh touches the International Border with China. During my posting at Arunachal Pradesh in (2010-12) I was looking after Social Welfare and Women & Child Development Departments,and for some time Public Works Departments .

At least two times in a month I would go out along with personal staff for trips stretching to all corners of the State .Each trip could be of 3-5 days duration.

Travelling to distant locations for inspections of Schools, Anganwadis, Dispensaries and construction of roads was a regular activity.

Travel by road is the most preferred mode of travel. It is so because the Chopper services were limited to select destinations.The Road journey itself was a bonus as it offered opportunities for collecting numerous pictures of the most beautiful mountains and serpentine flow of rivers. falling enroute.

There is a protocol for travelling by road. The District Magistrates of the District through which travel is to take place had to be informed in writing in advance. This is because of the fact that breakdown in the roads due to avalanche and falling of large stones is not infrequent. Persons caught on road during such natural calamities got trapped for hours and had to be evacuated with huge efforts.

One most endearing feature of the State is that the local people, the as well as the Govt. staff are very warm hearted and helpful as well as great hosts.

Subordinate staff posted in various districts has very large percentage of female employees who share the responsibilities along with their Male counterparts.They leave no stone unturned to assist the visiting officials.

Arunachal has a matriarchal society and females are very bold as well as hardworking.The are usually well dressed and smartly turned out.Being proud of their State and it’s traditions of valour they sometimes very sportingly insist for photographs.

One of the visits to Tawang was exclusively reserved for visiting the places connected with 1962 war.

The State has witnessed some important battles between Chinese Army and the Indian Army during the 62 WAr.The Army has commemorated the sacrifices of it’s bravehearts in style at War Memorial at Tawang.