Boosting Lighthouse Tourism in India (GS Paper 3, Growth & Development)
Why in News?
- The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways has announced plans to enhance lighthouse tourism under Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 during a stakeholders meeting organized by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships in Vizhinjam, Kerala.
What is a Lighthouse?
About:
- A lighthouse is a structure designed to emit light from a system of lamps and lenses, aiding mariners and local fishermen in navigation.
- Lighthouses mark dangerous coastlines, hazardous shoals, reefs, and safe entries to harbors.
- Currently, India has established and maintains 194 lighthouses along its coastline and islands.
Historical Role:
- Ancient India: The Rigveda and Satapatha Brahmana mention navigation in the East and West Seas. The Rigveda also describes sea voyages by Varuna and Vashistha.
- Mythological Connections: The story of 'Manu' being rescued from a flood highlights early Indian knowledge of sea and navigation.
- 7th Century A.D.: Pallava king Narasimhavarman-I established a lighthouse at Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) using log fires to guide ships. This lighthouse offers stunning views of the Shore Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Significant Modern Marvels:
- Tangasseri Lighthouse, Kollam, Kerala: The tallest lighthouse in Kerala, constructed by the British. It is painted in white and red bands, making it a fascinating sight.
- Mahabalipuram Lighthouse, Tamil Nadu: An old lighthouse from the colonial period, built next to an ancient lighthouse commissioned by Mahendra Pallava of the Pallava dynasty. Though non-functional, it is open for visitors to explore.
- Kaup Beach Lighthouse, Udupi, Karnataka: Constructed by the British in 1901, it has undergone various improvements, including the installation of different lighting equipment.
- Vizhinjam Lighthouse, Kovalam, Kerala: Established in 1972, it is one of the oldest and most picturesque lighthouses in India.
- Fort Aguada Lighthouse, Goa: A well-preserved Portuguese structure and one of Goa's prime attractions, offering dreamy sea views.
- Chandrabhaga Lighthouse, Odisha: Located near the Konark Temple, it has endured severe cyclones like the Super Cyclone (1999), Phailin (2013), and Fani (2019).
Note:
- In the 3rd century B.C., Ptolemy II built the famous Pharos of Alexandria (Lighthouse of Alexandria), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
- The tower, made of high-quality kedan stone bricks embedded in molten lead, operated for 1600 years but collapsed in the 13th century due to a severe earthquake.
What is the Role of Modern Lighthouses in India?
- Modern lighthouses guide ships, mark ports, and send signals, serving as valuable backups to GPS technology.
- After the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, lighthouses were equipped with state-of-the-art radars for coastal surveillance.
- The Indian government established the Automatic Identification System (AIS) to facilitate communication between fishermen and lighthouses.
- The Marine Aids to Navigation Act of 2021 aimed to promote the historical and cultural value of lighthouses.
- Events like the Indian Lighthouse Festival in Goa showcase the heritage and tourism potential of these structures.
Modern Navigational Aids:
- Light Vessels: Floating aids mark isolated shoals or submerged dangers, used where lighthouse construction is impractical.
- Buoys: Provide navigational directions to mariners, initially using acetylene gas and now operating on electric lights powered by solar photovoltaic modules.
- M.F Radio Beacons: Installed between 1955-60, these were replaced by the Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) for improved maritime positioning accuracy.
- Racons: Radar transponder beacons return a distinctive code signal to ship radar, providing range, bearing, and identification data.
What are the Benefits of Boosting Lighthouse Tourism in India?
Cultural Heritage:
- Educational Hubs: Lighthouses offer historical and cultural value, making them educational hubs.
- Festivals: Events like India’s First Lighthouse Festival, “the Bharatiya Prakash Sthamb Utsav”, held at Fort Aguada in Goa, celebrate India’s rich maritime heritage.
- Heritage Sites: Under the Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021, certain lighthouses may be designated as heritage sites, expanding their roles beyond navigation aids to cultural and educational purposes.
Economic Development:
- Investment Potential: The Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships has identified 75 lighthouses for potential investment in tourism development, promising economic benefits to surrounding areas.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Encouraging private entities to invest in developing these sites as tourist destinations can increase tourism, benefiting local vendors, restaurants, and service providers.
Environmental Awareness:
- Eco-friendly Tourism: Promoting heritage lighthouses encourages eco-friendly tourism practices, protecting coastal environments while drawing visitors.
- Diverse Experiences: Transforming lighthouses into multifaceted tourist destinations offers diverse experiences beyond traditional beach tourism.
Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships
- The Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, provides aids to marine navigation along the Indian coast.
- Headquartered in Noida, it has regional headquarters in nine districts (Gandhidham, Jamnagar, Mumbai, Goa, Cochin, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Kolkata, and Port Blair).
- The Directorate aims to ensure safe and secure navigation in Indian waters through visual aids such as lighthouses, light vessels, buoys, and beacons, as well as radio aids like DGPS and RACONs.
- It also provides Vessel Traffic Service for interactive navigation control.
What is the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030?
Maritime India Vision 2030 is a ten-year blueprint for the maritime sector in India, released by the Prime Minister at the Maritime India Summit in November 2020. It aims to boost waterways, the shipbuilding industry, and cruise tourism. MIV 2030 highlights essential themes for India to secure its position in the global maritime sector, superseding the Sagarmala initiative. Key interventions include:
- Brownfield Capacity Augmentation: Developing world-class Mega Ports and a transhipment hub in Southern India.
- Infrastructure Modernisation: Improving maritime capabilities and Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) through digitization, smart ports, and system-driven performance monitoring.
- Logistics Efficiency: Enhancing logistics efficiency and cost competitiveness through 200+ port connectivity projects, mechanisation, technology adoption, and coastal shipping promotion.
- Governance Mechanisms: Improving governance, amending existing laws, strengthening the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), and promoting PPP, fiscal support, and financial resilience.
- Education and Training: Promoting research and innovation, improving education and training, and creating a favourable environment for seafarers and port capability development.
- Renewable Energy: Increasing renewable energy usage, reducing air emissions, optimizing water usage, improving waste management, and establishing a Zero accident safety program.
Conclusion
- Enhancing lighthouse tourism in India under the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 is a promising step towards leveraging the country's rich maritime heritage.
- This initiative will not only boost tourism and local economies but also promote cultural and environmental awareness, positioning India as a leader in sustainable and heritage tourism.
