Context:
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, In the fiscal year 2023-24, 75 dedicated lighthouses attracted 16 lakh visitors, a 400% increase from 4 lakh tourists in 2014.
Introduction
- India, with a coastline of over 7,500 km, is home to 204 lighthouses which were once navigational aids, these structures are now being transformed into tourism destinations under the Government of India’s vision.
- The initiative aims to preserve their historical and architectural value while promoting economic growth and community empowerment.
- This initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” integrating maritime history into India’s economic growth.
What is Lighthouse Tourism?
- Lighthouse tourism transforms lighthouses and their surroundings into tourist attractions, combining natural beauty, maritime history, and recreation.
- The Central Government is promoting this as part of the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 to boost India’s cultural and maritime heritage.
- This initiative aims to enhance tourism, create jobs, and support local economic growth.
- India’s lighthouses offer great potential as tourist destinations due to several factors:
- Strategic Locations: Positioned in scenic coastal areas and remote islands, offering stunning sea views.
- Cultural Importance: Some lighthouses are centuries old and located near UNESCO World Heritage Sites and cultural landmarks.
- Adventure and Leisure: They offer activities like trekking, boating, and water sports for adventure enthusiasts.
- Economic Impact: Lighthouse tourism can create jobs in hospitality, transportation, and handicrafts, boosting local economies.
- Recognizing the potential of lighthouse tourism, the government has made it a priority for development, aiming to boost India’s global appeal and promote sustainable tourism.
- In February 2024, the Prime Minister inaugurated 75 lighthouses with tourist facilities across 10 states and UTs.
- These developments have created 150 direct and 500 indirect jobs in hotels, restaurants, tour operators, transportation, and local shops and artisans.
Steps Taken by The Indian Government To Boost Lighthouse Tourism
- The 1st Indian Lighthouse Festival, “Bharatiya Prakash Stambh Utsav,” was inaugurated on 23rd September 2023 at Fort Aguada, Goa. It promotes lighthouse tourism and has been held annually since then.
- The 2nd festival took place in Odisha, where two new lighthouses were dedicated, emphasizing the empowerment of coastal communities to preserve lighthouses as part of India’s maritime heritage.
- The Sagarmala Programme fosters partnerships with private stakeholders to develop lighthouse tourism, focusing on infrastructure, sustainability, and community welfare.
- A national framework will be created to empower coastal communities and ensure sustainable development around lighthouses.
- Way Forward
- Sustainable Development: Focus on eco-friendly tourism practices.
- Integration with Coastal Circuits: Lighthouses will be included in broader coastal tourism itineraries.
- Awareness Campaigns: Digital initiatives will promote lighthouse destinations globally.
- Skill Development: Training programs will be introduced for employment in tourism sectors.
- Lighthouse tourism combines heritage conservation with modern development, turning iconic maritime landmarks into popular tourist destinations.
- It preserves India’s maritime history while creating new economic opportunities, promoting community empowerment and sustainable growth.