Important for UPSC, State PCS
Prelims: What is Lighthouse Tourism, Government initiatives in this regard.
Mains: General Studies Paper 3- Indian Economy and sectors of Indian Economy: Tourism sector. Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030, Growth & Development, Sustainable tourism practices.
Context-
India, with a coastline spanning over 7,500 kilometers and home to 204 lighthouses, is now witnessing a transformative initiative by the Government of India. Traditionally serving as navigational aids for seafarers, these iconic structures are being reimagined as tourism destinations under the government’s developmental vision. This initiative seeks to preserve the historical and architectural significance of lighthouses while unlocking their potential for economic growth and community empowerment.
Lighthouse Tourism
- Lighthouse tourism involves transforming lighthouses and their surrounding areas into vibrant tourist attractions.
- These structures, often located in scenic coastal or island settings, offer visitors a unique combination of natural beauty, maritime history, and recreational opportunities.
The Potential of Lighthouse Tourism in India
- Strategic Locations: Many lighthouses are situated in breathtaking locations along India’s coastline or remote islands, offering panoramic sea views.
- Cultural Importance: Some lighthouses date back centuries and are near UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu or other prominent cultural landmarks.
- Adventure and Leisure: These sites can host activities such as trekking, boating, and water sports, appealing to adventure seekers.
- Economic Impact: Developing lighthouse tourism can generate hospitality, transportation, and handicraft employment while boosting local economies.
Steps Taken By The Indian Government To Boost Lighthouse Tourism
- The Central Government is actively promoting lighthouse tourism as a part of its broader Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Amrit Kaal vision 2047 to enhance India’s cultural heritage and maritime legacy.
- Indian Lighthouse Festival Series: The 1st Indian Lighthouse Festival, “Bharatiya Prakash Stambh Utsav”, was inaugurated in September, 2023 by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways in Goa.
- It has been held annually since then, serving as a key platform to celebrate and promote lighthouse tourism.
- Sagarmala Programme: The government’s commitment to lighthouse tourism is also evident from its efforts under the Sagarmala Programme and its focus on fostering partnerships with private stakeholders.
- It exemplifies integrated development, blending infrastructure growth, sustainability, and community welfare to drive India’s maritime and economic progress.
Recent Developments:
- In February 2024, PM Modi dedicated 75 lighthouses with tourist facilities across 10 states and UTs.
- ₹60 crore invested in the development of these sites, which now include museums, amphitheaters, parks, etc.
- Over 16 lakh visitors in 2023-24, up by 400% from 2014, with 10 lakh visitors already in 2024-25.
| Initiative/Scheme | Details |
|---|---|
| Indian Lighthouse Festival | – The 1st Bharatiya Prakash Stambh Utsav was inaugurated on 23rd September 2023 at Fort Aguada, Goa by Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and Goa CM Shri Pramod Sawant. |
| – The 2nd Festival was held in Odisha, where two lighthouses at Chaumuck (Balasore) and Dhamra (Bhadrak) were dedicated, promoting maritime heritage and tourism. | |
| Stakeholders Meeting | – A stakeholders’ meet chaired by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in Kerala (July 2024) strategized the promotion of lighthouse tourism and revitalization of these structures as vibrant tourist destinations. |
| Sagarmala Programme | – A national program leveraging India’s coastline and waterways to promote economic development through projects like coastal circuits, cruise tourism infrastructure, and lighthouse development. |
| Swadesh Darshan Scheme | – Provides financial assistance for developing tourism infrastructure in state and UT-administered areas. Includes the Coastal Circuit as a thematic focus and a Challenge-Based Destination Development sub-scheme. |
| Incredible India Campaign | – A flagship initiative under the Ministry of Tourism to promote India as a global tourist destination, highlighting its diverse heritage, including coastal and maritime attractions like lighthouses. |
| National Heritage Complex Development | – Focuses on preserving and promoting heritage sites, integrating lighthouses into broader national efforts to conserve cultural landmarks. |
| National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism | – Aims at sustainable tourism by emphasizing environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, and long-term management practices for tourism destinations, including lighthouses. |
| 75 Lighthouses Development | – 75 iconic lighthouses were developed with amenities such as museums, amphitheaters, and parks in February 2024 with a ₹60 crore investment, underlining their cultural and recreational significance. |
| Future National Framework | – Plans are underway to establish a national framework aimed at empowering coastal communities and promoting sustainable development around lighthouses. |
Forward-looking strategies:
- Sustainable Development: Emphasis on eco-friendly practices to protect fragile coastal ecosystems while promoting responsible tourism.
- Integration with Coastal Circuits: Lighthouses are incorporated into broader coastal tourism itineraries to enhance their appeal.
- Awareness Campaigns: Digital initiatives are being launched to showcase lighthouse destinations to domestic and international audiences.
- Skill Development: Training programs are being introduced to equip local communities with skills required for employment in hospitality and tourism-related sectors.
Conclusion:
- Lighthouse tourism blends heritage conservation with modern tourism, offering a unique visitor experience while contributing to local economies and community empowerment.
- Continued efforts under the Sagarmala Programme and with private stakeholder participation will further strengthen lighthouse tourism as a cornerstone of India’s tourism industry.
CBL Practice Questions for Prelims –
. Sagarmala Programme
The Sagarmala Programme focuses on:
a) Only cruise tourism.
b) Development of roads and highways along the coastline.
c) Economic development through the promotion of India’s coastline and waterways.
d) Preservation of heritage sites along coastal areas.
Answer: c) Economic development through the promotion of India’s coastline and waterways.
CBL Mains Practice Question
Discuss the importance of sustainable tourism practices in India’s growing tourism sector. How does the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism address the environmental, social, and economic challenges associated with tourism, particularly in coastal and lighthouse tourism? (15 marks)
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