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Swearing-in-Ceremony at Raj Niwas Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi to be sworn in as 13th Lt. Governor of A&N Islands Today
Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.) will be sworn in as the 13th Lt. Governor of A&N Islands tomorrow (Oct 8). The Lt. Governor-designate will arrive here from New Delhi, along with Smti Chitra Joshi (Spouse) and other members of his family at 12.30 pm tomorrow. He will be received by the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, DGP and other Senior Officers of the Administration.
The swearing-in-ceremony will be held at 3.30 pm at Raj Niwas. The Acting Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court, Mr. Justice Rakesh Tiwari will administer the Oath of Office and Oath of Secrecy to the new Lt Governor. The Chief Secretary, Shri Anindo Majumdar will read out the Warrant of Appointment.
Later, the Lt. Governor of A&N Islands, Admiral D K Joshi will visit the National Memorial Cellular Jail at 4.30 pm and lay wreath at the Martyr’s Column there. In the evening, the Lt. Governor will hold a meeting with the Chief Secretary, DGP, PCCF and Secretary to LG at Raj Niwas. On Oct 9, 2017, the Lt. Governor will hold an introductory meeting with the Chief Secretary and Senior Officers of the A&N Administration in the conference hall of Raj Niwas. A brief presentation will be made by the Chief Secretary on this occasion. The Lt. Governor is also scheduled to hold a meeting with the CINCAN at 3 pm on Oct 9.
Profile of the new Lt. Governor
Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.) was the 21st Chief of Naval Staff, having assumed office on 31 August 2012. Born on 04 July 1954, in Almora (Uttarakhand), he is a specialist in anti-submarine warfare. He is an alumni of Naval War College (USA), College of Naval Warfare (Mumbai) and National Defence College (New Delhi). He has also been the Senior Instructor (Navy) at Defence Services Staff College (Wellington).
Admiral Joshi has served in a variety of command, staff and instructional appointments. His commands at sea include guided missile corvette INS Kuthar, guided missile destroyer INS Ranvir and the aircraft carrier INS Viraat, during which he was awarded Nausena Medal, Vishist Seva Medal and Yudh Seva Medal respectively. Admiral Joshi was also the Defence Advisor in the Indian High Commission at Singapore from 1996 to 1999, with concurrent accreditation to the Philippines. After his elevation to Flag rank, Admiral Joshi commanded the Eastern Fleet, wherein he was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM). He has also served in the Integrated Headquarters, as head of all the nodal branches. He served in the Personnel Branch as the Assistant Chief of Personnel (Human Resource Development), and Warship Production and Acquisition as the Assistant Controller of the Aircraft Carrier Programme (ACACP), and thereafter in the Operations Branch both as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Information Warfare and Operations) and as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff.
Before taking over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command in 2011, he was the Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, the only tri-service integrated command. He was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal during this time. Later, he served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC).
Admiral Joshi voluntarily retired on 26 February 2014 having completed less than half of his tenure as CNS. On 08 October 2017, he assumes the appointment of Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He has also been designated as Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency, for which orders were issued in June, 2017.
He is married to Chitra Joshi and the couple has two daughters.
AATO Delegation Participates in Heritage Walk
A Delegation of AATO led by its President, Shri M.Vinod participated in a Heritage Walk organised by India Tourism as a part of Paryatan Parv which is observed from 5th October to 25th October by Ministry of Tourism,Government of India.
Apart from AATO the students of JNRM,officials of NYK and India Tourism also participated in the Heritage walk .
The Walk started from JNRM College and passed through Celllular jail,clock tower and returned back to college.
Regards
Vinod
President
AATO
AATO Discusses Tourism Related Issues With LG
A Delegation of Tourism stakeholders led by Shri M.VINOD President, AATO met Honourable Lt. Governor, today at his office and discuss various Tourism related issues which were submitted to his excellency through AATO letters dated 04/08/2017, 24/08/2017 and Joint representation on 21/09/2017.
The major issues discussed were shortage of Boats for Neil and Havelock, plying of Coral Queen for Havelock, Passenger service fee, and Basic amenities for Tourists, Parking Place for Tourist Vehicle and issue of Manual tickets for Sound and light show.
The Honorable Lt. Governor gave patient hearing to the delegation and assure look into all the grievances all the stake holders.
We express our sincere gratitude towards the Lt. Governor for giving time to our delegation among his busy schedule.
The meeting was attended by Shri M.Vinod, President, Shri P. S. Vijayan, Organising Secretary, Shri Abdul Majeed, FORTO, Shri N.Kannan A&NTVDW Association, and Shri Farooq ANTG&E Association
For Andaman Association of Tour Operators
Mohan Vinod
President
Tourism Related issues of Andaman Islands By AATO
PORT BLAIR
18TH September 2017
To,
The Hon’ble Lt. Governor,
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Raj Niwas,
Port Blair 744101
His Excellency,
Sub: Tourism Related issues of Andaman Islands
It is, in the capacity of President Association of Tour operators, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, I would like to draw your kind attention towards the grievances of Travel Agents, Tour Operators and other related Service providers with a request to draw your immediate attention and to find quick solutions.
Here are some important issues raised by the Travel Agents, Tour Operators, Boat Operators and Car Operators for your kind consideration which have hindered, and which are hindering the tourism industry at the Islands.
1 . Closure of ATR Road- your Excellency, it has come to our knowledge that the administration is introducing sea route for Baratang, which the stake holders feel will definitely effect the livelihood of hundreds of unemployed youths who have purchased tourist vehicle through bank loan and drive their vehicle on Baratang route for their livelihood.
Your Excellency, everybody is aware of the shortage of Govt. boat in the present day and it is difficult to believe that Govt. which is short of boats will operate boats for Baratang.
Introduction of boat service will definitely create chaos among the visiting tourist as we feel all the tourist will not be able to visit Baratang due to shortage of boats.
Your Excellency we kindly request you to think of this un-employed youth before taking any major decision regarding ATR.As we feel the road to ATR should be open for vehicles to carry tourist.
2. Introduction of passenger service fee by PMB- Your Excellency , we would like to inform you that the port management board has started charging Rs 50/-and Rs 20/-per port from every tourist which comes around Rs 200/-as an extra burden for every tourist and as all the tour operators have already quoted their rates, to the guest, this additional charges will bring a bad reputation to the tourism industry.
Your Excellency, further we would like to inform you that PMB is charging passenger service fee without providing any service to the passengers.
We kindly request you sir , to reconsider the decision of charging of passenger service fee by PMB.
Your Excellency, in this regards AATO has already requested for exemption through AATO letter Dated 1st and 14 august 2017.
3. Basic amenities for tourists- Your Excellency, we request you to Improve and provide clean and basic amenities like toilet, change room, life guard etc., in all the tourist spots. Whether any agency has taken a complete stock of the situation and ensured these facilities for tourists at all tourist locations, Islands? Tourists have been complaining lack of these basic amenities, the Travel Agents/Tour Operators are facing the embarrassment!!
4. Inter Island Ferry services
a) Shortage of Boats- your Excellency ,it is always noticed that there is shortage od DSS Boats during peak tourist season for Neil and Havelock islands, sir every year we request the Govt. for plying of bigger boat for Havelock and Neil islands. But it is seen that for reasons unknown only small boats are operated by Govt. during peak season.
b) Plying of boats from Havelock to Neil Island- your Excellency, we would like to inform you that the DSS was plying a boat from Havelock to Neil island daily in the morning, which was a great help for the tourist which as stopped for reasons known to the Dept.
Your Excellency, there are two boats from DSS for Havelock daily morning and if this boats can be asked to ply from Havelock to Neil and to Havelock we are sure that lot of tourists will be benefitted.
Irrespective it is peak season, winter, or monsoon, enough fast boat services between the Islands like Havelock, Neil are essential. At present, there are hundreds of complaints from Tourists for not providing even Government run ferries for tourists. The entire system should be planned well and implemented, unfortunately this is lacking in the islands.
5. Lack of Coordination between Administration and Stake Holders- your Excellency, we feel there should be Equal participation of stakeholders in all matters related with Tourism .and also Coordination committee of Stakeholders should be made active and we request your participation in all such meetings for the development of Tourism.
Your Excellency, as on present date we feel all the decisions in tourism industry are taken and implemented without the consultations of any stake holders.
Your Excellency, At the end we would request you to kindly consider all our points for development of Tourism in this Islands as we know tourism is the only surviving industry of our islands and there are thousands of people Involved in this industry earning their livelihood.
Your Excellency, we look forward to you with great expectation and hope. As we feel this problems will definitely be an obstacle for development of tourism in our islands and also will bring negative publicity for Andaman tourism.
Thanking you,
For Andaman Association of Tour Operators
(Shri. M. Vinod)
Alternate Sea Route to Baratang to Commence from Oct 1 2017
The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Anindo Majumdar on Friday cleared that the work for Alternate Sea Route connecting Port Blair and Baratang has been completed. He said that the route will commence from 1st of October 2017, with government boats starting to ply in the sector to begin with. The Chief Secretary also said that the Administration is working on modalities to bring in private boat operators to ply in the sector after the route commences. Opening up of alternate sea route by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration is being taken up in compliance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s verdict. The Administration will be shifting tourists from the road to sea as per the commitment made before the Hon’ble Supreme Court, he said. Meanwhile the road that passes through the Jarawa Reserve Forest will remain open for islanders, he added. 
Andaman Tourism Which Participated in The Ongoing TTF at Surat
Andaman Tourism Bags Award.
Andaman Tourism which participated in the ongoing TTF at Surat along with Andaman Islands Tourism stake holders has bagged the award for The Most Innovative Product for the presence of Under Water Sea Walk at Andaman Island.
The award was presented by Mr / Rajiv Agarwal ,Managing director of Fairfest Media Ltd and was received by Shri Basudev Halder ,Manager , Andaman Tourism.
How is Andaman going in October, November, December and January?
So here comes the best time to visit the Andaman Islands. Normally the season starts from October onwards. So in November it will pick up and December and January will be the best time to visit the Andaman Islands when the cost of almost everything goes high because of the huge influx of travelers to Andaman. December and January are among the best months to visit Andaman and most people celebrate holiday during this time of year because of Christmas and New Year. Thus in December and January, the cost of almost everything, the hotels, the ferry, the vehicle and the cruise ship increases.
There is an additional charge applicable in these months beyond the usual rates. On the 24th and 31st of December there is a mandatory surcharge for many hotels for the special dinner and karaoke arranged at the hotel / resort. So make sure that when your travel dates fall in December and January, get ready to pay this surcharge. Although only a handful of travel companies can provide you with the most competitive pricing during this time of the year as they have booked almost everything in advance for their customers. Andaman Bluebay is such a company. So what’s basically going on in October, November, December and January?
Although Andaman Island is a full season destination, however, October to January and even February to April is considered to be the best time to explore Andaman. Normally Dusshera goes public holidays in October. Dussehra is Bengal’s biggest festival, and in Andaman there is a lot of Bengali people both in Port Blair and Havelock Island. Now everywhere on the islands you will find people from Bengal from South Andaman to North Andaman. This time brings a lot of crowd to Andaman. Plus the island is lit correctly on different temples and specific pandals are created on all islands during this time of year. One of our Game Fishing in Andaman, Andaman Dusshera packages, operating in October, explains one of this trip.
Then November arrives, now usually around November, Diwali will be celebrated. Diwali is a festival celebrated throughout India, and in Andaman we celebrate it in a very nice way. All outbreaks of biscuits and candy are distributed among friends and family. The Andaman island is fairly diversified in its cultural perspective. People from all over India have settled in the islands, and so we have grown up here. There have never been any municipal matches, and everybody lives together and in peace and harmony. This is an aspect I love most about Andaman, and there are many who are honest. November is a very good time to visit the islands, and every attraction on the island is open to the tourists. All activities are operational, whether it’s Scuba Diving, Sea Walking or Cruise Rides all are operational during this time of year. Any new product or activity coming to Andaman will also be launched in October and November.
Now, December and January! What do I say about these months? These may be the best time to visit Andaman. Now there are several reasons to consider October to April as among the best time to visit Andaman. But among these months, if you ask me to choose 2-3 months for holiday in Andaman, I would like to emphasize in December, January and February. The clear crystal water, the blue luminescence is experienced during this period of the year, the visibility underwater is fabulous and the humidity ratio also decreases. See, in Andaman there is no such thing as summer and winter. Its a tropical climate in Andaman and throughout the year it is the same kind of weather. It’s just that the humidity goes down from October to January. Well there is monsoon season, although it happens during July and August the most.
With Christmas and New Year in December, the holiday season brings up and there is a lot of influx of travelers to Andaman. Although Andaman does not have much nightlife, you can experience some nightlife in December and January. Especially on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. I hope you get a hang of what I mean when planning a visit to Andaman in October, November, December and January. All hotels, tours and ferries will be booked during these months in good time. Do not wait until the last minute to get things done, as getting availability will be a big issue during these months. After arriving at the islands there is a reasonable chance that you will not experience some things because the tickets are sold out.
What can not be done during these months?
In fact, everything in the Andaman island is possible during these months. From Sea Walking, Scuba Diving, Glass Boat Ride, Semi Submarine, Snorkeling, Makruzz Cruise, Green Ocean and Coast Cruise, Kayaking, Turtle Nesting in North Andaman, Boat Trips to Ross Island, North Bay Island, Jolly Bouy Island and Baratang Island Will Everyone is operational and can be visited and experienced. Basically, you will come to the best time of year for Andaman.
Would it be too cold from October to January or February?
As I mentioned earlier, there is no mention of summer and winter in Andaman. Temperature usually remains the same throughout the year. It’s just that the humidity drops during this time of year. It does not get cold, but you can wear a light sweater, just if you are planning a walk by the beach at night.
Who do you recommend visiting Andaman during these months?
In fact, this time of year is good for everyone. You just want to love it here in Andaman.
Can I go for diving, lake hiking, snorkelling and other underwater activities?
Absolutely there is no doubt about it. You can enjoy all kinds of water sports in the Andaman Islands.
What are the best attractions to visit during these months?
Well, you can cover every part of the islands both in the south and north Andaman, also in the middle of Andaman. What that means, you must cover Port Blair, the capital of Andaman. In Port Blair you should visit Cellular Prison, Ross Island, North Bay Island, Chidiatapu, Jolly Bouy, City Museums and Corbyn Cove Beach. In Havelock Island you should cover all three attractions Radhanagar Beach, Kalapathar Beach and Elephant Beach. In Neil Island you should cover Laxmanpur Beach, Bharatpur Beach and Natural Rock Formation. In North Andaman, visit Diglipur with Ross and Smith Island, but to cover North Andaman you need about 10 days. If you do not have time, cover only Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island. You can also consider a day trip to Baratang from Port Blair. Baratang is another good attraction on the islands. A travel plan should be a combination of all these destinations and attractions, so you can better utilize your time on the islands.
How do you recommend us to come to Andaman?
The best option is to take a flight from your city to Andaman. It is quite easy to get to the islands via a direct flight. You can now fly from Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kolkata. Just see which sector the flight is in operation and you can easily get your tickets done to visit Andaman.
So if you want Andaman in October, November, December, January, February, March and April do not think much about arriving at Andaman at the best time of year and you will definitely enjoy it. Check out my various other blogs on how to plan things to do and about various water sports activities in Andaman to get an understanding of how to plan a visit to this exotic destination in India. You will definitely love your experience during your visit from October to April.
Monsoon Andaman: Off-Season Vacation – What to Expect
Is it ok to come to Andaman during the off-season?
Monsoon Andaman and beach holidays generally do not go hand in hand. But Andaman is a place where it’s always season. Here is why
The traditional ‘tourist’ season in Andaman is almost over. Come in mid May, monsoon will be over Andaman. Given the location and nature of attractions (beaches and sea activities), most people are discouraged from visiting the islands during the off season. Traditionally, this seems to be sensible. But stay there. Before you write off your Andaman visit between May and September, here’s what you need to know.
As you will see our website ” Game Fishing in Andaman “, we say Andaman – Sea. Sun. Anytime. And that’s right. The Andaman Islands are promoted by dept. Of tourism as a full year destination. Most of Andaman remain completely functional during the rain. In fact, except for walks in the ocean, you can do almost all the things that happen during the holiday season like scuba and snorkeling. There is a chance chance that heavy rains and uneven sea can occasionally cause cancellation, but in such cases you can come back when the sky is ready. If luckily do not hold, you get full refund.
Ferry services to islands and attractions like limestone caves remain functional during the rain. Local attractions such as cellular prison and Samudrika museum are also open to visitors.
Here’s a quick order of pros and cons that will help you understand better
Benefits
1. The islands are less crowded with tourists
2. It’s low season – packages will be available in low season rates
3. Rooms across hotels will be easily accessible
4. All standard attractions will be open
5. Forget about sunkathed beaches. Everyone has done it. Go to the rainy experience
Cons
1. The evening sounds and the display of the mobile prison are exposed to weather conditions
2. Sea walks may not be possible
3. Some activities may be delayed if the weather changes
4. Treks may become slippery
5. You must drag an umbrella / raincoat everywhere
So, you see, the disadvantages are really not much. If you are a game for a little adventure, Andaman is perfect even in the rainy season. Just to say … monsoon Andaman is the romance of the season. That’s when nature is flourishing and the pitter-patter music makes wonders for the soul.
Then proceed. We are here to take care of you.