Milind Deora, Minister of State for Shipping recently launched the project of development of tourism at Kanhoji Angere Lighthouse. Kanhoji Angre Island Lighthouse is a serene and extremely environmentally friendly destination.
Speaking at the event Deora said, “The objectives of developing lighthouses are threefold to conserve the heritage, to generate awareness about our rich maritime history and to create interest of general public in shipping. I hope this initiative will provide a new weekend destination to travel and relax.”
Pradeep Kumar Sinha, Secretary Shipping further added “With the consistent efforts of we have been able to pursue and now launch the Lighthouse Tourism Policy. DGLL has already carried out feasibility study for 15 Lighthouses through which another 3 Lighthouses are proposed to be covered under this project. The work of restoration and conservation of existing lighthouse structure, landscape enhancement of island etc. will add to the maintenance of lighthouses”
A. M. Surej, Director General of Lighthouses & Lightships, who administers the Kanhoji Angere Lighthouse has assigned the study of development of the island to M/s IL&FS Ltd. “Light houses in India remains an untapped area by domestic tourists and adventure tourists. This will be a great opportunity for anyone who likes to experience the Flora and fauna of some of the remote and virgin beaches of Indian coastline. Some of the old lighthouses have great heritage value”. Along with Kanhoji Angere Lighthouse, tourist potential of Sunk Rock and Dolphin’s Lighthouse, which are just a stone throw from Gateway of India, is also being tapped.
The estimated cost of the project is about Rs 38 Crore which will be implemented in PPP Mode. DGLL has taken up the ambitious task of developing selected Lighthouses all along the coast at an estimated cost of Rs 350 Cr. It will expose the general public on maritime history and will protect the Heritage Lighthouses.
The Directorate General of Lighthouses has already been playing an important role in establishing the Lighthouses which also includes electronic aids to navigation to facilitate the mariners for safe navigation in Indian waters. Presently the Directorate is having 183 lighthouses , 23 Differential Global Positioning System, 64 Radar Beacons, 22 deep sea buoys, 5 wreck marking buoys, one of the largest Vessel Traffic Service in the world in the Gulf of Kachchh and state of the arte National AIS Network having 74 base stations.
