Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 12: Mount Manipur, one of South Andaman’s prominent high points and a regularly visited tourist destination, has raised concerns over the upkeep of visitor infrastructure, with several maintenance issues observed during a recent visit by The Wave Andaman.
Located amid the island’s natural landscape, Mount Manipur is known for its elevated viewpoint and panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the North Bay lighthouse. The location remains an attraction for visitors seeking both scenic views and access to the natural surroundings of the area.
During the visit, the road connecting the main entrance gate to the viewpoint was found to have several small potholes and sections that appeared to require maintenance. No major improvement work was visible along the stretch during the visit.
The condition of the approach road is one of several aspects of the visitor infrastructure that may warrant attention. While Mount Manipur continues to receive visitors, visible development at the site has remained limited in recent years, with facilities and activities appearing to focus largely on visitor amenities, interpretive and commemorative elements and event-based tourism.
The parking area also showed signs of requiring better upkeep during the visit. A person was observed urinating in the parking area, despite toilet facilities being available within the premises. The incident appeared to be an instance of inappropriate visitor behaviour rather than evidence of the absence of toilet facilities at the site.
Another point observed was a solar installation within the premises. Some of the solar panels appeared damaged, while vegetation had grown around the installation. A board at the location identifies it as the “site for 10KW wind solar hybrid system”. The Wave Andaman could not independently ascertain the present operational status of the installation during the visit.
Concerns were also noticed along the Kalapathar trekking path, where discarded waste was visible at certain points along the trail. The trail passes through the natural surroundings of Mount Manipur and is used by visitors exploring the area. Maintaining cleanliness along such routes remains important both for visitor experience and for protecting the surrounding environment.
Mount Manipur National Park is managed by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Forest Department, which oversees the protected area and associated visitor facilities.
The Wave Andaman has contacted the Forest Department seeking clarification on the condition and maintenance schedule of the approach road, the upkeep of the parking area, the status of the wind-solar hybrid installation, cleanliness along the trekking route and plans, if any, for further development of visitor infrastructure at Mount Manipur. The department’s response is awaited.
The observations do not, by themselves, establish the reasons for the condition of the facilities or whether maintenance work is already planned or scheduled. They highlight issues visible to visitors at the time of the visit and the need for clarification from the authorities responsible for the site.
For a destination whose appeal is closely linked to its elevated landscape, panoramic views and natural surroundings, basic visitor infrastructure forms an important part of the overall tourism experience. Regular maintenance of access roads, parking areas, renewable-energy installations, toilets and trekking routes can help improve visitor experience while ensuring that development remains compatible with the ecological and historical character of Mount Manipur.
The site’s future development will need to balance improved visitor facilities with the conservation requirements of the protected landscape, ensuring that Mount Manipur remains both accessible to visitors and environmentally sustainable.
