Sri Vijaya Puram, November 3: The limited availability of trained astrophotography practitioners in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has brought attention to an emerging tourism segment, with the Department of Tourism providing specialised training and financial assistance to encourage local entrepreneurship in astro-tourism.
As part of an eight-day Training and Certification Programme on Photography and Camera Handling under the World Bank-assisted Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme, trainees received practical exposure to astrophotography during a night field session at Whistling Woods, Chidiyatapu, on November 1.
The session introduced participants to long-exposure photography techniques, including capturing the Milky Way, star trails and distinct constellations against the night sky. The field exercise aimed to familiarise candidates with the technical requirements of photographing astronomical objects.
During an interactive session, astro-communicator Udhay Bhasker highlighted the potential for developing astro-tourism across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He pointed to the specialised nature of astrophotography and the limited number of certified practitioners locally, while noting the rapidly increasing global and domestic demand for this segment.
The programme also addressed the financial requirements of establishing astro-tourism facilities. Department of Tourism officials briefed participants on subsidies available under the RAMP Scheme for purchasing and installing astronomical telescopes.
Male beneficiaries are eligible for reimbursement of 50 per cent of the total telescope cost, including installation. Female and tribal beneficiaries can receive enhanced assistance covering 75 per cent of the total expenditure, including installation. The differential subsidy structure seeks to support inclusive micro-entrepreneurship in the sector.
Participants were also informed about administrative initiatives currently underway to develop this specialised tourism segment.
The training combines technical exposure with information on financial support, placing emphasis on building local capabilities in a niche area where the department has identified opportunities for entrepreneurship. The availability of subsidised astronomical equipment provides an additional avenue for aspiring practitioners to explore setting up facilities in the islands.
