Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 14: The Andaman and Nicobar Administration on 13 August honoured the divers who created two Guinness World Records earlier this year, while outlining plans to leverage the achievement to strengthen the Islands’ position as an international destination for diving and maritime tourism.
The felicitation ceremony, held at Lok Niwas, recognised participants involved in setting the Guinness World Records for the Largest National Flag Unfurled Underwater and the Tallest Human Stack Underwater, both achieved in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in May 2026. The participants were presented with certificates and medallions.
The function was attended by Lieutenant Governor Admiral D.K. Joshi (Retd.), who felicitated the divers. Also present were First Lady Chitra Joshi, Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty, Chief Secretary Chanchal Yadav, Director General of Police Ravindra Singh Yadav, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sanjay Kumar Sinha, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Shinde, senior officials from the civil administration and defence establishments, and tourism stakeholders.
According to the Administration, the two records include the Largest National Flag Unfurled Underwater, measuring 60 metres by 40 metres with a total area of 2,400 square metres, and the Tallest Human Stack Underwater, reaching 22.3 metres.
The Administration stated that the record attempts were planned to highlight the Islands’ underwater resources and strengthen their identity as a leading international scuba diving destination. It said the successful completion of both records has reinforced the Islands’ standing as a destination for underwater exploration and diving.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Secretary Chanchal Yadav said maritime tourism accounts for nearly half of global tourism and represents a market valued at approximately USD 4 trillion, while India’s share stands at about 2.5 per cent. She said the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have significant potential to expand India’s presence in this sector.
She said the Guinness World Records achieved through diving activities offer an opportunity to showcase the Islands internationally and informed that, under the guidance of the Lieutenant Governor, a proposal has been submitted to the Government of India’s Destination Development Scheme to develop the Islands as a global diving destination.
According to the Chief Secretary, the proposal focuses on strengthening diving safety infrastructure, improving physical infrastructure such as jetties and boat repair facilities, and developing specialised training, underwater exploration, shipwreck diving and underwater museums to enhance visitor experience.
She also said the Administration is working to diversify maritime tourism by promoting activities including surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing, with an emphasis on sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism development.
Secretary, Information, Publicity and Tourism, Vinayak Chamadia, said the Guinness World Record initiatives were conceptualised by the Lieutenant Governor and reflected coordinated efforts between the Administration and the Andaman and Nicobar Command while bringing international attention to the Islands as a diving destination.
Lead diver Hardik Datanwala shared his experience of the record attempts and said the achievement was made possible through the participation of the diving community and support from various agencies. Director, Information, Publicity and Tourism, Anita Yadav, delivered the vote of thanks, stating that the twin Guinness World Records have strengthened the Administration’s resolve to pursue its future tourism initiatives.
