Amid concerns over potential unlawful activity by anti-national elements, the District Magistrate of South Andaman has invoked provisions under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)-2023 to impose strict surveillance measures across hotels, lodges, and homestays in the district. The emergency order, effective from midnight of July 30, 2025, will remain in force for 60 days unless revoked earlier.
The order, classified as ex-parte, follows inputs received by district authorities suggesting that individuals with intent to carry out unlawful acts may be using accommodation facilities for reconnaissance and planning. The administration considers these steps necessary to safeguard public safety and prevent disruptions to law and order in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Under the directive, all commercial lodging establishments, including hotels, guest houses, bed & breakfast facilities, and lodges, are required to comply with a set of enhanced security conditions. First among them is the mandatory possession of valid licenses for operation. Unregistered or unlicensed premises will not be permitted to accommodate guests under any circumstances.
The order mandates comprehensive CCTV surveillance at all entry and exit points as well as other critical areas within the premises. Footage from these cameras must be maintained in working condition and preserved for a minimum of 30 days. This provision is intended to ensure that any suspicious movement or activity can be reviewed retrospectively in the event of an incident.
In addition to surveillance, establishments are required to maintain a detailed register of all staying guests. The register must include complete identification details, accompanied by a copy of each guest’s valid ID proof. This applies uniformly to both domestic and foreign visitors.
Furthermore, strict compliance with Form-C submission requirements has been made compulsory for foreign nationals. Form-C, which records the arrival of foreign guests in hotels, must be submitted to the designated registering authorities within the prescribed timeframe. Failure to do so could invite punitive action.
The administration has clarified that violation of any of these conditions will be treated as a punishable offence under Section 208 of the BNSS-2023. Enforcement will be monitored by the local police, and random inspections may be carried out to ensure compliance.
This order comes at a time of heightened security alert in the region, driven by apprehensions over misuse of civil infrastructure by anti-social or extremist actors. Officials note that accommodation hubs often become soft targets for covert activity, particularly in tourism-centric regions with transient populations such as the Andaman Islands.
The directive is being widely disseminated through public notices, press releases, and notices posted at key administrative and law enforcement offices, including those of Sub-Divisional Police Officers, Tehsildars, and Police Stations.
The administration has not specified whether the order will be renewed beyond its initial 60-day duration.
Industry stakeholders, particularly in the hospitality sector, are expected to realign their operating protocols with the new requirements. While some hoteliers may view the mandate as an operational burden, officials have emphasised that the measures are temporary and essential to maintaining public safety.
As South Andaman continues to attract a mix of tourists, business travelers, and seasonal workers, the importance of secure accommodation systems becomes paramount. The administration has made it clear that ensuring public safety through vigilance and regulation remains a top priority, especially in times of perceived threat.
