The Directorate of Information, Publicity and Tourism of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has placed draft guidelines for the operation of night sea kayaking in the public domain, inviting suggestions and feedback from stakeholders and the general public.
According to the department, the draft guidelines have been prepared to regulate basic-level night sea kayaking activities in the islands, with a focus on safety, operational standards and oversight of tourism-related water sports. The move comes amid growing interest in adventure tourism activities and the need to establish a structured framework for their conduct in coastal waters.
Officials stated that the proposed guidelines are intended to apply specifically to night sea kayaking operations and aim to address operational risks associated with low visibility, navigation challenges and environmental sensitivity during night hours. The draft framework is expected to serve as a baseline for regulating operators and ensuring safer experiences for tourists and residents.
The draft document has been uploaded on the official website of the Directorate of Information, Publicity and Tourism, allowing interested parties to review the provisions and submit their views. Tourism stakeholders, relevant government departments and members of the public have been encouraged to examine the draft and provide inputs within the stipulated timeframe.
As per the notification, suggestions, comments and inputs must be submitted within 15 days from the date of publication, with the final date for receiving feedback set as March 12. The department has indicated that feedback received after the deadline may not be considered during the finalisation process.
Officials clarified that in the event no comments are received by the closing date, it will be presumed that stakeholders have no objections or suggestions to offer on the draft guidelines. Inputs found to be relevant and constructive will be examined and may be incorporated into the final version of the regulations.
The department has also specified a structured format for submitting feedback, requiring respondents to clearly indicate the existing clause number, the relevant provision from the draft guidelines, and the proposed suggestion or comment. This, officials said, is intended to streamline the review process and facilitate informed decision-making.
Tourism authorities have been working towards balancing adventure tourism promotion with environmental protection and visitor safety, particularly in ecologically sensitive marine zones. Night-time activities on the sea are seen as requiring additional safeguards due to limited visibility and potential impacts on marine life.
Once finalised, the guidelines are expected to provide clarity to operators and enforcement agencies on permissible practices and compliance requirements. The department indicated that the final rules would form part of the broader regulatory framework governing water-based tourism activities in the islands.
Residents and stakeholders have been urged to participate in the consultation process to ensure that the final guidelines reflect practical considerations, safety imperatives and environmental concerns associated with night sea kayaking in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
