The Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex in Sri Vijaya Puram, once the bustling gateway to nearby tourist attractions, has slipped into neglect and abandonment. Built in 2002 as a major recreational and transport hub, the complex was designed to facilitate ferry services to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island) and North Bay, in addition to offering water sports. For several years, it drew steady crowds of tourists eager to experience the boating and leisure activities at its jetty. Today, however, the complex stands in silence, with its infrastructure deteriorating and its facilities unused.
The most visible signs of decline are evident across the jetty. Cracked pathways, broken tiles, and damaged seating dominate the area, while corroded railings speak of prolonged exposure to sea breeze without routine upkeep. The structure that once welcomed thousands of visitors has been deemed unsafe for use, leaving only a temporary floating jetty in operation. Residents say that this substitute is inadequate for long-term needs, further underlining the urgency of restoring a permanent facility.
By nightfall, the scene grows even bleaker. The complex, which was once lit up and alive with activity, now lies shrouded in darkness. With no functioning lights, the jetty’s surroundings appear deserted, amplifying the sense of abandonment. Locals argue that this decline has cast a shadow over Sri Vijaya Puram’s image as a tourist destination.
For residents who recall its heyday, the loss of water sports and ferry services is particularly painful. Activities such as jet-ski rides, boating, and ferry trips, once highlights of the complex, have been discontinued for years. The site that was promoted as the island capital’s hub for adventure and leisure no longer offers even the most basic recreational options. The absence of motor sounds, cheering visitors, and vibrant tourist movement has been replaced by silence, underscoring the scale of neglect.
The economic and reputational consequences of this deterioration are significant. Tourism in Sri Vijaya Puram, which relies heavily on access to nearby islands and recreational facilities, has lost a key asset. Residents point out that visitors who once considered the jetty a must-visit attraction are now met with a neglected space, creating an impression of poor maintenance and reduced investment in tourism infrastructure.
Beyond tourism, the complex carries historical and cultural importance. It houses a memorial commemorating the Battle of Aberdeen of 1859, when indigenous Andamanese tribes clashed with British colonists in one of the region’s defining historical moments. Alongside the memorial stands a statue of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, after whom the complex is named. Both features once served as landmarks that combined history with public recreation. Today, however, their surroundings reflect deterioration, raising fears that the neglect of the complex could overshadow their significance.
While the floating jetty continues to provide a stopgap solution for limited boat services, its fragile condition has raised concerns about safety and sustainability. Without a permanent and reliable structure, transport and tourism operations remain vulnerable to disruption. For many residents, the temporary measure underscores how far the facility has drifted from its original purpose of being a long-term hub.
The future of the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex remains unclear. Despite repeated reminders of its value, both as a tourism facility and as a heritage site, there has been little visible progress in terms of restoration or reinvestment. Locals believe that unless immediate steps are taken, the decline may soon become irreversible, robbing Sri Vijaya Puram of one of its landmark attractions.
Once envisioned as a space that merged recreation, transport, and cultural heritage, the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex now stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglect. Its fate has become symbolic of the larger challenges facing tourism infrastructure in the islands, highlighting the need for timely intervention to preserve what was once one of the city’s most vibrant public spaces.
The Wave Andaman also reached out to the concerned authorities for a response on the matter. However, as of the time of publication, no official reply had been received.
