PORT BLAIR: The tourism department of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is gearing up to attempt an underwater Guinness World Record to promote the islands as a top diving destination, officials said. Lieutenant Governor Admiral DK Joshi (retd) has initiated discussions with officials and other stakeholders to flesh out the plans, officials said. “The place is surrounded by beautiful beaches, rainforests and mountains and we think it is the perfect place to induce an adrenaline rush,” said Bishwendra, Director Information, Public Relations and Tourism (IP&T), Port Blair.
The objective of the activity is to put Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the list of global diving destinations and promote tourism. In addition to waterfront and beach activities, efforts will be made to popularize the diving terrain and highlight the unparalleled opportunities for diving and adventure tourism in this Indian Ocean coastal region, he said. IP&T has studied all previous Guinness World Records in this field before applying and finalizing the category, the official said. The applicant will be the local administration and will be assisted by accreditation bodies such as Andaman and Nicobar Command, Andaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), Scuba Schools International (SSI) and National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS), he said. The entire activity will be monitored by Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, Commander in Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN). “Our islands have some of the best scuba diving sites in the world. I encourage all adventurous souls and those who believe in taking risks to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and dive deeper and deeper,” Vishwendra added.
