15-July-2024-Editorial

LIGHTHOUSES IN INDIA 

A lighthouse is a structure designed to emit light from lamps and lenses, aiding navigation for mariners and fishermen.

They mark dangerous coastlines, shoals, reefs, and safe entries to harbors. India maintains 194 lighthouses across its coastal line and islands.

Historical Role of Lighthouses: 

• Ancient India: Rigveda and Satapatha Brahmana mention early navigation in Indian waters.
• Mythological Connections: Stories like ‘Manu’s rescue from flood’ indicate ancient Indian knowledge of navigation.
• Pallava Period: King Narasimhavarman-I built a lighthouse at Mamallapuram in the 7th century A.D., showcasing early maritime infrastructure in India.

Significant Lighthouses in India: 

• Tangasseri Lighthouse, Kollam, Kerala: Tallest in Kerala, constructed by the British, painted in white and red bands.
• Mahabalipuram Lighthouse, Tamil Nadu: Colonial-era structure near a UNESCO World Heritage Site, open for visitors.
• Kaup Beach Lighthouse, Udupi, Karnataka: Built in 1901, underwent various upgrades.
• Vizhinjam Lighthouse, Kovalam, Kerala: One of the oldest and picturesque lighthouses in India, established in 1972.
• Fort Aguada Lighthouse, Goa: Well-preserved Portuguese structure offering scenic sea views.
• Chandrabhaga Lighthouse, Odisha: Endured severe cyclones, near Konark temple, showcasing resilience.

Role of Modern Lighthouses: 

• Navigation: Guide ships, mark ports, and provide signals, complementing GPS technology.
• Security: Equipped with state-of-the-art radars post-2008 Mumbai attacks for coastal surveillance.
• Communication: Automatic Identification System (AIS) facilitates communication between lighthouses and fishermen.
• Legislation: Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021 promotes historical and cultural value of lighthouses.
• Tourism: Events like Indian Lighthouse Festival promote tourism potential, turning lighthouses into cultural and educational hubs.

Modern Navigational Aids:

• Light Vessels: Floating aids marking isolated dangers where lighthouse construction is impractical.
• Buoys: Provide navigational directions, now powered by solar energy.
• Radio Beacons: Replaced by Differential GPS (DGPS) for accurate maritime positioning.
• Racons: Radar transponder beacons providing ship radar with range, bearing, and identification data.

Benefits of Boosting Lighthouse Tourism in India 

Cultural Heritage:

• Lighthouses offer historical and cultural value, promoting awareness of India’s maritime heritage.
• Designation under Marine Aids to Navigation Act as heritage sites enhances their cultural significance.
• Visitors experience centuries-old roles in trade, conquest, and travel, with unique coastal viewpoints.

Economic Development:

• Investment Potential: Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships identified 75 lighthouses for tourism development.
• PPP Model: Encourages private investment in developing lighthouses as tourist destinations.
• Local Economy: Increased tourism benefits local vendors, restaurants, and service providers in coastal areas.

Environmental Awareness:

• Eco-friendly Practices: Focus on heritage lighthouses promotes sustainable tourism practices.
• Coastal Protection: Tourist footfall raises awareness and aids in protecting coastal environments.

Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships 

Role and Functionality:

• Operates under Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways to aid marine navigation along Indian coasts.
• Headquartered in Noida with regional offices in key coastal districts.
• Ensures safe navigation through visual aids like lighthouses, buoys, and radio aids (DGPS, Racons).
• Provides technical support and maintenance oversight, ensuring adherence to international standards.

Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 

Overview:

• Ten-year blueprint for India’s maritime sector released in 2020, focusing on waterways, shipbuilding, and cruise tourism.
• Supersedes Sagarmala initiative, aims to boost waterways and encourage cruise tourism.
• Key interventions in brownfield capacity, mega ports, transhipment hubs, and infrastructure modernization.

Objectives:

• Achieve 5% share in world exports through enhanced maritime capabilities and Ease of Doing Business (EoDB).
• Implement National Logistics Portal (Marine), digital smart ports, and performance monitoring systems.
• Enhance logistics efficiency, reduce costs, promote coastal shipping, and industrialize portlands.

Governance and Sustainability: 

• Improve governance, amend laws, strengthen Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
• Promote PPPs, fiscal support, and financial resilience for sustainable growth.
• Focus on education, research, and training to maintain leadership in seafaring.
• Align with International Maritime Organization goals for safe, efficient, and green ports.
• Increase renewable energy usage, reduce emissions, optimize water usage, and manage waste effectively.

Conclusion 

Lighthouse tourism under Maritime India Vision 2030 not only enhances cultural heritage but also boosts economic development and promotes environmental sustainability. The Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships plays a crucial role in maintaining navigational aids while India aims for significant strides in maritime sector growth through MIV 2030 initiatives.