Background and Context
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands recently hosted two unique Guinness World Record attempts at Swaraj Dweep (formerly Havelock Island) as part of efforts to promote eco-tourism and position the islands as a premier adventure tourism destination in India.
The World Records
- Largest Flag Unfurled Underwater: A 60m x 40m Indian flag was unfurled near Radha Nagar Beach, creating a spectacular underwater display
- Tallest Human Stack Underwater: Divers formed a 10-meter-high human stack near the lighthouse area
Key Facts about Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Geographic Profile
- Union Territory of India comprising 836 islands, islets, and rocks
- Located in the Bay of Bengal
- Port Blair serves as the capital
- Swaraj Dweep (renamed from Havelock Island in 2018) is part of the Ritchie's Archipelago
- Ten Degree Channel separates the Andaman Islands from the Nicobar Islands
- Great Nicobar Island is the largest in the Nicobar group, covering approximately 910 sq km
- Indira Point on Great Nicobar Island marks the southernmost point of India
Tribal Communities
Five Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) reside in the islands:
- Great Andamanese
- Jarwa
- Onge
- Shompen
- Sentinelese
Biodiversity
- Tropical rainforests
- Mangrove ecosystems
- Coral reefs
- Endemic flora and fauna species
Strategic Significance
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands hold immense strategic importance for India:
- Proximity to Strait of Malacca: One of the world's busiest maritime trade routes
- Only integrated tri-service command of India is based here
- Acts as a crucial pillar in India's maritime security architecture in the Indian Ocean Region
Government Initiative
The renaming of Havelock Island to Swaraj Dweep in 2018 was done to honour India's freedom struggle and reinforce national identity.
Constitutional Provision
Under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, certain provisions relate to the administration of tribal areas in these islands, protecting the rights of indigenous tribal communities.