South Andaman district

South Andaman district
Name	South Andaman district
Settlement type	District
Coordinates	11.667°N 92.750°E
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	India
Subdivision type1	Union territory
Subdivision name1	Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Seat type	Headquarters
Seat	Port Blair
Area total km2	2,640.7
Population total	237,586
Population as of	2011
Iso code	IN-AN

South Andaman district is an administrative district in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory of India. The district includes the city of Port Blair, the territorial capital and principal urban center, and encompasses islands such as Little Andaman and the southern part of the Great Andaman archipelago. It is a strategic maritime region near the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, noted for its biodiversity, indigenous communities, and colonial-era sites.

History

The islands forming the district have a layered history involving contacts with European colonialism and regional powers. Early modern encounters involved the British Empire which established a penal colony at Port Blair following the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and used sites like Ross Island (then Ross Island (Andaman)). During the Second World War the islands were occupied by the Empire of Japan and witnessed operations connected to the Burma Campaign. Post-war developments included Indian administration under Dominion of India and later integration into the modern Republic of India as part of the Union territories of India reorganization. The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami caused significant damage across the archipelago and prompted reconstruction programs involving agencies such as the National Disaster Management Authority and ministries of the Government of India.

Geography and Climate

The district occupies the southern portion of the Great Andaman group and nearby islets, featuring topography from coastal plains to hills like Mount Harriett and Saddle Peak (nearby in North Andaman). Surrounding seas include the Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea, and channels such as the Ten Degree Channel. The climate is tropical with an Indian Ocean-influenced monsoon regime featuring the Southwest Monsoon and Northeast Monsoon. Protected areas such as Mount Harriet National Park and marine zones host ecosystems contiguous with Andaman and Nicobar Islands moist deciduous forests and coral reef habitats similar to those around Havelock Island and Neil Island.

Administration and Subdivisions

Administratively the district is part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory and is governed from Port Blair which houses institutions including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Police headquarters and offices of the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Subdivisions include tehsils and community development blocks linked to local bodies such as the Port Blair Municipal Council and panchayat institutions, and contain islands like Little Andaman and settlements including Wandoor and Haddo. Jurisdictional matters intersect with agencies such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation.

Demographics

Census figures report a population concentrated in Port Blair and coastal settlements, with diverse communities including speakers of Bengali language, Hindi, Tamil language, Telugu language, and tribal groups such as the Onge and Jarawa in adjacent territories. Religious composition includes adherents of Hinduism in India, Christianity, and Islam in India, reflecting migration from mainland states like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Human development measures are shaped by institutions like the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Port Blair (planned), educational establishments such as Andaman College and regional branches of national boards.

Economy and Infrastructure

The district economy blends public administration centered in Port Blair, services, tourism, and primary sectors including fishing and small-scale agriculture with crops like coconuts and spices found across islands such as Little Andaman. Port facilities at Port Blair harbour support maritime links used by vessels of the Indian Navy and the Shipping Corporation of India. Infrastructure projects involve utilities coordinated by entities such as the Andaman and Nicobar Public Works Department and programs funded by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Tourism (India) to restore and develop ports, hospitals, and communication networks.

Transportation

Maritime and air links are primary: the district hosts Veer Savarkar International Airport at Port Blair offering flights to Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru and coordinated with carriers like Air India and regional airlines. Ferry and passenger ship services connect to islands including Havelock Island and Neil Island via vessels such as those run by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration and private operators. Overland routes include arterial roads on the main islands linking localities like Ferrargunj and Wimberlygunj, while strategic naval facilities are at INS Jarawa and other installations of the Indian Armed Forces in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Culture and Tourism

Cultural life blends traditions from mainland states and indigenous heritage showcased in festivals observed by communities from West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, along with tribal cultural aspects associated with groups such as the Great Andamanese. Tourism attractions include historical sites like Cellular Jail (Kālā Pānī), natural sites such as Radhanagar Beach, Mount Harriet, Corbyn's Cove Beach, and diving and snorkeling sites with coral around Havelock Island. Conservation and tourism management engage organizations like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Tourism department and NGOs focused on marine conservation, and events involve collaborations with cultural bodies such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

Category:Districts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands