Indira Point, Location, Connectivity, Indira Point Lighthouse

Indira Point is the southernmost point of India, located in the Nicobar district on Great Nicobar Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It lies in Great Nicobar tehsil and was earlier called Pygmalion Point and Parsons Point before being renamed in honour of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1985 after her visit in 1984.

Indira Point Features

Indira Point is a remote coastal location with strategic, geographical and historical importance due to its position and past events. The key features of the Southernmost Point of India are:

• Location: It is situated on Great Nicobar Island in the Nicobar district of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, forming the southernmost tip of India near the Indian Ocean.
• Nearby Distance: Indira Point lies about 145 km from Rondo Island of Indonesia and around 163 km south of Little Andaman, highlighting its proximity to international maritime boundaries.
• Administrative Status: The area falls under Laxmi Nagar panchayat in Great Nicobar tehsil, making it a small but significant administrative unit in the Nicobar district.
• Connectivity: The region connects to mainland India via Port Blair, with access through helicopter services, inter island boats and a planned 56 km road from Campbell Bay to Indira Point.
• Strategic Importance: India and Indonesia are jointly upgrading Sabang Port to secure the channel between Great Nicobar Island and Rondo Island, located about 612 km from Indira Point.
• Tsunami Impact: The 2004 tsunami caused heavy destruction, submerging land and leading to loss of 16-20 families and four scientists studying leatherback turtles near the lighthouse.
• Demographic Features: According to the 2011 census, only 4 households remain with a population of 27 males and an effective literacy rate of 85.19%, showing limited population after the disaster.
• Natural Attractions: The region includes Galathea National Park and coastal areas known for marine biodiversity, especially turtle habitats, making it ecologically significant.

Indira Point Lighthouse

The Indira Point Lighthouse was commissioned on 30 April 1972 and stands as India’s southernmost lighthouse. It is located near South Bay and serves as an important navigation point. After the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, the land subsided by about 4.25 metres, leaving the lighthouse partially submerged and marking a major geographical change.

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