Chatham Government Saw Mill
Chatham Island, Port Blair 
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About Chatham Government Saw Mill
The Chatham Government Saw Mill is Asia’s oldest and largest saw mill. situated on the Chatham Islands and is connected to Port Blair by a 100-meter-long bridge. It was established in 1883 with the primary objective of meeting the needs of sawn timber.
With time the saw mill became a forgotten relic. Today though the mill is emerging as a tourist attraction in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The mill is situated about 4 kilometers from the city center.
What To Expect At Chatham Government Mill On Chatham Islands
Chatham Mill is tucked away at the far end of the mill complex and so is missed by most tourists. Once you enter the mill you can follow the rapturing journey of raw wood converted into final products. You will see wood bought on boats, sorted, cut, and stored in warehouses.
It is then transformed into final wooden planks and sent to various destinations to be made into wooden furniture. The sawmill may not be a treat to the ears but you can always carry earplugs or cotton to minimize the noise. This is an experience unique to the Nicobar Islands and one that shouldn’t be missed.
Historical Importance of Chatham Saw Mill
While the mill is a beacon of growth today, its past tells a not-so-industrious story of the impact of the Second World War on the region. The machines initially installed at the saw mill were second-hand. During World War ii, the mill fell victim to British bombs, ceasing its operations completely. This bombing also led to the formation of a bomb pit, which is now filled with water.
Present-Day Significance of Chatham Saw Mill
Today the Chatham saw mill is maintained by the Forest Department which also manages the forest museum. The staff at the forest department are helpful and explain the details about the mill and its operations. The entire sawmill area is also a visual treat to the eyes. You can see a wide display of wood carvings here including wooden showpieces of saltwater crocodiles, birds, and wooden carvings made of Padauk wood.
How to Reach Chatham Government Saw Mill?
Chatham Saw Mill lies on Chatham Island, to the extreme North of Port Blair city. Public and private transport is easily available as it is connected to Port Blair by road.
One can rent cabs, hire a 2-wheeler (per day basis), or take an auto (tuk-tuk) to get to Chatham Saw Mill. Buses ply to the mill but aren’t the most convenient option for travel, especially for tourists short on time.
The ferry to Bamboo flat (way to Mount Harriet) is situated beside the mill. The Haddo jetty in Port Blair (where private ferries go to Havelock and Neil) is situated about 1km from here. Once you visit the mill we do recommend heading back to Port Blair. From here head to Phoenix Jetty to catch a ferry to Viper Island. We will leave you with no descriptions of this beautiful island because it’s best kept as a pleasant surprise for tourists.
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