Tourism in Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is one of the worlds most spectacular tropical island systems. Thirty- two sq. km of land spread over 36 islands surrounded by 4200 sq. km of lagoon rich in marine wealth. The precious heritage of ecology and culture is supported by an extremely fragile ecosystem. Committed to the cause of Eco tourism Union Territory of Lakshadweep has consciously followed a middle path between tourism promotion and environmental conservation. The Administration is carefully monitoring the environmental impact of coastal tourism and has taken steps to promote tourism in a way that is consistent with ecological concerns. As an effective strategy to avoid pressure on ecological environment, the efforts to promote tourism have been synchronized with the carrying capacity of the islands.

Though all the islands are endowed with the beauty of coral reef, sandy beaches, unpolluted and clear water and hospitable settings, most of these differ in terms of facilities and services offered. Some islands have been promoted for diving and water sports; still others have been developed so that people enjoy the charm of relaxation and natural enjoyment. Since the land is precious and scarce it is avowed policy of the Administration to relieve pressure on land and promote water based tourism. The motto being admires and not exploits that natural beauty.

The dispersed Island situations and small size of Islands put unavoidable constraints to physical development. Islands are forced to support independent infrastructure and amenities and import almost all requirements to develop such facilities besides items of daily need. However, Lakshadweep has used the situation as an asset rather than a constraint through promotion of quality tourism.To enhance tourism that has significant positive social impact and negative environment impact, and extreme low volume and high value added specialized tourism in the basic thrust to make tourism development environmentally sustainable. The policy thrust is very much evident from the fact that only 3587 tourists visited the islands during the finical year 1998-99.

In pursuance of the above policy, an environment impact assessment of 9th five-year Plan of Lakshadweep Administration for the period 1997-2002 was conducted. While environmental impact assessment of project is now a well-established practice, environmental impact assessment of policies or plans is a relatively new concept. It was for the first time in the country that Five Year Plan was subjected to environmental impact assessment. In the environmental analysis of the Department of tourism, it has been observed that preservation of environment is the cherished goal of Lakshadweep. In fact environment is the basic raw material for tourism for these islands.

The policies and guidelines prepared by the Union Territory of Lakshadweep to promote sustainable tourism can be categorized into four groups.

In order not to adversely affect the physical environment emphasis of the administration is to promote tourism only in those islands that can sustain it keeping in view the concept of carrying capacity. The facilities are developed in such a way that they do not result in loss of bio-diversity. No development is permitted in geologically unstable zone. Adequate buffer zone has been provided between development and existing shoreline. The construction of high-rise structures is banned. The policy is to allow structures that are in harmony with nature. It is ensured that construction materials and methods are compatible with environment and height, shape and location of building merge with the natural vegetation.

All tourism development schemes are first analyzed from environmental impact point of view and only if they meet the norms in this regard implementation is taken up. Following are broad EIA (Environment Impact Assessment) norms.

The objectives and policies with regard to tourism promotion are looked after by the Tourism Department and a Society named Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports (SPORTS), which is the Tourism promotion agency of Lakshadweep Administration.

Following actions of the Administration reflect our commitment to ecology and sustainable tourism

of high value-low volume tourism focused on preservation of local environment, ecology and culture. The Lakshadweep administration has taken a holistic view of tourism development. The idea is to promote tourism as a composite package, developing all facilities and infrastructure required to promote Eco-friendly tourism; not only provide accommodation but arrange transportation from and /to main land by ship/ air, catering facilities, recreational facilities, water sports, scuba diving, boating, wind surfing etc. Privatization of tourists infrastructure in a big way, promote private investment on very cautious terms and should be given to those who are the best in the field and share our concern for ecology and quality not quantity tourism The facilities in two islands ie. Bangaram and Agatti are being managed by private agencies. Private divers also run the scuba diving school at Kadmat. It is proposed to give facilities located in other island, Minicoy and Kadmat to private entrepreneurs and encourage the local islanders to man the scuba diving Schools. The thrust is on promoting ship based tourism for Indian nationals at affordable rates and our efforts in the regard have met with great success. The operation of passenger ships requires rigorous monitoring of facilities on board, embarkation at Kochi and disembarkation at the islands. The facilities onboard require regular upkeep especially toilets, cabins, lounges that add great deal of pressure. Since Cochin Port has not allotted any special gangway for our ships, embarkation is a problem; disembarkation also has to be organised on the high sea, as the ship cannot enter the lagoon. The passengers are transferred on small boats and brought to the island jetty, which is a cumbersome exercise requiring great deal of monitoring and supervision. The administration is dependant on expert agencies like, SCI, CSL etc for maintenance of passenger ships and on many occasions these agencies, may be due to constraints beyond their control, are not able to adhere to a deadline. These problems unsettle the entire schedule of tour packages besides causing inconvenience to the passengers.

The efforts and policy of the Tourism Department of Lakshadweep was appreciated at National level and the Hon’ble President of India at a function gave the maiden National Eco Tourism Award for 1996-97 to Lakshadweep on 25th January 1998.