Lakshadweep to open up 12 islands, relax restrictions to promote tourism

The island administration in Lakshadweep has decided to open 12 islands, which have been off limits for tourists till now. This initiative comes in the wake of Centre’s plan for holistic development of islands, which will further promote niche tourism in Lakshadweep.
The islands that have selected for development include Bangaram, Cherium, Suheli, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Tinnakara, Agatti, Bitra and Chetlat. Tourism Director in Lakshadweep Balram Meena said, “Since Lakshadweep is an ecologically sensitive area, great care has been taken in planning the measures. Lakshadweep has immense potential for growth, but we have observed that over the years, tourist influx has somewhat stagnated. Current effort is not only to ramp up tourism, but to also open up the island cluster to public, private and public-private partnership mode of investments to create more employment for Lakshadweep islanders.”

Also, in an effort to ease traffic in the region, Niti Ayog, the Tourism Ministry and Home Ministry have maintained that the Restricted Area Permit regime will be relaxed. It is further expected that relaxing this rule will promote tourism in the region.
To ensure that the islands do not suffer any ecological damage, the administration has prepared specific records for each island. The records will also specify the carrying capacity in each case. Referring to this development, the tourism director said, “Every island will have its unique features, from fishing to agriculture and development of medicinal plants…we want to showcase Lakshadweep as a jewel in India’s crown.”
So, the next time while planning for a trip to a place that is surrounded by coral reefs, lagoons and white sands, skip foreign destinations and book a trip to Lakshadweep instead.