Why Lakshadweep has restricted tourism?
- Harini Reddy
- May 14, 2017
- 2 min read
Before describing about the beauty and how to visit Lakshadweep, I thought it's important to write how fragile these islands are & why they have restricted tourism.
This one question kept on lingering in my mind when I have decided to visit one of the world's most spectacular tropical islands.
I was not happy because getting a permit on your own without travel agents is a hectic process. Till I reached Lakshadweep I was very disappointed with our government for having restrictions to visit this marvel of nature and comparing it to Maldives which gets its 70% revenue from tourism.
Later as days passed and with interaction with locals and few government officials and observing how few fellow tourists has no respect towards nature, I started realizing how important it was to have check on tourism to protect this fragile ecosystem.
The major reasons why government has posed such restrictions was the island carry capacity ,limited resources on island including drinking water & also to protect the interests of local people.
Lakshadweep islands are tiny and are surrounded by ecologically delicate coral reefs.
Lakshadweep ranks 3rd in country for population density. The coral reefs are under tremendous pressure from over exploitation of resources, pollution & increased human activities on available limited land.
During past few decades there has been rapid development on these islands which has already resulted in degradation of coral colonies.
Lakshadweep administration encourages environmentally sustainable tourism that has significant positive social & negative environmental impact. Few steps taken by them:
High-rise structures are banned and encourages structures that are in harmony with nature.
Use of solar energy
Biomass based power projects in kavaratti & kadmat
Corals & sand from beaches cannot be used for construction
Rain water harvestation
They are also planning to make these islands plastic free by end of 2018, isn't it amazing.
Am surprised and happy that government is taking so many steps to save these islands and it's our responsibility while visiting these islands to do our bit & be conscious how fragile this ecosystem is....
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