Addu atoll

WHY IN NEWS?

India and Maldives has recently signed five MoUs for establishing the Addu Tourism zone in five islands of Addu atoll located in Maldives at a cost of 2.49 million dollars.

ABOUT ADDU ATOLL

• Addu is one of the most beautiful sites of Maldives’26 coral atolls. It comprises more than two dozens of Maldives’ 1192 islands.
• Addu is also an important site for tourism because it represents the southernmost point of South Asia. About 10% of actual Maldives residents are living here with unique culture and dialect.
• India is expanding its tourism and infrastructure development limits through off-shore development works. Addu Tourism Zone will increase India’s capacity for infrastructure building. Addu Tourism Zone will bring national and international tourists and diplomats that will boost India’s and Maldives’ tourism sector.
• A 6th MoU to set up a bottled water plant in Hoarafushi was also signed.
• All six projects are grant projects falling under India’s High Impact Community Development Scheme (HICDP).
• These projects are driven by the needs of communities on the islands.

Prelims Question

Q. Addu Atoll which was in news recently is located in?
a)India
b)Maldives
c)Australia
d)Madagascar

Answer to the Prelims Question