Lakshadweep Tourism

SYLLABUS: GS 3> Economic Development   >   Tourism

REFERENCE NEWS:

• The appeal of Lakshadweep as a tourist destination soared following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the islands. This visit, along with some controversial remarks made by Maldivian ministers against the PM, brought increased attention to Lakshadweep. These developments have sparked discussions and debates about the potential of tourism in the region.

MORE ON NEWS:

• The issue between India and the Maldives regarding tourism in Lakshadweep began with offensive comments made by three deputy ministers from the Maldives on social media about the Indian PM’s posts, which highlighted Lakshadweep's potential as a tourist destination. The Maldives perceives India's promotion of Lakshadweep as a direct competition for its own status as a tropical tourist destination.
• Additionally, the current Maldivian government's anti-India stance was in the news recently, including asking Indian military personnel to leave and ending a naval agreement. (https://ilearncana.com/details/India-Maldives-Relations/1092).

LAKSHADWEEP:

• Lakshadweep is an archipelago in the Arabian sea.
• It consisting of 36 islands, categorized into three main groups:
  • Amindivi Islands in the North
  • Laccadive/Cannanore Islands
  • Minicoy Island in the South

Geography:

• The islands are of coral origin. The archipelago consists of twelve atolls, three reefs and five submerged banks.
• The region does not have a rich flora and there is also an absence of forest in the region. However, the surrounding sea is rich in fauna.
• The Eleven Degree North Parallel separates the Amindivi Islands and the Laccadive Islands. The Nine Degree Channel separates the Laccadive islands and the Minicoy Island. 

Administration:

• The Uni-district Union Territory was formed in 1956 as called ‘Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands’ and renamed Lakshadweep in 1973. It is the smallest union territory of India.
• It is governed by an administrator appointed by the President of India. The UT is served by one Lok Sabha MP and has dweep panchayat councils. The region comes under the jurisdiction of Kerala High Court.

Economy:

• Production of coconut fiber products is the main industry. Fishing is another important livelihood of the islanders.  The government is actively promoting tourism as a means of income. Eg: Bangaram is projected to become a major destination for international tourism.

Demography:

• Of the 36 islands, ten are inhabited. According to the 2011 Census, the UT has a population of 64,429.
• The earlier inhabitants of Lakshadweep were Hindus who had migrated from the Malabar coast of Kerala and were converted to Islam in the 7th century AD.
• More than 93% of the indigenous population are Muslims, and the majority of them belong to the Shafi School of the Sunni Sect.

Culture:

• Even though there is dominance of Islam, the social structure is based on the matrilineal kinship and caste system that reflects the Hindu customs of Kerala.
• Kolkali and Parichakali are the two popular folk artforms in the Territory. In Minicoy, Lava is the most popular dance form.

POTENTIAL FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN LAKSHADWEEP:

• Natural Beauty and Unique Geography: 
  • Lakshadweep is known for its stunning natural beauty, with pristine beaches, clear blue waters, and an abundance of marine life. Its coral reefs and lagoons are particularly appealing for tourists seeking a tropical island experience.
• Exclusive and Unspoiled: 
  • Unlike many other tourist destinations, Lakshadweep is relatively unspoiled and less crowded. This exclusivity makes it an attractive destination for tourists seeking a more serene and private vacation.
• Adventure and Water Sports: 
  • The islands offer numerous opportunities for water sports such as scuba diving, kayaking, and wind-surfing. This appeals to adventure seekers and those interested in marine exploration.
• Cultural Appeal: 
  • Lakshadweep has a rich cultural heritage with influences from various coastal regions of India. This cultural aspect, including cuisine, dance, music, and traditions, can be a significant draw for tourists.
• Ecotourism Potential: 
  • Given its delicate ecosystem, Lakshadweep has the potential to develop as an ecotourism destination. Promoting sustainable tourism practices could attract tourists who are conscious about their environmental impact.

CHALLENGES:

• Entry Permit Requirements:
  • Unlike the Maldives, which offers visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry, visiting Lakshadweep involves a longer process requiring a 10-15 day entry permit, including police clearance and submission of identification documents.
  • Indian tourists must apply through the Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports (SPORTS) or authorized agents, including state-run hotel bookings. Foreigners need an Indian tourist visa for the permit. Visits are usually capped at 7 days, and tourists need to be with local agents.
• Connectivity:
  • To enhance tourism in Lakshadweep, more connectivity is needed. Currently, there's only one daily flight by Air India from Kochi to Agatti. The alternative is an 18-hour cruise ship journey from Kochi.
• Limited Internet connectivity:
  • Internet connectivity is limited on the islands, with only BSNL offering service. Other cellular network data does not function, rendering digital payment methods impractical.
• Proper Ownership Restrictions:
  • Property ownership is restricted to Lakshadweep residents, barring “non-Lakshadweep” individuals from purchasing property, contributing to the absence of standard resort chains on the islands.
• Environmental Concerns: 
  • The ecology of Lakshadweep is fragile. Experts have raised concerns about the impact of tourism on the marine wildlife, corals, and migratory birds. 
  • For instance, the Lakshadweep archipelago's fragile ecosystem, particularly its corals, is at risk from a controversial tourism project started in 2021 without an Environmental Impact Assessment. This development, involving extensive villa construction, contradicts the 2014 Justice Raveendran Committee Report's advice for controlled tourism and emphasizes protecting the delicate coral reefs through sustainable practices.
• Cultural and Social Impacts: 
  • The influx of tourists might affect the local population and their traditions. For instance, there are issues like the opening of liquor outlets for tourists.
• Strategic location:
  • The islands also serve as a strategic naval base, adding another layer of complexity to the development of tourism.
• Potential for Overexploitation: 
  • There are concerns about illegal marine wealth trade, especially the threat to the highly endangered sea cucumbers of the coral reef regions. Conservation activists emphasize the need for responsible tourism that respects the local community and the environment.

WAY FORWARD:

• "Day-Based Model":
  • The island might adopt a "day-based model" for tourism, where visitors, varying from 300 to 1,400, arrive in the morning, participate in island activities, and then return to their ship by evening. This sustainable strategy helps to prevent overwhelming the island's capacity while still enhancing tourism income, which in turn benefits the local community and economy.
• Cruise tourism:
  • Lakshadweep should consider focusing on developing a cruise-based economy, as the current presence of Cordelia Cruises at Agatti Island, Costa Serene's recent voyages, and the potential operation of Silver Cloud Cruises on Thinnakara and other islands, set to be finalized in May 2024, indicate a promising growth area for tourism.
• Sustainable Infrastructure Development:
  • Focus on eco-friendly constructions and renewable energy sources to preserve the natural environment. Example: Building resorts using eco-friendly materials and solar panels for power.
• Environmental Protection Measures:
  • Implement strict regulations to protect coral reefs and marine life. Encourage eco-tourism and educate tourists on environmental conservation. Example: Promoting 'leave no trace' policies among tourists.
• Community Involvement:
• Engage local communities in tourism planning and decision-making. Develop community-based tourism to ensure economic benefits reach local residents. 
• Promotion of Local Culture and Heritage:
  • Showcase Lakshadweep's unique culture and traditions through cultural festivals and events. Support local artisans and craftsmen by promoting traditional crafts and arts.
• Diversification of Tourism Products:
  • Develop a range of tourism offerings such as adventure sports, beach tourism, and wellness retreats.
• Marketing and Branding:
  • Create a strong brand identity for Lakshadweep tourism, focusing on its pristine natural beauty and unique culture. Leverage digital marketing and social media to target potential tourists globally.
• Quality Service and Hospitality Training:
  • Invest in training programs for locals to ensure high-quality service in the hospitality sector.
• Regulatory Framework and Policy Support:
• Establish clear regulations and policies that support sustainable tourism development. Example: Offering tax incentives for businesses practicing sustainable tourism.
• Research and Development:
  • Conduct regular research to understand the impact of tourism on the environment and local communities. Use data to make informed decisions and adapt strategies as needed.
• Partnerships and Collaborations:
  • Collaborate with international tourism bodies and NGOs for expertise and funding. Example: Partnering with UNESCO for sustainable tourism development.

CONCLUSION:

• Lakshadweep can be developed into a model of sustainable tourism, attracting tourists who are looking for an exotic yet responsible vacation experience. The key is to balance development with preservation, ensuring that the natural beauty and cultural heritage that make Lakshadweep unique are maintained for future generations.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q. “While there is significant potential for tourism development in Lakshadweep, it must be balanced with the need to preserve its unique environment, culture, and strategic interests”. Discuss.(15 marks, 250 words)