Develop Lakshadweep but protect its ecology

Source: The post developing Lakshadweep has been created, based on the article “Develop Lakshadweep but protect its ecology” published in “Live mints” on 12th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3- economy- infrastructure; and GS paper2-International relation.

News: The article discusses the development of Lakshadweep into a high-end, eco-friendly tourist destination. This plan aims to limit visitor numbers to protect the environment, avoiding the environmental issues seen in the Maldives due to tourism.

What is the need for developing Lakshadweep?

Alternative to the Maldives: Tensions with the Maldives highlight the need for India to have its own high-end tourist destination.

Preventing Environmental Damage: The negative environmental impact in the Maldives underscores the need for a sustainable tourism model in Lakshadweep.

Limited Space Management: Lakshadweep’s small size necessitates a controlled development approach to avoid overcrowding and ecological harm.

Economic Development: With only 10 of its 36 isles inhabited, developing Lakshadweep addresses the need for economic growth in this region.

What are the challenges in developing Lakshadweep?

Limited Area: Lakshadweep’s small size (32 sq km) and limited inhabited islands (10 out of 36) pose a challenge for large-scale development.

Exclusivity for High-End Tourism: Due to space limitations, even with land reclamation, Lakshadweep is likely to cater only to the upper tier of travelers, making it an exclusive destination. This approach, though seemingly unfair, is a strategic choice to manage the area’s constraints.

Waste Management: As seen in the Maldives, efficiently handling waste to prevent environmental degradation is a significant challenge.

Balancing Exclusivity and Accessibility: Developing high-end resorts while preserving the local environment, as opposed to the overcrowding seen in places like Goa, requires careful planning.

Sustainability: It’s essential to adopt sustainable practices early on to prevent future environmental problems. Constructing new facilities, such as the planned airport, while preserving the environment, presents a significant challenge.

What can be learn from Maldives?

1. Maldives’ experience shows how excessive tourism can lead to environmental degradation.
2. In the Maldives, waste disposal became a significant issue, with an estimated 300 tonnes of hard and soft waste dumped daily on a small island. This situation transformed a once-beautiful island into an overrun garbage dump, as highlighted in a 2012 BBC report. This example underscores the importance of effective waste management in Lakshadweep to avoid similar environmental degradation.
3. The swift rise in tourism in the Maldives emphasizes the fragility of small island ecosystems, underscoring the need to maintain a balance between tourist numbers and ecological conservation.

What should be done?

Conduct Sustainability Surveys:Carry out detailed surveys to ensure development in Lakshadweep is environmentally sustainable.

Target High-End Tourism: Cater to wealthier tourists, who can be taxed for the additional expenses, to manage the demand and fund eco-friendly initiatives.

Question for practice:

Examine the reasons for developing Lakshadweep as a high-end, eco-friendly tourist destination and the challenges associated with this development.