Context: Old Mangalore Port aims to become the gateway for Lakshadweep’s logistical and tourism needs.
Lakshadweep
- It is India’s smallest Union Territory, is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands with an area of 32 sq. km.
- Capital- Kavaratti
- The name Lakshadweep in Malayalam and Sanskrit means ‘a hundred thousand islands.
- It comprises of 12 atolls, three reefs, five submerged banks and ten inhabited islands.
- Only BSNL and Airtel provides telecommunication services to Lakshadweep Islands.
- The Union Territory was formed in 1956 and it was named Lakshadweep in 1973.
Flora and Fauna
- The flora of the islands includes Banana, Vazha, Colocassia, Chambu, Drumstic moringakkai, Bread Fruit, Chakka, wild almond which are grown extensively.
- Some of the shrub jungles plant like Kanni, Punna, Chavok, Cheerani are unevenly grown throughout the island.
- Coconut, Thenga is the only crop of economic importance in Lakshadweep.
- The commonly seen vertebrates are cattle and poultry.
- Oceanic birds generally found in Lakshadweep are Tharathasi and Karifetu.
Culture and Heritage
- Kolkali and Parichakali are the two popular folk-art forms in the Territory.
- They are an integral part of the cultural milieu except in Minicoy where “LAVA” is the most popular dance form.
- Some of the folk dances have a resemblance with those in Northeastern India.
- For marriages “OPPANA” is a common feature, a song sung by a lead singer and followed by a group of women.
- Picnics are a common leisure activity in Minicoy.
- The most widely celebrated festivals are Independence Day and Republic Day, Milad – Ul – Nabi, Idulfitr, Bakrid, and Muharram in that order.
- Interestingly Independence Day and Republic Day are celebrated for days with religious fervour.
Location
- The Eight Degree Channel separates the islands of Minicoy and Maldives.
- The Nine Degree Channel separates the island of Minicoy from the main Lakshadweep archipelago.
- Minicoy is the largest island.
Potential of Lakshadweep
Tourism:
- Untouched beauty: Lakshadweep's pristine beaches, coral reefs, lagoons, and diverse marine life make it a paradise for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
- Unique culture: Experience the rich cultural heritage of the Lakshadweep people, their traditional music, dance, and cuisine.
- Sustainable tourism: Initiatives promoting eco-friendly practices and community-based tourism can ensure the islands' long-term sustainability.
Strategic location:
Lakshadweep's proximity to international shipping routes presents an opportunity for it to become a logistics hub.
Lakshadweep can serve India as a Strategic Sentinel, Maritime Guardian and certainly as a Diplomatic Asset in the Indian Ocean.
Its strategic importance can be highlighted as follows-
- Naval Outpost: Lakshadweep islands can serve as the naval outpost for Indian Naval assets deployed in the Arabian Sea.
- Monitor Smuggling: Lakshadweep may be used as a base for smuggling of arms and narcotics in the country. The area needs to be secured for internal security.
- Tackle Piracy: Lakshadweep can serve as a vantage point to monitor any movement of pirate vessels in the Arabian Sea.
- Shipping Lines: The nine-degree channel near Lakshadweep is the shortest route for ships connecting west and East Asia. This can be effectively monitored from the Lakshadweep islands.
- Strategic Tool: Lakshadweep development can be used by India as a bargaining chip while dealing with China-favouring Maldives.
- Joint Domination of IOR: As India emerges as a superpower in the geopolitics of the globe and other major regional powers are joining hands with India, Lakshadweep can be used as a hub for training and coordination of naval forces in the IOR. It is also strategically beneficial for joint exercises with friendly forces like QUAD.
Defence: Over the years, India has bolstered its defence presence in Lakshadweep.
- In 2010, coast guard stations were established in Kavaratti and Minicoy islands, strengthening the Indian Coast Guard.
- The first naval base, INS Dweeprakshak, was commissioned in Kavaratti in 2012, followed by another coast guard station in Androth.
- These installations serve surveillance and reporting functions, with potential to become logistics bases.
- Plans include a fully operational navy base in Lakshadweep and a larger facility on Minicoy, considering its proximity to the Maldives.
- The Indian Navy maintains a limited presence, including naval air stations for regional surveillance, aiming for increased dominance in the area.
Logistic hub:
- Amini, Kadamat, Bitra, Chetlat, Kiltan and Agatti islands are closer to Mangaluru.
- Andorth, Kavaratti and Kalpeni islands are closer to Kozhikode, and Minicoy is closer to Kochi in Kerala.
- Karnataka government has proposed building a dedicated jetty for Lakshadweep, with allied infrastructure for cargo and cruise terminal, at Old Mangalore Port at a cost of ₹65 crore under the Sagarmala project.
- It intends to establish a sea-trade route with Lakshadweep and, as part of the cruise terminal, create waterways travel facilities for locals.
Fisheries: The islands have abundant fish resources, offering potential for sustainable fishing practices and development of the seafood industry.
Renewable energy: Lakshadweep's strong winds and sunshine can be harnessed for wind and solar power generation.
Other potential areas:
- Agriculture and allied activities: Coconut, coir, and fisheries are the mainstays of the Lakshadweep economy. Diversification into other crops and value-added products can be explored.
- Research and development: Lakshadweep's unique marine ecosystem offers opportunities for research in marine biology, oceanography, and climate change.
- Challenges and considerations:
- Environmental sustainability: Development should be mindful of preserving the fragile island ecosystem and minimizing pollution.
- Livelihoods and cultural preservation: The interests and well-being of the local communities should be central to any development plans.
- Connectivity and infrastructure: Improving transportation links and infrastructure is essential for unlocking Lakshadweep's full potential.
By addressing these challenges and capitalizing on its strengths, Lakshadweep can chart a course for sustainable and inclusive development, becoming a model for island development in the region.