Tag: lakshadweep

Lakshadweep, Daman Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli

 Administrator of Lakshadweep, Daman Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli Sh Praful Patel called on Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh here today to express gratification for initiatives such as installing world’s first of its kind “Desalination Plant” for drinking water by National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai under the aegis of Union Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Sh Patel thanked Minister Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh for the World’s first Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plant which has brought huge relief by providing clean drinking water to people of the Union Territory. Total 9 Desalination plants are approved of which are 7 operational and one more will be operationalized in the coming weeks. The capacity of each of these LTTD units is around 1 Lakh litre of potable water per day which will be increased to 1.5 lakh litres per day in the coming time.

 The LTTD technology uses the naturally available temperature difference in oceans, evaporating the surface water at low pressure and condensing the resultant vapour with deep sea cold water at 12oC, obtained from about 400 m depth. The technology is indigenous, environmentally friendly and easy to operate. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the union government for approving Two Airports.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said “Two airports will prove to be a boon for Eco-tourism and development in Lakshadweep.” He highlighted the development journey since 2014 of the Union Territory and reforms brought in schools, colleges and other social sectors such as Hospitals and Local self Governing bodies.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh informed Sh Praful Patel that two re-mineralization plants are being made operational which will add the essential salts evaporated during the desalination process. Other desalination units/plants will also be provided with similar re-mineralization facility in course of time, he added.

Dr. Jitendra Singh shared that a team of doctors from SRM Institute, based on local health records 6 months before and after installation of Kavaratti plant observed that the incidence of water borne diseases reduced by 90% (200 to 8) highlighting the health benefits and impact of provision of potable water. He also assured that these indigenous technological developments will prove to be a landmark and increased the pace of development and promote tourism in the Union Territory.

Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted Prime Minister’s vision for the development of Lakshadweep and said “In the coming years It will become a major hub for Domestic as well as international tourists generating employment and boosting economy. He also informed Sh Patel that almost all the Ministries under Dr. Jitendra Singh are working in tandem to bring more projects and development to the region. On the sidelines both discussed various developmental activities and projects in the UT. 

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Mission LiFE on Agatti Island in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep

 The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India envisages to celebrate the World Environment Day 2023 with a thrust on the Mission LiFE. The concept of LiFE, introduced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, aims to promote sustainable living by encouraging individuals to make changes in their lifestyles and emphasizes responsible and conscious use of resources to safeguard and conserve the environment.

To generate widespread awareness and advocacy for LiFE across India, a month-long mass mobilization campaign on Mission LiFE is currently underway.  Following the “whole of government” and “whole of society” approach, the Ministry has mobilized Central Ministries/ Departments, State/ UT Governments/ Administrations, Institutions, and private organizations to spread the message of Mission LiFE. The ongoing mass mobilization campaign aims to amplify pan-India advocacy and awareness about LiFE, leading up to celebration on World Environment Day on 5th June 2023.

  1. National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management

In an ongoing effort to promote the principles of Mission LiFE, Lifestyle for Environment, NCSCM scuba divers undertook a sea floor clean-up and awareness drive at the coral reefs of Agatti Island, one of the inhabited islands in the Lakshadweep Union Territory. The island, located in the Arabian Sea off the southwestern coast of India, is home to a diverse and vibrant coral reef ecosystem. Lakshadweep holds immense ecological and economic significance and is considered a biodiversity hotspot due to its rich marine life. The coral reefs of the islands support a wide range of organisms, including fish, mollusks, and other invertebrates, which attract tourists from around the world. The pristine beauty of these reefs, with their colourful corals and diverse marine life, makes them popular destinations for snorkelling, scuba diving, and other water-based recreational activities. Tourism associated with coral reefs contributes to the local economy and provides employment opportunities. Given their ecological, economic, and cultural significance, it is crucial to protect and conserve the coral reefs of Lakshadweep. Sustainable management practices, community engagement, and awareness campaigns can play a vital role in ensuring the long-term health and survival of these invaluable ecosystems. However, Lakshadweep Island has faced several environmental challenges in recent years, including marine litter.

On the sea floor clean-up drive, NCSCM partnered with Ammathi Scuba to conduct a sea floor clean-up and sensitization programme at the coral reefs of Agatti Island. Divers recovered around 5 kg of seafloor litter, including pet bottles, abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), ropes, packing materials, and food wrappers. This public awareness campaign aims to improve the health of the oceans through collective action and large-scale community participation (Janbhagidari). Participants in the event took part in the LiFE pledge to safeguard the environment. As part of the event, placards and LiFE mascots were displayed on the beach and underwater to describe Mission LiFE to regional and national audiences.

The NCSCM has launched yet another effort to promote Mission LiFE on Agatti Island, in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. As part of Lifestyle for the Environment, NCSCM scientists undertook a public outreach and beach clean-up drive at Agatti Island. This is one of the inhabited islands in the Lakshadweep archipelago, and it holds cultural, demographic, ecological, and economic significance. Agatti Island is a popular tourist destination in Lakshadweep due to its scenic beauty, white sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life. The island offers opportunities for activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and boat tours. Fishing is an important economic activity on this island and throughout the Lakshadweep archipelago. The islanders have a long-standing tradition of fishing, and it plays a crucial role in their livelihoods. However, Lakshadweep Island has faced several environmental challenges in recent years, including marine pollution. Rising sea levels, coral bleaching, biodiversity loss, and extreme weather events are some of the specific environmental challenges associated with climate change in the islands.

Along with the NCSCM staff, the general public, including women, youth, and representatives from the fishing community, participated in the lagoon-side beach clean-up and awareness campaign. About 25 islanders took part in the clean-up drive, where about 20 kg of plastic waste, including discarded nets, were collected and handed over to a material recovery facility. NCSCM scientists sensitised around 60 islanders of various age groups on the services and functions provided by the several ecosystems (coral, seagrass, sandy beaches, and dune vegetation) and emphasised the need for conservation of these ecosystems. The public was made aware of the necessity of reducing plastics in such sensitive ecosystems by using eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics. The concept of a sustainable blue economy, including responsible tourism and fishing, waste segregation at the source and management (constructed wetlands), water (rainwater harvesting), energy (rooftop solar), biodiversity conservation, native coastal vegetation as a “bioshield” against these extreme events, and adopting a sustainable lifestyle, were also highlighted during the event. The scientists also emphasised the need to follow the litter minimization hierarchy (reduce, reuse, recycle, recovery, and disposal) for their daily litter footprint. The initiative provided a quick introduction to the islanders about the sensitivity of island ecosystems and the need to conserve the values of the sensitive ecosystems by avoiding “trampling” and “littering”. During the event, participants undertook the LiFE pledge in support of the LiFE mission and safeguarding the environment. Placards, posters, and LiFE mascots were displayed on the island to describe Mission LiFE to the local community.

 

  1. Zoological Survey of India

Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata organised a number of events for mass mobilisation of Mission LiFE at Netaji Subash Chandra Airport, Kolkata. The  ZSI team  spoke to  managers from different sectors at the airport on different  themes of Mission LiFE and asked them what steps they have taken to support LiFE.The manager of a  cake shop Floury’s said supporting ‘Say No to Plastics’ they have completely banned use of single use plastics and use cloth bags and paper packets instead of plastics. A young customer at  a cosmetic shop said she uses products which are free from chemicals, not tested on animals and sourced from natural plant products.She appealed to all To support LiFE. To Save water the taps in the toilets  are  installed with sensor or timers. The toilets are regularly cleaned and hygiene is maintained. Continuing with the mass mobilisation of LiFE the team spoke to passengers of Air Asia flight and a nine year old school girl said she supports Mission LiFE for her future.Through this campaign  Zoological Survey of India could spread awareness across 300 people of different age groups and different professions including passengers and also retail shop owners.

Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata conducted an awareness drive at Sanyasisthan Tea Gardens, Bagdogra, Dist Darjeeling, West Bengal in which the manager of the garden,Mr Mithilesh Singh told the tea garden workers about the importance of fauna and Mission LiFE. About 200 workers took the Mission LiFE pledge amidst  the lush green tea gardens.

 

  1. GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment

Garhwal Regional Centre (GRC) of the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE) conducted an awareness program and cleanliness drive along the banks of Alaknanda River, Srinagar under the ‘Say no to Single Use Plastic’ theme of mission LiFE. A total of 25 kg of plastic waste was collected and disposed off at the waste collection point of Nagar Nigam. A total of 35 participants participated in the program including local, faculties, researchers, and staff. All the participants pledged to adopt environmentally friendly habits.

 

North-East Regional Centre (NERC) of the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE) organized an awareness meeting under the theme “Mission Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)”. A total of 10 participants, including scientists, researchers, and office staff, attended the meeting. The program aimed to encourage the adoption of the following practices within the office premises including avoiding the uses of water resources for our daily uses, and avoiding using single-use plastic by replacing it with environment-friendly alternatives such as cloth/jute bags. All the participants took the LiFE pledge to sustain the natural resources in the Indian Himalayan region (IHR) and to contribute to environmental conservation.

Centre for Socio-Economic Development (CSED) of the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE) organized four awareness and action programs under the Mission LiFE on 01st June, 2023. Two awareness programs were conducted which were followed by two cleanliness events by faculty, research scholars and supporting staff of CSED at Jyoli Village of Almora district and its nearby spring (water source). A total of 30 participants including the shopkeepers and women from Jyoli village, Almora and tourists participated in the program. The participants were sensitized on reducing single-use plastic. All the participants took the LiFE pledge to sustain the natural resources in the Indian Himalayan region (IHR) and to contribute to environmental conservation.

Centre for Land and Water Resource Management (CLWRM) of the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE) conducted an awareness and action campaign under mission LiFE on 01 June 2023 at Badi Village, Almora, Uttarakhand. The participants were sensitized on various themes of mission LiFE themes viz. ‘Save Water’, ‘Adopt Sustainable Food Systems’ ‘Reduce Waste’ and ‘Adopt Healthy Lifestyles’ etc. Further, the participants were also informed about the role of spring rejuvenation in water security in the Himalayan region. A cleanliness drive was conducted with the villagers to clean the local water source (Naula) at Badi Village. With major participation from Women, a total of 50 participants from the village including faculties, researchers, and support staff of CLWRM, NIHE participated in the event. All the participants took LiFE pledge for adopting environment-friendly habits.

 

  1. Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP):

The program is dedicated to raising awareness, building capacity, and promoting sustainable actions among individuals and communities across India. On Thursday, 1st June, 2023, the EIACP Programme Centres conducted a series of activities as part of a mass awareness campaign on Mission LiFE leading up to the World Environment Day 2023 celebrations.

In a run up for WED Mission LiFE Campaign, EIACP PC Hubs and RPs conducted awareness drives to various stakeholders including government officials, academic institutions, government schools, colleges, etc. More than 20 activities and over 1400 participants took part in various events organised by EIACP Centres across India.

 

 

 

  1. Environment Education Programme (EEP)

Various Eco-clubs under Environment Education Programme (EEP) organized 1022 events for promiton of Mission LiFE with participation of more than 37,000 children on June 1, 2023. More than 36,000 LiFE pledges also were taken during the day’s events.

Under Mission LiFE mass mobilization campaign various schools in Madhya Pradesh organized LiFE pledge events, essay and painting competitions, etc.  for Eco-Club students. LiFE pledge was taken by all the Principals of HS and HSS, of District Mandla, MP under the leadership of Shri Rajesh Chatri, NGC In-Charge. The participants were also sensitized about EEP and also on environmental protection, water conservation, cleanliness, and biodiversity conservation. EEP resource materials were also distributed to the participants.

Around 20 Eco-club schools engaging 1000+ students took active part in Mission LiFE propagation and awareness in Sikkim. Activities included awareness on Mission LiFE theme on morning assembly, distribution of saplings and plantations, etc.

 

Students of Government Upgraded High School, Saintala, Bolangir district, Odisha have started collecting seeds and making seed balls for plantation in view of the rainy season.

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The Violence of Development: Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation, 2021

ABOUT LAKSHADWEEP

Lakshadweep is the smallest Union Territory of India and covers an area of 32 sq. km. It has 36 islands out of which 10 are inhabited. The island is directly under the control of Central Government through an administrator. It has 3 main group of islands:

  • Amindivi Islands (Northernmost Island)
  • Laccadive Islands
  • Minicoy Islands (Southernmost Island)

It has tiny islands of coral origin and are surrounded by fringing reefs (hence called as Atoll). The capital is Kavaratti, which is the principal town of the UT and the Pitti Island (uninhabited) has a Bird Sanctuary.

The island has a population of 64,429 (according to Census of India, 2011). More than 93% of the population is indigenous and are Muslims. Because of the populations economic and social backwardness, the entire population is classified as Scheduled Tribes and there are no Scheduled Castes in the UT. The main occupation of the people is fishing, coconut cultivation and coir twisting. And tourism is an emerging industry. Under Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) of India, the entire island was declared as an Organic Agricultural Area.

WHAT IS LDAR 2021 ?

The latest Draft Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation, 2021, for the creation of a Lakshadweep Development Authority (LDA) which will be the administrative body for the island and will pan the development of the island.

PROVISIONS

  1. CONSTITUION OF LAKSHADWEEP DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY : The LDAR empowers the government to be identified as the administrator of the island and has the power to constitute Lakshadweep Development Authority. The authority will plan the development of any area in the island, which could be identified in a bad layout or in obsolete condition. This authority has power to prepare land use pans, zonation’s of land uses, indicate areas for different types of development etc. And only Cantonment areas are exempted from this.
  2. Definition of ‘Development’: Development is defined as the process of carrying out of building, engineering, mining, quarrying or other operations, in, on, over or under land, cutting of a hill or any portion thereof or the making of any material change in any building or land or in the use of any building or land.
  3. LEGAL PENANLTIES: As per the DDAR, the development plan will not be questioned by anyone, either before or after being approved. It empowers the administering body to forcibly relocate or remove residents or citizens from their own property for carrying out any developmental activity. It establishes penalties for those who will violate the laws. Such as imprisonment for obstructing the development plan’s work or workers.
  4. FEES FOR CHANGING ZONES: It stipulates that islanders and citizens must pay a processing fee for changing zones, which implies that localities will be paying fees to gain approval for altering or changing zones as per the development plan as well as for permission to develop their own land.

CRITICISMS

Following concerns were raised by the people of Lakshadweep:

  1. VIOLATION OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS : The LDAR provides the Government and Development Authority constituted by Government, the supreme powers to acquire, alter and transfer the properties owned by the residents of the island which violates the fundamental rights of the residents of Lakshadweep as guaranteed in Article 14 and 21 of the Constitution.
  2. INTERESTS ON REAL ESTATE : Many residents have been suspecting and fearing that LDAR might seeking real estate interests to usurp the small landholdings and properties owned by the native islanders. There have been proposals of bringing “Transferable Development Rights” to the island which has raised another major concern and fear among islanders for being migrated forcefully.
  3. FORCIBLE RELOCATION AND EVICTION: The LDAR has given the power to relocate people for development plans has become one of the major concerns and issues. According to the regulations provided, the owner has to develop his holding as per the plan prepared by the authority or else they will be penalized in case of non-compliance with the regulation.
  4. ECOLOGICAL CONCERNS: Lakshadweep is a part of coral ecosystem and it has inherited this cultural and ecological uniqueness as well as fragility. This ecosystem can get destroyed easily if the development activities around them are not regulated. The regulations which provide the government supreme powers for acquiring and developing land can be disastrous for this ecosystem.
  5. THREATEN THE CULTURE AND LIFE: The island is very vulnerable to destruction and any further large-scale infrastructural development can have large ecological and social footprint which can negatively affect the potentiality and sustainability of the area as well as the life forms present in the island.
  6. IGNORES PEOPLE’S NEEDS AND GEOGRAPHICAL REALITIES: Lakshadweep has unique geography, ecology and culture and for protecting and preserving this uniqueness it is important to limit the development activities in the island. The LDAR tries to expand the road connectivity ignoring the geographic conditions of the island and the interests of the people. And the LDAR has also provided the regulation that no one can raise or question the strategies or actions provided by the development authority, before or after being approved. This shows that the needs, interests and concerns of the people are undermined.
  7. VIOLATES THE OBJECTIVES OF LAND ACQUISITION ACT, 2013: The Act promotes the consultation with institutions of self-government and Gram Sabha’s, local people and tries to have a transparent and informed process for land acquisition.