Thread by @rejitweets

Thread #Lakshadweep

When the Lakshadweep issue is complicated with beef, liquor and Gandhi sculpture, I have a different take on how the island administrator’s development will force the islanders to migrate and sink the atolls.

All my readings are based on The Lakshadweep Town and Country Planning Regulation 2021 and NITI Ayog Island Development Plan.
Keep in mind that administrator has absolute power and has been empowered to make any rules.

Based on the Planning Development Regulations 2021

1.There are ‘planning areas’ which will be developed. The administrator has the power to earmark any portion of the islands as a ‘planning area’.

2.As there is no word about the fate of infrastructure already existing within the ‘planning areas,’ there is uncertainty.
3.So, eventually when ‘planning area’ is notified, what will happen to islanders? They will be relocated?

4.To where, we don’t know.
5.Additionally, the administrator can displace local population from their houses and landed properties by declaring any part of the islands as ‘obsolete’ or having ‘bad layout’.

6.Now, Section 33 of the PDA lays down that all activities in the island should confirm with the Development Plan.

7.Any activity contrary to this plan – even if it is as basic as construction of a dwelling unit – can be undertaken by an islander only with ‘permission’ from the Planning and Development Authority (PDA).

8.The ‘permission’, further, will be given only after paying a certain fee.
9.The validity of the ‘permission’ has to be renewed every three years.
10.The PDA has the sole prerogative to decide whether or not to extend the validity.

11.Section 41 also confers power upon the PDA to revoke ‘permission’ at will.
12.Further, anyone found deviating from these rules will be penalised heavily.

13.A fine of Rs 2 lakh will be imposed if any islander is found to be carrying out any activity contrary to the scheme of development with provisions for additional penalty of Rs 20,000 per day till the date that the violation is rectified.

14.Additionally, Section 27 calls for a survey of the Development Plan at least once every 10 years.
15.The government can alter the original plan if it deems fit after conducting the survey.
16.If not fit, can be evicted.

17.Can take over land under Section 58.
18.The PDA is empowered to take over any land if it feels it is necessary for the planned development of the islands – even ‘forcibly’ – after serving a notice period of 30 days.

19.But islanders cannot sue the PDA against injustices meted out to them.
20.The draft regulations provide the PDA with immunity from legal proceedings against any work undertaken by it “in good faith” for the development of the islands.

Now What Are The Development Proposed By NITI AYOG

1.Bangaram Island – Paradise of Waters Sports To develop Bangaram Island as an international destination for water sports

2.Cheriyam Island – Simply Exquisite To develop Cheriyam Island as a place to relax with pristine ecological beauty
3.Minicoy Island - Maritime Trade Centre To develop Minicoy Island for maritime trade, particularly for export of seafood and other products made in the island

4.Suheli Island – ¬e Regal Gateway To develop Suheli Island for amazing experience of coral watching
5.Tinnakara Island – Event-based Tourism To develop Tinnakara Island as wedding destination, corporate retreat and MICE Tourism.
6.100 water villas 800 crore

7.Mining

8.National highways
9.Arterial roads
10.Ring roads
11.Major Streets
12.Railways
13.Tramways
14.Airports
15.Canals

Government Says They Want To Turn Lakshadweep Into Maldives. Is it workable? No.

1.As Lakshadweep is an island, all things have to be cargoed to the island. Which will up the cost ! Additionally, water consumption will turn high and eventually, Lakshadweep will die of thirst.

2.Maldives area 298 sq km
3.Lakshadweep area 32 sq km.
4.The Maldives population of 5.5 lakh.
5.Lakshadweep population 64,000
6.Maldives is Sinking !!

7.The Maldives may not have any coral reefs by 2045
8.The rising sea waters could sink the Maldives by 2100

9.In 2008, Maldives considered to relocate islanders to Australia, India and Sri Lanka.

10.Do you know the sea level rise has been up to 0.6 m in the past 20 years in Lakshadweep?
11.For the island, where the average elevation is 1-2 m above sea level, this is alarming and could imply complete submergence.

13.In 2019, a small island in Bangaram Island had disappeared !

14.It has lost 5 per cent landmass between 1989 and 2006, suggests ISRO’s Shoreline Change Atlas in 2014.

15.Additionally, climate change is leading to more cyclones, which is destroying of coral reefs and sea shore erosion.

References

cdn.s3waas.gov.in/s358238e9ae2dd…

niti.gov.in/sites/default/…

theleaflet.in/at-the-heart-o…