Question : Development of Tourism in Lakshadweep Islands

(a) whether the Government has identified islands in Lakshadweep to develop them as tourist destinations under the aegis of Island Development Programme;
(b) if so, the details thereof including the steps undertaken to regulate the movement of tourists to protect fragile, ecological and environmental characteristics of the Lakshadweep islands as well as protecting the privacy of inhabitant communities;
(c) whether the Government proposes to construct a new airport to provide an alternative landing facility for the tourists in collaboration with the Indian Air Force and has identified lagoons where sea planes could be operated, if so the details thereof; and
(d) whether the Government is planning to set up Lakshadweep Tourism Development Corporation comprising professionals to develop the islands into tourist destinations and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI K.J. ALPHONS)

(a) & (b): NITI Aayog has taken up the initiative of ‘Holistic Development of Identified Islands’. Under the initiative, 5 islands (Minicoy, Bangaram, Thinnakara, Cheriyam and Suheli) have been identified for development in Lakshadweep and the carrying capacity of these islands has been determined for regulating the movement of the tourists.

(c): An airport at Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep has been planned for both the use of defence and civil aircraft in collaboration with the Indian Air Force and the lagoons have been identified for introduction of seaplanes in different islands.

(d): The Lakshadweep Tourism Development Corporation Limited has been incorporated on 11.10.2018 for developing tourism in islands in a holistic manner.
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