Development of Lakshadweep Islands

If you see map of India, you will find a cluster of sparkling green islands surrounded by crystal-clear waters in the Arabian Sea. These are the Lakshadweep Islands—one of India’s most remote and ecologically delicate Union Territories, often overshadowed by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, but strategically and economically just as important.

🧭 Basic Geography and Formation

• Lakshadweep means ‘a hundred thousand islands’, but it actually comprises:
  • 27 coral islands (11 inhabited + 16 uninhabited)
  • 12 atolls, 3 reefs, and 5 submerged banks
• Earlier known as Laccadives, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands, they were renamed Lakshadweep in 1973.
• It’s the smallest Union Territory of India in terms of land area: just 32 sq. km, with one single administrative district.

📌 Formation:
These islands are not of volcanic or continental origin. They are coral islands, formed through accumulation of coral sand shaped by wind, waves, and currents.

To read more about Geography of Lakshadweep Island refer Indian Geography Notes.

🪨 Natural Resources – Hidden in the Sands and Seas

• Two key mineral deposits:
  • Phosphate (formed by bird droppings or guano)
  • Calcium carbonate (found in lagoon sands, used in cement and lime industries)
• Although vegetation zones and cultivated fields are absent due to porous soil, the coconut tree dominates the landscape:
  • Found on all islands except Pitti.
  • Lakshadweep coconuts have the highest oil content in the world—72%.

🐠 Ecology and Biodiversity – A Marine Paradise

• The lagoons support seagrass beds like:
  • Thalassia hemprichiia and Cymodocea isoetifolia, which feed porpoises and turtles.
• Mangroves exist, though limited—mainly in southern Minicoy.
• The coral reefs here are rich in fauna, especially:
  • ~300 species of ornamental fish
  • Tuna – the backbone of the fishing industry.

🎣 Fishing and Marine Economy – The Lifeline

• Fishing is the primary occupation.
• NIOT (National Institute of Ocean Technology) has deployed Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) at depths of 500–1200 meters around 12 islands.
• This makes fishing more efficient and sustainable.
• Key fishing hubs: Minicoy, Agatti, Suheli, and Bitra—especially for tuna fishery.
• Enormous potential exists for marine seafood exports.

👥 Demographics and Socio-Economic Status

• According to 2001 Census, the population is 60,595.
• Due to:
  • Economic backwardness
  • Geographical isolation
  • All indigenous inhabitants are classified as Scheduled Tribes.

Occupations:

• Fishing and coconut cultivation are primary.
• Poultry farming is an emerging livelihood.
• Coconut coir industry is well-organized:
  • 7 fibre factories
  • 5 production & demonstration centres
  • 7 fibre curling units
  • These industries are non-polluting, making them ideal for such ecologically fragile islands.

🧶 Cottage and Handicraft Industries – Small is Beautiful

• Heavy industries are unsuitable due to:
  • Lack of water and power
  • Risk of polluting lagoons and soil

So the focus is on eco-compatible industries, like:

• Handicrafts: A dedicated production-cum-training centre exists.
• Skill Development: 10–15 youth are trained annually and encouraged to start self-run units post-training.

🏖️ Tourism – Rising Gently, But Responsibly

Tourism is emerging as a key growth sector, but the approach is controlled and eco-sensitive.

Major tourist spots:

• Agatti, Bangaram, Kalpeni, Kadmat, Kavaratti, and Minicoy
• These destinations offer:
  • Serene beaches
  • Coral reefs
  • Blue lagoons
  • Water sports and marine biodiversity

✅ The idea is to promote sustainable tourism, keeping the carrying capacity of the islands in mind.

🌐 Closing Thought:

Lakshadweep is not just about isolation and remoteness—it’s about potential and preservation. Its story is one of minimalism meeting opportunity: a micro-territory offering macro-lessons in sustainable development.