'Ecologically fragile': Lakshadweep MP's warning amid rising tourist interest

Lakshadweep is "very sensitive and ecologically very fragile," MP Mohammad Faizal warned in an interview with NDTV, amid the rising tourist interest in the islands.

The Indian archipelago emerged a hot favourite in searches on travel sites after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit and the standoff with Maldives. However, the "integrated Island management plan" set up by the Justice Ravindran Commission limits the number of tourists that can be allowed into the islands on any day, among other restrictions imposed.

Faizal calls it the "bible" for any form of development in Lakshadweep, be it roads, jetties or other infrastructure projects.

The Commission suggests capping "the number of resorts and private tourist homes, so that the total tourist capacity at any given point of time does not exceed the permitted tourist carrying capacity of the respective islands."

In lieu of the recommendations, the Lakshadweep is focusing on maximising revenue through "high-end controlled tourism," according to Faizal. The entry is restricted, and requires a permit issued by the Administration.

India’s smallest Union Territory Lakshadweep is a group of 36 islands in the Arabian Sea, of which only ten are inhabited.

With the sandy beaches and abundance of flora and fauna, many social media users are comparing it to globally sought-after destinations like Maldives and Seychelles. But, the lack of direct flights and very few options for accommodation have prevented it from turning into a tourist hotspot. Moreover, Lakshadweep cannot handle a major influx of tourists considering the environmental constraints.

Interest in Lakshadweep peaked on social media after the Prime Minister posted pictures of his visit to the archipelago. 

Some Maldivian ministers made derogatory comments against Modi's widely circulated posts, triggering a diplomatic standoff with the island nation. A boycott Maldives and "chalo Lakshadweep" trend popped up among Indian social media users raising tourist interest in the Indian islands.