Government’s brand new plan to develop Lakshadweep as a model of inclusivity to promote tourism – Union Minister Reddy
The Ministry of Tourism in India is now working with an objective in mind to position Lakshadweep Island as a model for inclusive development and to promote and boost tourism. This overall planning for the development of Lakshadweep islands is totally based on attaining sustainable growth, enhancing the quality of life for islanders, and also preserving the exclusive cultural and environmental characteristics of the destination.
According to G Kishan Reddy, Union Tourism Minister informed on Thursday
“The strategy includes leveraging the island’s natural beauty to promote tourism, creating a robust and resilient economy, and fostering a sense of pride and well-being among the local communities. The holistic development, through strategic planning and community engagement, envisions a future where Lakshadweep thrive in harmony with nature and sustainable economic practices,”.
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy
He has reported questions in terms of the government’s strategies to develop Lakshadweep as a main tourist attraction. He also states that development projects for Lakshadweep are structured as per requirements under many laws comprising forest, environment as well as coastal regulation zone clearance.
According to G Kishan Reddy, This strategy of the government for Lakshadweep development includes leveraging the island’s natural beauty and promoting tourism, which will definitely create a robust and resilient economy. It will also foster a sense of pride and well-being among locals as well.
In a budget speech, Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister, announced the government’s plan for the development of many tourist centers, especially islands. The move was taken to boat tourism in collaboration with states by marketing and promoting them at an international level. The Union minister unveiled strategies to enhance tourism infrastructure and facilities on the Island in India with a main focus on improving Lakshadweep. This will be done to meet the growing interest in domestic travel and also to create job opportunities. Sitharaman alleged
“To tap into the rising enthusiasm for domestic tourism, projects for port connectivity, tourism infrastructure, and amenities will be initiated on our islands, including Lakshadweep. This will also help in job creation.”
Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister
The most recent moves by the government to promote tourism in India
The government has launched various schemes as well as initiatives to promote tourism in India. Various schemes include the Swadesh darshan, Dekho Apna Desh, and e-visa facilities. Under many schemes like PRASHAD, Swadesh Darshan and Assistance to Central agencies for tourism infrastructure development Indian government is developing tourism-related infrastructure in the entire country including Lakshadweep. Also, the government offers financial assistance to the state government and Union territories as well for organising festivals, fairs, and many other tourism-related events.
As Minter Said, the ‘Travel for LIFE’ initiative has been launched in line with the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism formulated by the Ministry of Tourism with an objective to promote tourism in India through mindful as well as well-planned deliberate actions mobilised towards visitors and tourism businesses in the consumption of resources. Reddy also said that a Workshop for states as well as Union territories of the southern region comprising Lakshadweep was organised at Hyderabad in February 2023 as well.