Article:
The latest Draft Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation, 2021, proposed for the establishment of a Lakshadweep Development Authority (LDA), has met considerable opposition from the inhabitants of Lakshadweep. This backlash is primarily due to concerns about disposition of property, forced relocation, cultural disruption, and ecological impact.
Constitution of Lakshadweep Development Authority
The draft regulation authorizes the government, recognized as the administrator, to form Planning and Development Authorities. These bodies would have the responsibility of planning the development of regions identified as having a “bad layout or obsolete development.” The LDA would operate as a body corporate under the leadership of a government-appointed chairperson. The team will include a town planning officer, three government-appointed ‘expert’ nominees, and two local authority representatives. Their key responsibilities would involve the preparation of land use maps and indicating areas for significant development projects such as national highways, airports, theaters etc. Cantonment areas, however, are exempted from the jurisdiction of these authorities.
Definition of Development
The regulation defines development as the execution of building, engineering, mining, quarrying or other operations on land. It also includes the alteration of any building or land or changes in their usage.
Fees for Changing Zones
It mandates islanders to pay a processing fee for any changes in zoning. It indicates that residents would need to pay fees for approval to modify zones in accordance with the development plan or to gain permissions for development on their own property.
Penalties
The regulation additionally establishes penalties, including imprisonment, for anyone obstructing the work or workers associated with the development plan.
People’s Concerns
Many believe this draft regulation has been instituted under the influence of real estate interests with the intention to seize the properties of the islanders. Proposals to introduce real estate concepts like ‘transferable development rights’ have reportedly intensified fears of mass forced migration.
The regulation also enables the authority to formulate comprehensive development plans and relocate people against their will. It not only permits forcible eviction, but also places the responsibility on property owners to develop their holdings as per the designated plan. Non-compliance attracts heavy penalties.
Destruction of Culture and Ecological Concerns
The Lakshadweep community has a long-standing tradition of close-knit familial living, which the regulation threatens to disrupt. Critics argue that it is neither ecologically sustainable nor socially viable. Importantly, the draft was allegedly made without consulting the people’s representatives.
About Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep, India’s smallest Union Territory, is an archipelago comprising 36 islands with a total area of 32 sq km. It falls under direct central control via an administrator. Key group of islands include Amindivi Islands, Laccadive Islands and Minicoy Island. The capital city is Kavaratti.
Population and Economic Aspects
Over 93% of the indigenous population are Muslims, most of whom affiliate with the Shafi School of the Sunni Sect. Malayalam is the primary language, save for Minicoy where Mahl is spoken. The entire local populace is classified as Scheduled Tribes due to their socio-economic conditions. The main source of income for residents is fishing, coconut cultivation, coir twisting, and increasingly, tourism.
Organic Agricultural Area
The entire group of Lakshadweep islands was recently announced as an organic agricultural area under India’s Participatory Guarantee System (PGS).