PLAN FOR THE WORSE

A slew of administrative and land reforms initiated in Lakshadweep pose an existential threat to the islands and have provoked widespread protests

- JINOY JOSE P, KOCHI AND SHAGUN KAPIL

LAKSHADWEEP IS on the boil. Four regulations that the administration of India’s smallest Union Territory initiated between January and April this year have triggered protests in the otherwise calm coral islands, igniting a debate on conservation of their unique culture and ecology.

All the regulations await approval by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, but parts of the regulations have been implemented through two executive orders by the Union Territory administration. The regulations “will have irreversible ecological, social and cultural ramifications on the inhabitants of this rich and fragile island ecosystems,” says a June 11 statement by Vikalp Sangam, a grouping of 70 civil society organisations protesting the proposed changes. It is pertinent to take a closer look at the four draft regulations and the Ordinances.

Draft Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Regulation, 2021