An
excellent example of environmentally protected islands is that of Laksha Dweep!
A trip to the South
Western Indian islands, Laksha Dweep, a union territory, was a long awaited dream,
which got fulfilled suddenly. Boarding a small plane, while going to Laksha Dweep islands from Cochin and while coming back, from Laksha Dweep to Cochin by the
gulf war hero ship Tipu Sultan, to and fro, it was totally a dream come true!
Lakshadweep is a group of 36 islands; known for
its luscious natural coral reefs, beautiful silty beaches and scenic landscapes.
India’s smallest Union Territory; it has an area
of 32 sq km. The only airstrip is at the capital Kavaratti about 400 km away
from Kochi in Kerala, in the Arabian Sea. Lakshadweep boasts of clean and pure
environment with sandy beaches, natural landscapes and greatly diverse flora
and fauna. Solar lights cover the whole of Kavaratti, an excellent example of
harnessing of natural resources. Agatti,
Bangaram are popular beaches; Bangaram being the only island on which foreign
tourists and liquor are allowed.
The priceless coral
reefs surrounding the whole of Lakshadweep spread into blue green lagoons,
reaching out to one and half to two kilometers. Lazing around in the lagoons,
snorkelling and scuba diving was our important agenda for those mystical days.
Away from the city hustle bustle, it was an out of the world experience, to be
a part of and to enjoy that oceanic world, its magical beauty, underwater flora
and fauna and god gifted natural products! We had the privilege of snorkelling,
whenever we could, in the lagoons which spread to quite some distance all
around the Kavaratti Island.
Laksha Dweep boasts of one of the world’s most significant coral reefs; which is its
precious treasure and from what I have experienced, this treasure is being
dearly protected by the government. No one is allowed to touch any of the
precious corals of various shapes, sizes and colours, lying luxuriously on the
sun – kissed beaches. Environmentally, the
islands have been well protected from human attacks and preserved; as
collecting of shells and corals, disturbing of natural habitats is totally
prohibited. Scanning
of tourist baggage in the customs, for smuggled natural products is a routine. No one is allowed to take away anything from the
islands and all baggage is scanned at the exit point.
Our
stay was on this island, in beautiful cottages, equipped with all amenities;
though, we would be on the beach, the whole day!
Coconuts and fish are
the main natural products, which are the economical backbone of the region.
Population is sparse but hard working. While taking a walk on the beautiful
islands, residents would offer us coconut water and fresh coconut flesh. Eating
on the islands was a pleasure because of the ample coconut recipe varieties,
tasty curries, beans and fish! Food resources, items would be brought by ships from Cochin
coast; hence they are precious and preserved and not wasted.
Cleanliness is given
prime importance and no stray animals are visible. One end of Kavaratti has the
airstrip; at the other is an elegant lighthouse. Photographers amongst us, had
a great time clicking away.
Coming back by Tipu
Sultan, the giant Gulf war fame ship was another out of the world experience,
which needs greater elaboration!
What impressed me most
and what is rare nowadays was that, anywhere we went; the beaches were
spotless, sparkling clean! No plastic, plastic bottles, debris was visible
anywhere. We visited Bangaram, Agatti, two to three other un-inhabited islands
but had the same sense of cleanliness, freshness and purity, thanx to the management
and authorities!
Can we truly compare
our other tourists’ places with this? I am not so sure!
Prof. Dr. Jaya Kurhekar
Green Blogger
