Discover the beauty of Lakshadweep Islands on a 5 Day cruise programme 2014-15

 

M.V.KAVARATTI Cruise Packages, Lakshadweep Islands, India

Welcome To MV Kavaratti, Discover the beauty of Lakshadweep Islands on a 5 Day cruise programme 2014-15

Discover the beauty of Lakshadweep Islands on a 5 Day Cruise Programme - 2014 -2015
May 09, 2014 Kochi M.V.KAVARATTI Cruise Packages, Lakshadweep Islands, India.

Booking is now open to all, both the domestic and the International tourists.

Welcome To MV Kavaratti, Cruises Packages to Lakshadweep Islands, India

The popular Coral Reef (Now Samudram) package tour is a five-day cruise on the  passenger ship M.V. Kavaratti which takes tourists to Kavaratti, Kalpeni and Minicoy or Kadmat for day excursion. During the day lunch and refreshments will be served ashore. Night spends onboard the ship.

Lakshadweep Islands are a perfect example of the pure nature of both land and sea. The one which scores above all is the unexplored beaches of Lakshadweep. The organized activities include shore excursions, Watersports and entertainments that include folk dances and cultural activities in different islands. Swimming, boating, snorkeling, Scuba and other water sports is arranged during the day tour.

At Minicoy, tourists can visit Lighthouse built in 1885, Tuna Canning Factory and Village Houses. Atop the Lighthouse, one will have a magnificent view of the islands. Here, the tourists will be taken for a long drive through dense coconut groves and winding village roads.

The scenic beauty and the small islets Tilakkam, Pitti, an uninhabited island on the north called ‘Cheriyam‘ at Kalpeni, Marine Aquarium, Museum and Mosques at Kavaratti are some of the other attractions. Cheriyam is a foreign cruise destination at Kalpeni atoll. ‘New schedule will be published soon’

cruise_lakshadweep
The Samudram Package By Ship ‘M.V. Kavaratti’ Ex. Kochi)
[Now Available For Booking: Oct, 2014 To May, 2015 - Limited Cabins for Tourists - Register Now ]

Useful Links:

Sample Itinerary: Coral Reef Hopping Excursion (Samudram)
http://www.mintvalley.com/support/coral_reef_ship_package_itinerary.htm

Peak Season Availability at Kadmat Beach Resort, Lakshadweep – Starting from December 01, 2014 to January 10, 2015
http://lakshadweepforum.com/blog/peak-season-availability-at-kadmat-beach-resort-lakshadweep-starting-from-december-01-2014-to-january-10-2015/

‘The great SCUBA adventures at Bangaram & Thinnakara islands’
Experience the most beautiful coral-rich habitats in the world
http://www.indianislands.com/thinnakara.htm

Cruise Tourism – Kadmat Island
http://www.cruiselinesindia.com/cruise_tourism_kadmat_islands.htm

Watersports Lakshadweep, India
http://lakshadweepforum.com/sponsors/watersports-india/

Posted in Coral Reefs, Cruise Guide, Cruise Tourism, Cruises India, Government of India, Indian Islands, Indian OCean, Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep, Lakshadweep Archipelago, Lakshadweep Cruise Tourism, Lakshadweep Dives, Lakshadweep Features, Lakshadweep information, Lakshadweep news, Lakshadweep Prohibition, Lakshadweep Tourism, MV Kavaratti Cruises, Policing in Lakshadweep, Ports, Special Laws Lakshadweep, Sports, Water Sports | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Peak Season Availability at Kadmat Beach Resort, Lakshadweep – Starting from December 01, 2014 to January 10, 2015

Peak Season Availability at Kadmat Beach Resort, Lakshadweep, India

Deluxe Cottages, Kadmat Beach Resort, Lakshadweep, India

Peak Season Availability at Kadmat Beach Resort, Lakshadweep – Starting from December 01, 2014 to January 10, 2015
March 31, 2014 Kochi

Booking is available for Christmas and New Year Holidays at Kadmat Island Beach Resort (International), Lakshadweep. Please note, resort accommodation is subject to availability and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Place a Query / Order Form

Activities:
Water sports facilities like swimming, rafting, snorkeling, windsurfing, parasailing, water skiing, yachting, catamaran sailing, sports fishing, deep sea fishing and scuba diving are available in the islands.

Scuba Diving: A wealth of unexplored dive sites in the world. Most of the dive locations are within an easy boat trip from the shore. Diving is very enjoyable and is the only sport where you feel that you are in a zero gravity environment. There are opportunities for divers of all levels of experience. Explore the underwater world, enjoy the sublime seascapes. What lies beyond or beneath is more than what meets the eye.

Sports Fishing: The Lakshadweep Sea off these islands are abound with sport fish like Tuna, Kingfish, Barracuda, Shark, Snappers, Bonefish, Stonefish, wahoo to name a few. The island is ideally situated on the migratory routes for large game fish.  Fishing in Lakshadweep is carried out mostly by poll and line method. It is acknowledged all over the world that Pole and line method is most Eco friendly method of fishing of tuna in which only mother fishes are caught and young ones as also mother marine creatures are spared, which are unnecessarily destroyed in other fishing methods.

Guests are offered Suheli Island Fishing Trip or any other options according to their interests: Hardcore fishing fans can take the boats for deep sea fishing, where as those looking for leisure fishing will enjoy Lagoon fishing. And the best part is you can barbeque what you catch.

For more about Suheli Island Fishing Trip from Kadmat or Agatti Island
http://www.mvkavaratti.com/suheli_island_excursion.htm

How To Reach: By Air: connecting a flight from Kochi to Agatti. High Speed Vessels from Agatti to Kadmat takes 45nml/2 and half hrs.

Read more about Kadmat, Lakshadweep:

All about Kadmat Island travel & tourism information
http://lakshadweepforum.com/blog/all-about-kadmat-island-travel-tourism-information/

Kadmat Island
http://lakshadweepforum.com/kadmat.php

Booking also open to Bangaram & Thinnakara for Beach Tent Camping Adventures!
‘The great SCUBA adventures at Bangaram & Thinnakara islands’ Experience the most beautiful coral-rich habitats in the world. Book Now: Bangaram & Thinnakara – Beach Tent Camping Adventures!
http://www.indianislands.com/thinnakara.htm

Photo Courtesy - Sea Erosion at Kadmat Beach Resort, Kadmat, Lakshadweep
Global warming is causing rising sea levels ‘The IPCC’s 5th Assessment Report and Implications for Policy and Decision Making’
http://lakshadweepforum.com/news/330/

The policies and guidelines
The policies and guidelines prepared by the Union Territory of Lakshadweep to promote sustainable tourism can be categorized into four groups. 1. Impacts on physical environment 2. Impacts on ecological environment 3. Impacts on human use values, and 4. Impacts on quality of life values.
http://www.lakshadweepforum.com/lakshadweep_sustainabletourism.php

Place a query: Place a Query / Order Form
Mobile: +91 9605477000 : (Mr. Sadhik, Executive) ;
Mobile: +91 9605177000 : (Mr. Menon, Documentation)
Phone : +91-484 2397550, 4047550, 4011135

Central Reservations – Email: reservations@kadmat.com

                                                      The accommodation rates are as follows:-

ACCOMMODATION   TARIFF 2014 – 2015

  Kadmat, Minicoy, Kavaratti, Thinnakara and   Bangaram

Name of   package(ISLAND) Category   of Rooms No. of   Room Double Single Extra   bed
Marine   Wealth Awareness Programme (KADMAT) Super   Deluxe (A/C)  5 10000 8000 4000
Deluxe   (A/C) 10 8000 6000 3500
Standard   (A/C)   6 6000 5000 3000
Standard
(Non-A/C)
13 4000 3000 2000
Swaying   Palm –Programme (MINICOY) Deluxe   (A/C) 12 8000 6000 3500
Standard   (A/C) 10 6000 5000 3000
Taratashi   Programme (KAVARATTI) Deluxe   (A/C) 6 8000 6000 3500
Tent   (THINNAKKARA) 10 8000 6000 3000
Tent   (BANGARAM) 10 10000 8000 4000

Rates in Indian Rupees and are subject to revision by the Lakshadweep Administration

Peak Season:

The rates for the month of December will be 10% higher than the normal rate and for the month of February and March will be 10% lower than the normal rate.

Place a query:        Place a Query / Order Form

Principal Source: MintValley Tourism Division

TLD ADS:
For Sailing Vacations & International Yacht Charters – Lakshadweep Islands
Kadmat ; ThinnakkaraSuheli Par ; Cheriyam

Posted in Bangaram & Thinnakara, Coral Reefs, Cruise Tourism, Government of India, Indian Islands, Indian OCean, Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep, Lakshadweep Archipelago, Lakshadweep Cruise Tourism, Lakshadweep Dives, Lakshadweep Features, Lakshadweep information, Lakshadweep news, Lakshadweep Tourism, Policing in Lakshadweep, Special Laws Lakshadweep, Sports, Suheli, Uncategorized, Water Sports, Yachts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

All about Kadmat Island travel & tourism information

All about Kadmat Island travel & tourism information
Feb 12, 2014 Kochi

Kadmat island one among the Lakshadweep group of islands situated 407 kms. far from Kochi (Cochin), Kerala. The blue water lagoon is encircling the invaluable wealth of colourful corals, coral habitats, the reef banks, unspoilt virgin beaches, the sun and the moon!

The most outstanding strength of Kadmat island lies in its marine wealth. Surrounded on the eastern and western side by large lagoons of spectacular beauty, long and sandy beaches that makes the place one of the ideal tourist destinations in the region. The coral reef, reef banks, seagrass and nesting ground for marine turtles etc all are very unique from an ecological perspective.

Kadmat island is spindle shaped, broadest in the middle tapering towards the narrow strip at the southern end. One of the largest in Lakshadweep group, Kadmat is 8 Km long and 550 m wide at the broadest point. The major features associated with the island are reef flat, reef slope, lagoon, sandy beach and island vegetation.

The lagoon is quite large and deep along the western side of the island with a narrow beach along the eastern side. The lagoon side of the shore is sandy beach, though at places, beach rock is exposed at the low tide mark. The depth of the lagoon varies from 2 to 3 m. The reef flat is about 50 m width and is totally exposed during the low tide. During the high tide, water exchange takes place between the lagoon and the open sea over the reef.

Based on the ecological and economic value of this island, the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Union Territory of Lakshadweep Government have declared it as a marine protected area for preservation of these habitats and their resources.

Kadmat reef has a high diversity with a total of 45 species of corals recorded during 1986.

Tourism activities in the island is currently conducted in a controlled manner due to very low carrying capacity of the island and the fragility of the eco system. More over, the transport infrastructure making the accessibility very difficult.

Principle Resources & Useful Links

Posted in Adventure Holidays, Bangaram & Thinnakara, Climate Change, Coral Reefs, Cruise Guide, Cruise Tourism, Cruises India, Indian Islands, Indian OCean, Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep, Lakshadweep Archipelago, Lakshadweep Cruise Tourism, Lakshadweep Dives, Lakshadweep Features, Lakshadweep information, Lakshadweep news, Lakshadweep Prohibition, Lakshadweep Tourism, MV Kavaratti Cruises, Policing in Lakshadweep, Seafood Health, Special Laws Lakshadweep, Sports, Suheli, Uncategorized, Water Sports, Yachts | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Thirty million people are slaves, half in India: Survey

Thirty million people are slaves, half in India: Survey
17 October, 2013 Reparation Law News

The Global Slavery Index lists India as the country with by far the most slaves, with an estimated nearly 14 million – almost half of the total number worldwide. China follows, with an estimated 2.9 million enslaved, and Pakistan comes in third with an estimate of over 2 million in modern slavery.

The top 10 countries on its list of shame accounted for more than three quarters of the 29.8 million people living in slavery, with Nigeria, Ethiopia, Russia, Thailand, Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar and Bangladesh completing the list.

The index was published by the Australia-based Walk Free Foundation, in consultation with an international panel of experts and has been endorsed by former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former British prime ministers Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and Julia Gillard, and philanthropists Bill Gates, Sir Richard Branson and Mo Ibrahim.

What is the Government of India doing about it?

Criminal justice responses are clearly at the heart of any response to modern slavery. However, other key considerations include government coordination, budget allocation and accountability, victim support services, and responses to clearly identified, vulnerable sectors (whether migrant workers or workers in the informal economy) …

Read Full Report:
What is the Government of India doing about it?

Photograph: Labourers carry bricks to be baked in a kiln at a brickyard on the outskirts of Karad in Satara district, about 396km (246 miles) south of Mumbai February 13, 2012. Credit: REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui/Files

Posted in Global Slavery Index, Government of India, grievance, Indian Islands, Lakshadweep, Land-Mafia, Policing in Lakshadweep, Reparation Laws, Safety and Security, Scheduled Tribes, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Colombo Dockyard launches 400 passenger vessel ‘MV Corals’

Colombo Dockyard launches 400 passenger vessel ‘MV Corals’
23 August 2013

The Colombo Dockyard launched a 400 Passenger cum 250 Ton Cargo Vessel ‘MV Corals’ Thursday, built for the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, Government of India.

The vessel, with a capacity to carry 400 passengers and 250 tonnes of cargo, being the second series of passenger vessels built by Colombo Dockyard, these vessels will be superior to the earlier built two passenger vessels MV Arabian Sea and MV Lakshadweep Sea.

The Vessel design and her machineries…

The design of the Vessel is developed by a world renowned ship design firm, GL Noble Denton of Norway, formerly known as Brevik Engineering, a ship designing firm which specializes in fully customizing ship designs to meet exact requirements of the Owners, meeting class rules of Lloyds Register of Shipping, Indian Register of Shipping and statutory rules applicable for a vessel of this type.

The Vessel is powered by two Japanese made YANMAR Main Engines each developing a propulsive power of 1920 kW, driving two Swedish made BERG Controllable Pitch Propellers with 3m diameter. This combination provides a high level of maneuverability, optimum efficiency and cost effective operation for the Vessel, which will enable the owners to save thousands of dollars on fuel and maintenance cost.

The accommodation spaces in this Vessel consists of private space, office space, sanitary space, catering space and other spaces. The Passengers will have different categories of accommodation. There will be 10 first class, 40 second class and 350 normal class passenger transportation facilities. All these passenger compartments are fully air conditioned using an air conditioning system consisting of central air handling unit and refrigerating plant, designed on the basis of environment friendly refrigerant chilled water system.

Well equipped wheelhouse shall provide excellent visibility of the horizon, where the Master and the bridge crew will have unobtrusive view right around the vessel for ease of navigability. Navigation and communication electronic equipment are predominately supplied by European and Japanese Makers to increase reliability and to ensure uninterrupted spare part and service support during the life span of the vessel.

The vessel so designed, shall be a perfect blend of high tech and elegance, and could be considered as one of the most environmentally friendly vessels to be built by Colombo Dockyard, which indeed will be a positive feature considering the un-spoilt terrain of the Lakshadweep Administration in which these vessels are intended to be operated.

Due to the vessel’s slender outlines the vessel features very low fuel consumption and has outstanding maneuvering and sea keeping capabilities and shall have low noise and vibration levels which increases the comfort of the passengers and crew of the vessel. The Vessel will be manned by a crew of 69 who will also be provided with comfortable and elegant living quarters matching the world standards available on a vessel of this class.

The contracts were signed on 27th August 2011 at Kochi between Owners representatives Dr. M.S. Sayed Ismail Koya Director, Port Shipping & Aviation of UTLA and Mr. Mangala P.B. Yapa, Managing Director/ CEO of Colombo Dockyard PLC, in the presence of Shri Amar Nath IAS, Honourable Administrator UTLA as the Chief Guest, Dr. N. Vasantakumar IAS Collector & development Commissioner and in the midst of a large distinguished gathering.

View Full Text: Colombo Dockyard launches 400 passenger vessel ‘MV Corals’ http://lakshadweepforum.com/news/colombo-dockyard-launches-400-passenger-vessel-mv-corals/

View Previous Report: Colombo Dockyard lays keel for new passenger ship for Govt of India http://lakshadweepforum.com/news/colombo-dockyard-lays-keel-for-new-passenger-ship-for-govt-of-india/

Posted in Cruise Tourism, Indian Islands, Indian OCean, Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep, Lakshadweep Archipelago, Lakshadweep Cruise Tourism, Lakshadweep Dives, Lakshadweep Features, Lakshadweep information, Lakshadweep news, Lakshadweep Tourism, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Water Sports, Yachts | Tagged | Leave a comment

Special Laws For Lakshadweep

SPECIAL LAWS FOR LAKSHADWEEP
07 August, 2013

1.   The Lakshadweep Prohibition Regulation 1979
2.    LM&A islands (Restriction on Entry and Residence) Rules, 1967

THE LAKSHADWEEP PROHIBITION REGULATION 1979

1.           Lakshadweep Prohibition Regulation 1979  extends to whole of the   Union Territory.  As per the Section 3 of the Regulation import, export, transportation, possession and manufacture of liquor or any intoxicating drugs is prohibited in all the islands.  Being an international Tourist center, Bangaram  is exempted.

2.           All the offence under the Regulation are cognizable and the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, with respect to cognizable offences shall apply to them.

3.          Violation of the provisions of the Regulation shall be punishable  with imprisonment for a term, which may extent to one year or with fine, which may extent two thousand rupees, or with both.

LM&A ISLANDS (RESTRICTION ON ENTRY AND RESIDENCE) RULES, 1967

1.            As per the Rules no person who is not a native of the island  shall  enter or reside in or attempt to enter or reside in the island except under and in accordance with a permit issued by a competent authority.

2.            Provided that no such a permit shall be necessary in the case of the following classes of persons namely:-

(a)       Persons  who had taken  up permanent residence in the islands at any time before the     commencement   of     these    rules   and members  of the families of such persons.

(b)       Members   of   Armed   Forces    of    the    Indian    Union   entering the islands on duty.

(c)         Persons   serving  in  connection  with  the Administration of the islands proceeding to the islands on official duty and members of their families.

Explanation:-    for the   purposes   of this   rule, the family includes his or her spouse and dependent children.

A permit  may be  issued,  renewed  or  endorsed  by the competent authority for  entering into such island or islands and for residence therein for such period, as     may be specified in the permit.

         3)         Every permit issued on an application under Rule 5 may be renewed or endorsed on  an  application   made  in  the  prescribed  form  and  submitted  through  the  nearest registration  officer  at least  15  days  in  advance  of  the date on which the permit is due to expire, or the date with  effect from which such endorsement required.  An application for renewal or endorsement of a permit shall be accompanied by the permit in respect of which the application is made.

         4)       The holder of a permit shall not enter or leave an island otherwise than at such a port as may be specified therein.

         5)        A permit shall be valid only for the island or islands endorsed thereon and the holders thereof shall not enter or attempt to enter any other islands or islands without getting the permit endorsed for such other island or islands.

         6)        The holder of a permit shall, as soon as possible and in any case within 24 hours after his arrival in any island, report with his permit to the nearest Registration Officer (Station House Officer) who shall enter in the permit the date and time of arrival of the holder in the island.

         7)        Whenever during the period of validity of a permit the holder thereof leaves the island, he shall present his permit to the nearest Registration Officer who shall make an entry therein regarding the date and time of departure of the holder and return the permit to the holder.

         8)        Separate form is prescribed for Indian  Tourist intending to visit the islands.  They should obtain a permit exemption order. Foreign Tourists are also issued with entry permit Rules after approval by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

Read more at: Policing in Lakshadweep [http://lakshadweepforum.com/blog/policing-in-lakshadweep/]

Posted in Adventure Holidays, Andaman and Nicobar, Bangaram & Thinnakara, Indian Islands, Lakshadweep, Lakshadweep Archipelago, Lakshadweep Cruise Tourism, Lakshadweep Features, Lakshadweep information, Lakshadweep news, Lakshadweep Prohibition, Lakshadweep Tourism, Special Laws Lakshadweep, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Policing in Lakshadweep

Policing in Lakshadweep
12 June, 2013 Kochi

Lakshadweep being the smallest in the country, the Police force is very small. The crime rate is also the lowest in the country. Matters coming under District Administration, Lakshadweep, such as revenue, land settlement, law and order are under the purview of the Collector cum Development Commissioner who is also the District Magistrate.

The District Magistrate is assisted by one Additional District Magistrate and Ten Executive Magistrates with respect to enforcement of law and order. Lakshadweep Police is under the command and control of Administrator in his capacity as Inspector General of Lakshadweep Police. The Lakshadweep Police has sanctioned strength of 349 personnel for’ 9 Police Stations, 2 Police Out Posts and 1 Police Aid Post.

Superintendent of Police is the head of the force. For maintenance of law and order in addition to Police force, Union Government have raised a company of India Reserve Battalion exclusively for Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. 355 personnel of IRB are stationed in various islands of Lakshadweep. Lakshadweep Marine Police and Lakshadweep Home Guards have also been raised in the recent years to further strengthen the law and order machinery. Naval Detachment & Coast Guard Units are set up in Kavaratti. A Naval Detachment is functioning in Minicoy island also.

History of Policing in Lakshadweep Policing in Lakshadweep (the then Laccadive) began with effect from 22.11.58 by the establishment of the first Police station at Minicoy. The station was manned by a strength of one Sub Inspector, 2 Head constable and 5 constables consisting of 3 deputations from Kerala state. The second Police station came into being at Androth during the same year.  Police stations in other inhabited islands were established in 1960’s

The outpost at Bitra under Chetlath Police Station and the aid post at Bangaram under Agatti Police Station respectively started functioning during the year 1991.

The present set up is based on the report on “Reorganisation of Police in the LMA group of islands” prepared by Sri Kripal Singh IPS DIG Delhi Administration during the year 1969.

Shri P.V.Sinari, the first IPS Officer joined the force on 16.1.74. The first batch of constables recruited on 13.7.64 were posted in the islands after basic training in January 1965. The first batch of direct entry Sub Inspectors recruited in 1971 joined the force in October 1972. The Police force consists of personnel from Kerala and the islands.

Lakshadweep Police Wireless was established in 1980 and is functioning under the Inspector (Communication).  The islands are connected with High Frequency interfaced with BEST equipments, VHF and UHF. The POLNET system in the islands through which the connectivity with the rest of the country can be a reality.

A special Branch unit is functioning at H.Q. Kavaratti headed by an Inspector of Police and under the direct control of the Superintendent of Police.

The security of the only airport at Agatti is managed by the strength of an Inspector, one S.I., one (SI woman), 2 HCs and 5 constables since 16.4.88.
View more here: http://policeindia.com/lakshadweep_police_highlights.htm

Also Read: INS Dweeprakshak, Kavaratti – Full-Scale Naval Base At Lakshadweep: http://lakshadweepforum.com/news/navy-strengthens-presence-in-lakshadweep-with-new-base-2/

Lakshadweep Tourism      
Organized tourism is of recent origin to Lakshadweep.  These islands are basically restricted areas but those who avail the package tours being conducted by SPORTS (Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism & Sports in Lakshadweep) or Authorized Private Resort Groups are exempted from entry restriction.

At present 3 inhabited islands – Kavaratti, Kalpeni and Minicoy have been opened for domestic tourists only and Kadmat, Agatti and Bangaram, are open for both domestic and international tourists.

View entry rule HERE: THE LACCADIVE MINICOY & AMINDIVI ISLANDS (RESTRICTIONS ON ENTRY AND RESIDENCE) RULES, 1967.

[Entry permit will be arranged by 'MintValley E-Tourism' and a few information is required at the time of booking. For detail Please click here. http://policeindia.com/lakshadweep_travel_tourism.htm]

  FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What medical facilities are available at the island? A medical center with qualified medical personnel functions at Agatti island. (8 Kms from Bangaram Island Resort) In the event of a medical emergency, evacuation by helicopter is possible. It is advisable to carry your basic medication that you may require, as this may not be available on the island.
Visit: Forum FAQ: http://lakshadweepforum.com/faq.php

More about Lakshadweep Policing

Safety and Security of Lakshadweep Islands

The Administrator is appointed by the President of India under clause (1) of Article 239 of the Constitution of India with effect from 22nd December, 2006. Honourable Administrator is the Head of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. He also functions ex-officio as the Inspector General of Lakshadweep Police.

Safety and Security of Lakshadweep Islands

Tourists held hostage in Kalpeni Island, Lakshadweep Kochi: Around 130 domestic tourists, including over 30 children came from various parts of the mainland were stranded at Kalpeni island in Lakshwadeep after locals prevented them from boarding boats to their ship. The captors were using the tourists to highlight grievances against the local administration, who operate the tour programme.

Tourists held hostage in Kalpeni Island, Lakshadweep

 Forum Posts Kavaratti Police: http://lakshadweepforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1219#p1329

More Search Results:

Posted in Policing in Lakshadweep, Safety and Security | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Need for safer ferry systems in the Lakshadweep

Need for safer ferry systems in the Lakshadweep 
31 May, 2013  Kochi

The Lakshadweep Administration does not appear to have imbibed the dictum that all human lives are precious and must be. This is evident from the unsafe ferry system prevalent in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep which is comprised of smaller but exotic islands.

The inhabitants of these islands are marginalized people of the lowest strata, belonging to the Scheduled Tribes.  There are special provisions in the Constitution of India, to ensure protection to the Scheduled Tribes. However, the Administration and the officials functioning under its control are not ensuring the due support to this unfortunate people.

Unlike the people living in the main land, the islanders have to depend on ‘Pablo boats’ to move around the various islands. The ‘Pablo’ boat is nothing more than a crude fishing boat with the least passenger safety. The boat does not have roof, seating arrangements or lifesaving apparatus.

On 18 May, 2013 five persons were drowned in Lakshadweep boat capsize.  The trawler was ferrying people from Amini island to Kadmat, a distance of just over a km. With no other mode of water transport available between the isles, Al Ameen and another trawler ferry people to and fro in the morning and evening every day except Fridays.

Media reported that the commuters opted for this mode of unsafe transport as there is acute shortfall of safe, bigger boats to ferry people between 11 of the 36 inhabited islands in the archipelago. Sources in the administration said that a similar accident had taken place in Kadmat about six years ago, in which a few people died.

This often ends in disasters like what happened on Saturday when a trawler carrying 29 people capsized near Kadmat island, resulting in the death of five people.

SPORTS, who organize tour packages from Agatti to the inner islands including Kadmat is not at all careful to ensure the safety of tourists, who are compelled to travel to the very unsafe Pablo Boats. Although there are public ferry arrangements and speed vessels to transport tourists from Agatti to Kadmat, its service is invariably irregular or it may shuttle only for the VVIP’s!

As at present, there is no governmental permission for the tourists to stay in Agatti island, either in Resorts or even in Home-stays. It’s this, out of dire necessity and compelling circumstances, the tourists opt to the Pablo Boat instead of returning to the mainland.

The SPORTS has also ‘tricks’, by deceptive or by fraudulent means, take the booking with public ferry and once guest reached at Agatti by air, SPORTS insists the ‘Pablo Boat’ instead. A one-way-trip to Kadmat in a Pablo Boat would cost INR.15,000 to 18,000 for the tourist;  but the cost involved the actual is minimal.

The Administrator, Union Territory of Lakshadweep, the Government of India should probe the situation in detail, the compelling circumstances, the tourists choose to the most un-safe Pablo Boats as a mode of transfer from Agatti to Kadmat, collect findings and initiate remedial measures as early as possible, to avert dangers to the tourists of Lakshadweep including Foreign Nationals.

View previous article about: Coping with danger onboard the ‘fishing vessels’ in Lakshadweep – Sampat and Soumita, recounts their horrifying experience

Wear a lifejacket on board the boat:
Boats are required by law to have enough life jackets/PFDs on board for each person on the boat. Ensure they are properly sized for the passengers on board – children should only wear properly fitted child size lifejackets. And to decrease the risk of drowning, everyone in the boat needs to be wearing the life jacket/PFD at all times. Read more:
Boating Safety
&
Yachting Safety

Photograph: Cruise Tourism at Kadmat Island

Posted in Adventure Holidays, Bangaram & Thinnakara, Cruise Tourism, Indian Islands, Indian OCean, Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep, Lakshadweep Archipelago, Lakshadweep Cruise Tourism, Lakshadweep Dives, Lakshadweep Features, Lakshadweep information, Lakshadweep news, Lakshadweep Tourism, Land-Mafia, Scheduled Tribes, Sports, Uncategorized, Yachts | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Coping with danger onboard the ‘fishing vessels’ in Lakshadweep

Coping with danger onboard the ‘fishing boats’ in Lakshadweep
22 April, 2013 Kochi

On Saturday morning, five people onboard a trawler drowned after the boat capsized while ferrying around 30 from Amini Island to Kadmat, a distance of just about a kilometer. Two of them were children.

Twenty-four others either swam to safety or were rescued by local people and the coastal police. Police sources said the vessel, Al Ameen, capsized when the passengers thronged to one side of the vessel on learning that its engine had failed. The condition of a couple of passengers was stated to be critical.

With no other mode of water transport available between the isles, Al Ameen and another trawler ferry people to and fro in the morning and evening every day except Fridays. The neighbouring islands belong to the Amindivi sub-group of islands, located in the central part of Lakshadweep. Kadmat has an area of just over 3 sq km and a population of over 5,000. It is located about 75 km from Kavaratti, headquarters of Lakshadweep.

Acute shortage of boats from islands in Lakshadweep to nearby islands and to mainland Kerala forces people to cram themselves into whatever vessel is available, at the cost of safety. This often ends in disasters like what happened on Saturday when a trawler carrying 29 people capsized near Kadamat island, resulting in the death of five people.

Sources said that the commuters opted for this mode of unsafe transport as there is acute shortfall of safe, bigger boats to ferry people between 11 of the 36 inhabited islands in the archipelago.

Organized Tourism, Lakshadweep Islands

Tourism activities in the island is currently conducted in a controlled manner due to very low carrying capacity of the island and the fragility of the eco system. More over, the transport infrastructure making the accessibility very difficult.

To get to the islands, tourists are forced to ride on fishing boats to reach their destination, a ride close to death, as the media reports.

Sampat and Soumita, working in Kolkata, had planned to visit three islands — Agatti, Kadmat and Kavaratti. The couple reached Agatti after a one-and-a-half hour journey by flight from Kochi, and were supposed to take a ferry service to Kadmat island as arranged by the tour operator. As the ferry was cancelled, they were asked to opt for a ‘Pablo’ boat to reach Kadmat, for which they had to pay an extra Rs.18,000.

“We were told that tourists were not allowed to stay in Agatti as the existing resorts had been closed down due to some ongoing court cases. By then, all arrangements had been made and therefore, we unwillingly parted with the amount,” said Mr. Sampat.

The ‘Pablo’ boat was nothing more than a crude fishing boat. The couple pushed off around 3 p.m. to Kadmat. We were told the journey would take about four hours. “The boat had no seats and we settled on the edge of a raised platform from where a boatman controlled the engine and the rudder”.

After two hours, the soft rolling waves became menacing and started crashing onto the sides of the boat. “The wind picked up pace and the boat was swaying dangerously. The sea became darker and the light was fading. We could see life jackets on the floor, about six feet away from us and felt reassured that, in the worst case, we could just grab those.”As the sea grew wilder, the waves started crashing fiercely onto the deck. “As the sea was choppy, we thought it would be a good idea to wear the lifejackets. But the six feet between us and the lifejackets seemed like an endless gorge. We had just started a new life and it seemed as if it would end in the middle of the Arabian Sea”. Certain lights were visible at a distance and it was from the island Amini. It would take another half an hour to reach Kadmat.

“We were sailing in pitch black darkness. The sea, which had calmed down a bit near Aminiisland, again picked up from where it had left off. We sailed in the darkness for another half hour, clinging to each other till light was seen from Kadmatisland. It was 9 p.m. by the time the boat entered the lagoon and berthed at the boat jetty. The journey which should’ve taken over three hours, lasted six hours. “We were glad to touch the ground, and gladder to be alive.”

The background fact:

Public vessels are confined mostly for the V.I.P’s or the officials of Lakshadweep Administration in around Kavaratti. A majority of people of Lakshadweep are deprived of good transport facilities or quick access to hospitals even in emergency.

The Lakshadweep Administration should set in place more number of safe and sea-worthy vessels for transporting the islanders and the tourists from islands to islands.  If this is not feasible, entrust the transport system between the islands to another constituted body who could safely handle the passengers.  The second option, it could be reasonably hoped, will avert at least the killing of innocent human beings. [.....Continue]

Administration’s failure

Lakshadweep-based human rights activist and political leader Komalam Koya said that the accident would not have happened if the island’s administration and Lakshadweep Development Corporation Ltd (LDCL) had put in operation 65-foot-long boats (called ‘Pookunji’ in local parlance) for inter-island transport. “Only Kavaratti island has a few such vessels. Due to its absence, people are forced to travel in 30-foot-long trawlers like the one that capsized.”

He alleged that there was inordinate delay in commissioning bigger vessels and high-speed vessels that can carry up to 150 people. The high-speed ones are also operated from the islands to ports in Kerala. There are allegations of graft in awarding contracts to construct vessels, which is one reason for the huge delay in fixing a contractor and commissioning boats, MrKoya said.

Mainland connectivity

Due to the shortage, hundreds of islanders – including those who want specialty medical care, have to wait for weeks to get a ticket for boarding ships from the islands to Kochi and Beypore, he said and added that many agencies in the island are vying with one another to gain control of the boat/ship operations and maintenance in the isle, with dubious intent. This apart, there are complaints of most islands in Lakshadweep not having berthing facility, forcing people who return from Kerala to jump down from ships into small boats which take them to their islands.

‘More ships needed’

While stating that people commuting in trawlers through the sea is very unsafe, the Director of Lakshadweep Ports, Mikhdad, said that there is need to introduce high-speed vessels between islands to ensure safe commuting during the monsoon and unfavourable weather. Referring to Thursday’s incident, he said that people might have crammed themselves into the boat because of the vacation season. “We will approach the Central government for speeding up the acquisition process of bigger vessels,” he said and added that two more ships, each having capacity for 400 passengers, will be ready for inter-island and island-mainland transport by December.

Even this will not be sufficient to cater to the whopping demand for boats and ships, sources said.

View Related Press Reports:
‘It seemed our life would end in the middle of Arabian Sea’ http://lakshadweepforum.com/news/it-seemed-our-life-would-end-in-the-middle-of-arabian-sea/

Five drown in Lakshadweep boat capsize
http://lakshadweepforum.com/news/five-drown-in-lakshadweep-boat-capsize/

Posted in Adventure Holidays, grievance, Indian Islands, Indian OCean, Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep, Lakshadweep Archipelago, Lakshadweep Features, Lakshadweep information, Lakshadweep news, Lakshadweep Tourism, Scheduled Tribes, Sports, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Probe into malpractices in Lakshadweep Administration

Probe into malpractices in Lakshadweep Administration
05 April, 2013

Need to probe into the malpractice cases going on in SPORTS (Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism & SPORTS) – a Society responsible for conducting Lakshadweep Tourism.

The SPORTS working under the Administration is responsible for conducting the Lakshadweep Tour Packages.  This is a very potential field capable of bringing in huge revenue to the UTL.  Sadly enough, there are many corrupt elements in the SPORTS concentrating only on making personal gains, tarnishing the Nation itself and causing huge loss to the public exchequer.  Even the accounting system of SPORTS is suspect able.

Nearly a year back, one enthusiastic Advocate, who is also a social worker, sought information from SPORTS, in regard to the contribution of revenue by their authorized travel agents for three years from 2009 to 2011.  He could obtain only incorrect and misguiding information from SPORTS after lengthy correspondence.   Two learned judges of the High Court of Kerala observed while hearing Writ Petition No: W.A.1517/2010, that the very constitution of the SPORTS is not perfect, and their activities are not satisfactory.

In this background, a thorough probe is essential to bring out the facts relating to the authenticity of forming up an imbalanced Society (SPORTS) and entrusting with it the responsibility of conducting Lakshadweep Tourism.  Such a probe is necessary to bring to the limelight the official and financial malpractices going on in SPORTS, to weed off the corrupt elements, re-constitute SPORTS properly and to achieve the goals envisioned from Lakshadweep Tourism.

Principal Resources:

SPORTS
It is well known to the majority that some of the SPORTS officials, mainly the G.M. and above, have made huge financial gains by manipulations.  The Administrators, the official custodians of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, who is shamelessly protecting  these corrupt practices, remain silent. Corrupt business practices in the U.T. of Lakshadweep

D B Binu vs UT Of Lakshadweep – Central Information Commission Respondents (SPORTS) are public entity, functioning under the directive of the Lakshadweep Administration, with the executive duty of conducting the Lakshadweep Tour Programmes as envisaged by the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, Government of India.  SPORTS is duty-bound, under the rules prevailing in the country, to maintain proper accounts for the income and expenditure pertaining to the Lakshadweep Tour Programmes conducted by it during every season and subject the same for auditing. These documents, it is respectfully submitted, come under the purview of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
D B Binu vs Ut Of Lakshadweep – Central Information Commission

The Emergence of Land-Mafia in Lakshadweep
The small pieces land belonging to the illiterate Scheduled Tribes, one of the most impoverished and marginalized Scheduled Tribes in India, the people of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep are now being widely grabbed by the land mafia at a fast pace, with the help and connivance of corrupt officials of the Administration and SPORTS.
The Emergence of Land-Mafia in Lakshadweep

Reliable information that proves cheating!
The information about the cheating by SPORTS (Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism & SPORTS) – a Society responsible for conducting Lakshadweep Tourism

The information about the cheating by SPORTS is startling. There have been consistent complaints about the corruption and incompetence of the SPORTS, the society functioning under the Lakshadweep Administrator for promoting Lakshadweep Tourism. But the ‘SPORTS’ purposefully ignore complaints and fail to answer any queries for redressal of grievances. http://lakshadweepforum.com/blogresources/reliable-information-that-proves-cheating/

Posted in grievance, Lakshadweep information, Lakshadweep news, Lakshadweep Tourism, Land-Mafia, Legal Battle for Bangaram, Scheduled Tribes, Sports, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Shark populations are in trouble globally

Shark populations are in trouble globally
02 March, 2013

Shark conservation Sharks are commonly misunderstood and widely feared. These remarkable animals, however, are incredibly important for overall ocean health and, in particular, for coral reefs.

Sharks are often “apex” or top predators, helping to regulate species abundance and diversity while maintaining balance throughout an ecosystem. Studies have shown that coral reef ecosystems with high numbers of apex predators tend to have greater biodiversity and higher densities of individual species.

The loss of apex predators in a reef ecosystem upsets the natural food web and changes the composition of the reef community, eventually leading to the decline of critical reef species like herbivorous fish. With fewer herbivores, algae can become overgrown, suffocating the reef and reducing the number of available niches for fish species. Caribbean Reef Shark by Jeff Yonover.

In addition to being important for overall ecosystem health, sharks are also valuable to the tourism industry and to the economic health of coral reef destinations. A recent report from the Australian Institute of Marine Science found that shark tourism accounts for approximately eight percent of the G.D.P of the island nation of Palau. The study showed that the roughly one hundred sharks inhabiting the most popular dive sites in the area were each worth $179,000 annually to the local tourism industry, giving each shark an approximate lifetime value of $1.9 million.

Despite their ecologic and economic value, shark populations are declining at an alarming rate. Roughly thirty percent of shark species are threatened or nearly threatened with extinction, and the status of another roughly fifty percent is unclear due to insufficient data.

Intense commercial fishing is largely to blame for the decline, and shark finning-the practice of removing a shark’s fins and discarding the rest of the animal to die at sea-is particularly rampant. This practice is driven by demand for shark fin soup, a delicacy that creates a lucrative market for shark fins.

Photograph: Shark fins drying in the sun cover the roof of a factory building in Hong Kong – Pic AFP

SHARK fin meals are high on the menu list at banquets across Sydney this week as the city’s Chinese population celebrates the Lunar New Year.  But the Federal government has no idea if any of the fins have come from countries where they are sliced off living sharks before their twitching bodies are dumped back into the ocean.

“Live finning” of sharks is considered one of the most inhumane, wasteful and cruel practices in the global animal trades and shark finning is a leading cause of a massive decline in shark numbers around the world over the past decade.

Principal Resources:

CORAL Works to Protect Sharks

Big bowl of cruelty – shark fin soup still on the menu in Australian Chinese restaurants

Posted in Coral Reefs, Indian OCean, Lakshadweep news, Shark Populations | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Corrupt business practices in the U.T. of Lakshadweep

Corrupt business practices in the U.T. of Lakshadweep
27 February, 2013

The administration conceived of, studied it and started the Lakshadweep Tourism way back in the year 1974.

The Bangaram Island Beach Resort was opened by the Hotel Corporation of India Ltd., for international tourism with a solemn commitment of bringing up the life style of the most impoverished inhabitants of the Lakshadweep, (The island people belonging to the Scheduled Tribe, who are ensured special protection under the Constitution of India [Ref] ) who happened to live detached from the mainland.

Later, in 1982 a Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism (Sports) designated to conduct the Lakshadweep Tours became the custodians of the Bangaram Resort. SPORTS is managed by a Chairman (Administrator of U.T. of Lakshadweep) and a board of directors selected from various departments. The important objectives of the SPORTS are to promote tourism and other recreational activities, thereby providing employment to the local educated youth in the islands.

Unfortunately, little after the project got started, corruption grew fast among the officials of SPORTS. The management was keen on making personal gains, at the risk of causing multiple natures of difficulties and financial losses to the exchequer including the land owners and participating tourists. This process went on for quite a long time.

It is well known to the majority that some of the SPORTS officials, mainly the G.M. and above, have made huge financial gains by manipulations.  The Administrators, the official custodians of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, who is shamelessly protecting  these corrupt practices, remain silent.

At this juncture, Adv. D.B. Binu, General Secretary of Human Rights Defense Forum wrote to the CPIO of SPORTS on 29-05- 2012 for information about the methodology adopted for granting recognition to the Travel Agents, their business volume for 2009, 2010 and 2011.

The information which ought to have been passed on to him was not delivered within the stipulated 30 days period.  He kept on writing, and even the Central Information, Delhi intervened in the matter.

The Information Commissioner, Central Information Commission, New Delhi thereafter issued specific directions to the Respondent 1, the CPIO of SPORTS, vide his Order No.CIC/LS/A/2013/000166 to make available the information sought for within 2 weeks of his order dated 06-02-2013.

The order of the Central Information Commission, Delhi remains yet to be complied with.

Principal Resources:
D B Binu vs UT of Lakshadweep – Central Information Commission http://lakshadweepforum.com/news/d-b-binu-vs-ut-of-lakshadweep-central-information-commission/

The Continuing Tale of Scheduled Tribes Exploitation, in the U.T. of Lakshadweep http://lakshadweepforum.com/blog/the-continuing-tale-of-scheduled-tribes-exploitation-in-the-u-t-of-lakshadweep/

Read more at Lakshadweep Tourism
Forums Grievance Against the ‘Tourism Authority’, the U.T. of Lakshadweep http://lakshadweepforum.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=13

Photograph: Paradise Hut Kavaratti Island
http://www.mvkavaratti.com/pardise_hut_kavaratti_resort_packages_home.htm

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Marine Conservation Society: How fish are caught?

Marine Conservation Society: How fish are caught?
22 January, 2013

Wild fish can be caught in a variety of different ways, from the traditional rod and line to traps and trawl nets large enough to capture a passenger airplane. Fishing gears can be categorized as either mobile/active or static/passive depending on whether they are towed across the seabed or fixed to it. Mobile/active gear includes any trawls, trolling and drifting nets or lines whereas static/passive gear includes fixed nets, traps and rod and line. Generally static /passive gear has a lower impact on the seabed.

Here are some of the commonly used fishing methods with a brief explanation of how they work and their environmental impacts.

Pole and line
Pole and line fishing (also known as bait boat fishing) is used to catch naturally schooling fish which can be attracted to the surface. It is particularly effective for tunas (skipjack and albacore). The method almost always involves the use of live bait (anchovies, sardines etc.) which is thrown over board to attract the target species near the boat (chumming). Poles and lines with barbless hooks are then used to hook the fish and bring them on board. Hydraulically operated rods or automatic angling machines may be used on larger pole and line vessels.

Trolling
Trolling involves towing baited hooks or lures through the water. The method is particularly suited to the capture of pelagic species of high individual value. Examples include tuna (albacore and skipjack), wahoo, Dorado, barracuda and salmon. Hand-gathering (picking) or collection Traditional methods of harvesting molluscs involve the use of hand tools such as tongs and rakes. Mechanical methods using hydraulic or suction dredges (see below) at high tide, or tractor harvesting at low tide, may also be used to harvest molluscs such as clams and cockles.

Harpoon
This method is used for fish having high individual value such as swordfish and bluefin tuna. Harpooning is a completely selective fishery, since the target must be seen before striking, so the size and hence age can be determined and only mature fish taken. For more information, please visit the following links:

Marine Conservation Society: Protecting our seas, shores and wildlife http://www.mcsuk.org/

Fish World: http://www.fishworld.org/

Posted in Climate cChange, Coral Reefs, Lakshadweep, Lakshadweep Archipelago, Lakshadweep Tourism, Maldives | Tagged | Leave a comment

Kadmat Beach Resort – Traveller Reviews: “Not a journey … an adventure …!”

Kadmat Beach Resort – Traveller Reviews: “Not a journey … an adventure …!”
12 January, 2013 ‘Tripadvisor’

Been Kadmat Beach Resort? Share your experience! Tripadvisor

“Well how about we have just returned from the paradise called Lakshadweep … as the title says it is not just a trip but in reality it is an adventure! we had booked (traveling as 2 couples) all over the internet and I have to say that the organization mint valley (travel agency kochin) was perfect …everything went smoothly and organizationally speaking in the standard and everything was perfect! the journey is very long, we flew emirates to kochi (11 hours + call) and then air india domestic flight (1 hour and 20 or so) until agatti!

Agatti to take the boat that, as reported by the agency, we should bring in 3 hours on the island … nothing further from the truth … are boats that go up to 5-6 knots and employ minimum of 6 hours to cover the This is, in our case a storm halfway through the journey has stretched to about 7 and a half hours … I omit the fate that it was a small boat in the middle of the Indian Ocean where phones do not work and ife jackets …” Full Text

Booking for Kadmat Island: http://www.kadmat.com/

Ship Packages: http://www.mvkavaratti.com/

Travel Safety: Make your trip is a safe and enjoyable – Wear a lifejacket Boats are required by law to have enough life jackets/PFDs on board for each person on the boat. Ensure they are properly sized for the passengers on board – children should only wear properly fitted child size lifejackets. And to decrease the risk of drowning, everyone in the boat needs to be wearing the life jacket/PFD at all times. Read more: Boating Safety

Yachting Safety: http://www.yachtsindia.com/yachtingsafety.htm

ACCOMMODATION IN LAKSHADWEEP:
Due to litigation, the private resorts are not operational in the Lakshadeep Islands (Laccadive). It includes Bangaram Island Resort, Agatti Island Resort and the Seashells. All other resorts ie: Kadmat Island Resort, Minicoy Island Resort, Kavaratti & Kalpeni (For domestic) are functional. ‘Beach Tent Camping facility’ maybe available at Bangaram & Thinnakara Islands. For more information on Lakshadweep Accommodation: MINTVALLEY TOURISM

Deal Resources: http://thelakshadweep.com/lakshadweep-travel-deal.html

Posted in Adventure Holidays, Bangaram & Thinnakara, Coral Reefs, Indian Islands, Indian OCean, Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep, Lakshadweep Archipelago, Lakshadweep Dives, Lakshadweep Features, Lakshadweep information, Lakshadweep news, Lakshadweep Tourism, Uncategorized, Water Sports, Yachts | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The Continuing Tale of Scheduled Tribes Exploitation, in the U.T. of Lakshadweep

The Continuing Tale of Scheduled Tribes Exploitation, in the U.T. of Lakshadweep
15 Dec, 2012 Kochi

The Constitution of India provides for a comprehensive framework for the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes and their protection from social injustice and all forms of exploitation by other groups of society.

According to Article 342 of the Constitution, the Scheduled Tribes are the tribes or tribal communities or part of or groups within these tribes and tribal communities which have been declared as such by the President through a public notification. The essential characteristics of these communities are:-Primitive Traits, Geographical isolation, Distinct culture, Economically backward; shy of contact with community at large and Economically backward.

Definition and Specification of STs:

“Scheduled Tribes” means such tribes or tribal communities or parts of or groups within such tribes or tribal communities as are deemed under article 342 to be Scheduled Tribes for the purposes of this Constitution.

Special Provisions relating to certain classes 342. Scheduled Tribes: The President may with respect to any State or Union Territory, and where it is a State, after consultation with the Governor thereof, by public notification, specify the tribes, or tribal communities or parts of or groups within tribes or tribal communities which shall for the purposes of this Constitution be deemed to be Scheduled Tribes in relation to that State or Union Territory, as the case may be.

Lakshadweep (Scheduled Tribes)

The inhabitants of the Lakshadweep (Laccadive, Minicoy and Aminidivi Islands and throughout the Union territory), who, and both of whose parents, were born in those islands. ‘Provided that the children who are born to inhabitants of Lakshadweep in any other place in the mainland of India shall be deemed to be inhabitants born in the islands if such children settle permanently in the islands’.[The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Act 2003 dated 19.9.2003]

The High Court of Kerala, while hearing a writ petition (W.A.1517/2010) had the occasion to consider the role of SPORTS. It was observed that SPORTS has not been formed as a body of purely private individuals, but as an agency to help the land owners in Lakshadweep Island.

They expressed its deep concern over this situation. The Hon’ble Judges also narrated therein, the various Constitutional Protections envisaged for the Scheduled Tribes: (Excerpts from the Judgment, Kerala High Court in W.A.1517/2010 dated 22nd October 2010)

“97. It must be said that while dealing with these cases, certain disturbing facts have come to our notice. This court had occasion to consider the role of SPORTS. It was observed that SPORTS has not been formed as a body of purely private individuals, but as an agency to help the land owners in Lakshadweep Island, most of whom are members of Scheduled Tribes, to advance their interests and seek betterment of their status in life. It is further observed that the objective behind the Presidential Regulation is carried forward by the mechanism of floating a Society, by which the individual land owners are enabled to benefit and obtain sufficient returns from their lands. The purpose and object for which the Society has been formulated has been considered in detail by this court. The question is whether they have been able to meet the aspirations of the people of the Island.

98. Constitution of India provides an elaborate framework for the amelioration of Scheduled Tribes and to curtail and prevent atrocities against them. Articles 15(4), 16(4A), 19(5), 46, 275, 243T, 244, 330, 335 and the 5th and 6th Schedules deal with the political, social and economic development of those people apart from the other Articles applicable to all. The Union Territory of Lakshadweep is being administered by an Administrator appointed as per Article 239 of the Constitution of India. Articles 239 to 241 deal with the various aspects relating to the UT. Even though the Constitution provides adequate care for these unfortunate persons, it seems that the progress is very slow.

99. One cannot omit to note that the Administrator is the supreme authority in the UT and he looks after the affairs of the UT. Considering the nature of the post he holds, he is indeed a trustee of the public wealth and is bound to act for the welfare of the people of the Island and for its development. There is an obligation cast on him to ensure that the land owners get adequate returns and also to ensure that the funds so earned from the letting out of the resort is utilized for the development of the Island. The concept of ‘distributive justice’ was propounded in the decision reported in Lingappa Pochanna v. State of Maharashtra (AIR 1985 SC 389). In the said decision, it was held as follows:

“Under the scheme of the Constitution, the Scheduled Tribes as a class require special protection against exploitation. The very existence of Scheduled Tribes as a distinctive class and the preservation of their culture and way of life based as it is upon agriculture which is inextricably linked with ownership of land, requires preventing an invasion upon their lands. ……………… Art.46 of the Constitution which enjoins that "The State shall promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people and in particular of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes and shall protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation”

REFERENCES:

The Legal Battle for Bangaram Resort, U.T. of Lakshadweep:

The revenue derived by M/s. Casino Hotels from the Bangaram Resort ran to crores.  Only a fraction of the total income was reached to the land owners, who belongs to the most impoverished and marginalized Scheduled Tribe people of India, the U.T. of Lakshadweep. Allegations were made by the Islanders who claimed that “by periodic inducements to the corrupt officials of SPORTS, M/s. Casino could go on extending the lease for nearly 22 years. Full Text http://lakshadweepforum.com/blog/the-legal-battle-for-bangaram-resort-u-t-of-lakshadweep/

Judgment Full Text: Kerala High Court Society For The Promotion Of vs M/S.Hotel &Amp; Allied Trades … on 22 October, 2010 http://indiankanoon.org/doc/1909695/

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs:

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs was set up in 1999 after the bifurcation of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment with the objective of providing more focused approach on the integrated socio-economic development of the Scheduled Tribes (STs), the most underprivileged of the Indian Society, in a coordinated and planned manner. The Ministry shall be the nodal Ministry for overall policy, planning and coordination of programmes of development for the Scheduled Tribes. In regard to sectoralprogrammes and schemes of development of these communities policy, planning, monitoring, evaluation etc. as also their coordination will be the responsibility of the concerned Central Ministries/ Departments, State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. Each Central Ministry/Department will be the nodal Ministry or Department concerning its sector.

Constitutional Provisions http://tribal.nic.in/Content/constitutionalprovisions.aspx

Posted in Bangaram & Thinnakara, Coral Reefs, Lakshadweep, Lakshadweep Archipelago, Lakshadweep Features, Lakshadweep information, Lakshadweep news, Lakshadweep Tourism, Legal Battle for Bangaram, Scheduled Tribes | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Legal Battle for Bangaram Resort, U.T. of Lakshadweep

The Legal Battle for Bangaram Resort, U.T. of Lakshadweep
15 Nov, 2012 Kochi

“It is causing avoidable hardships to the most marginalized Scheduled Tribe, as their properties have been taken over on lease for the tourism developments. The socio-political leaders should intervene in the matter, bring home the real background of the issue before the concerned to restore justice to the poor Scheduled Tribe people of the U.T. of Lakshadweep. Their time-old lease agreements should be updated, ensuring better return. Vigil should also be assured to avert cheating similar Scheduled Tribe, the land owners of Lakshadweep, by SPORTS“.

Lakshadweep is a cluster of islands situated at a distance ranging from two hundred to four hundred and forty Kms., from the main land. Most of the islands are not inhabited, and of a great attraction for tourists both domestic and international. Bangaram is one of the uninhabited islands in the Lakshadweep islands group. This beautiful Island lies at a distance of around 8 km from the north side of Agatti Island.

Its silvery sand beaches, luscious coconut groves, the blue lagoons, coral reefs and marine wealth make Bangaram more attractive. Recognizing vast tourism potential, the UT Administration took over the lands at Bangaram island in 1973. The land was taken on lease from the inhabitants by offering pay-backs apart from the lease amount.  A resort was built up therein. The resort was opened by the ‘Hotel Corporation of India Ltd’ in 1974 for international tourism.

The tourists on those days were coming by the only ship M.V.Amindivi. During 1978-tourists came by chartered ship ‘M.S. Europa’. In the absence of a permanent transport set up, the flow of tourists were not encouraging. The Hotel Corporation of India wound up their business in 1982. The need for a good accommodation became inevitable.  It was then, the ITDC, which developed more facilities in the Island.

Thereafter, the tourism promotion and developments in the islands including Bangaram resort, were handled by an organization called SPORTS (Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports), which was set up in 1982. Finally, SPORTS became the custodians of the leased-out lands.  The land of the Bangaram belongs to the Scheduled Tribe people of the U.T. of Lakshadweep.

In 1988, an arrangement was made between the Casino Group of hotels, Cochin and the SPORTS through a lease deed dated 22nd October 1988 for operating the Bangaram Island Resort for a period of five years.

The revenue derived by M/s. Casino Hotels from the Bangaram Resort ran to crores.  Only a fraction of the total income was reached to the land owners, who belongs to the most impoverished and marginalized Scheduled Tribe people of the India, the U.T. of Lakshadweep. Allegations were made by the Islanders who claimed that “by periodic inducements to the corrupt officials of SPORTS, M/s. Casino could go on extending the lease for nearly 22 years.

The lease period of M/s. Casino Hotels for Bangaram, with SPORTS was expired on 31st August 2010. Instead of giving vacant possession of the Bangaram Resort, M/s. Casino Hotels filed a Writ Petition in the High Court of Kerala challenging the notice of eviction and demanding extension of the lease period.

The issue became more complex with a bunch of petitions from the land owners of Bangaram island. The SPORTS has been collecting a huge amount from its lessee, but was giving only a marginal portion to its leaser – Said the land owners.

While hearing the W.A.1517/2010 dated 22nd October 2010, the two learned Judges of the Kerala High Court, who heard the Writ Petition found that the case of M/s. Casino Hotels is untenable.

“Learned counsel appearing for M/s. Casino projected the principle of promissory estoppel and principle of legitimate expectation for contending that M/s. Casino is entitled to an automatic renewal. The claim is based on the fact that in 1988, when global tenders were accepted they had mentioned therein that they would continue for a period of 25 years. Therefore, it is pointed out that they hoped that even though the initial lease was only for a period of five years, they will be able to continue atleast till 2013. They also say that they sought renewal on 25.2.2010 and since no reply was received till 7.8.2010, they expected that the lease would be renewed”. “There is no merit in the above contention at all. From the arrangement entered into between SPORTS and M/s. Casino, it is clear that it was only for a period of five years”. The Hon’ ble Court of Kerala observed.

What now remains to be considered is the grievance of the inhabitants of the Island. Though there was a challenge to Regulations 3 and 4 of 1964 Regulation, that has been given up and their claim remains confined to the demand that they be given adequate returns for the land that have been taken from them on lease.

The Hon’ble High Court of Kerala found that the Scheduled Tribe land owners of the Bangaram Island are now in a deplorable state of living and are denied of the Constitutional protection envisaged for their welfare.  Constitution of India provides an elaborate framework for the amelioration of Scheduled Tribes and to curtail and prevent atrocities against them. Articles 15(4), 16(4A), 19(5), 46, 275, 243T, 244, 330, 335 and the 5th and 6th Schedules deal with the political, social and economic development of those people apart from the other Articles applicable to all. The Union Territory of Lakshshadweep is being administered by an Administrator appointed as per Article 239 of the Constitution of India. Articles 239 to 241 deal with the various aspects relating to the UT. Even though the Constitution provides adequate care for these unfortunate persons, it seems that the progress is very slow.

Accordingly, as per the order of the Kerala High Court in W.A.1517/2010 dated 22nd October 2010, M/s. Casino was to hand over vacant possession of Bangaram Resort at 4.00 pm on 30-10-2010. M/s. Casino went on appeal against this order to the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in 4 Special Leave Petitions (SLP). The Hon’ble Supreme Court did not allow them to entertain any guests but also did not allow UTL Administration to dispossess them till the final orders of the Court. The Bangaram Resort now remains closed, and the matter is pending final decision before the Supreme Court.

“In the circumstances, the legal battle by M/s. Casino Hotels (The CGH Group) is against the well-settled legal principles of the country.  “It is causing avoidable hardships to the most marginalized Scheduled Tribe, as their properties have been taken over on lease for the tourism developments. The socio-political leaders should intervene in the matter, bring home the real background of the issue before the concerned to restore justice to the poor Scheduled Tribe people of the U.T. of Lakshadweep. Their time-old lease agreements should be updated, ensuring better return. Vigil should also be assured to avert cheating similar Scheduled Tribe, the land owners of Lakshadweep, by SPORTS”.

REFERENCES:

How long will it take to get a decision on ‘Bangaram Resort’ case? http://lakshadweepforum.com/news/how-long-will-it-take-to-get-a-decision-on-bangaram-resort-case/

What’s the Economic Value of Lakshadweep’s Coral Reefs? http://lakshadweepforum.com/news/valuation-of-coral-reefs-lakshadweep-islands/

Reliable information that proves cheating!  

The information about the cheating by SPORTS is startling. There have been consistent complaints about the corruption and incompetence of the SPORTS, the society functioning under the Lakshadweep Administrator for promoting Lakshadweep Tourism. But the ‘SPORTS’ purposefully ignore complaints and fail to answer any queries for redressal of grievances. Continue reading →

 

 

Posted in Bangaram & Thinnakara, Coral Reefs, Indian Islands, Indian OCean, Lakshadweep, Lakshadweep Features, Lakshadweep information, Lakshadweep news, Lakshadweep Tourism, Legal Battle for Bangaram | Tagged | Leave a comment

Lakshadweep Archipelago (India), Features – Earth Observatory NASA

Lakshadweep Archipelago (India), Features – Earth Observatory NASA
07 Nov, 2012

In the Arabian Sea, roughly 200 kilometers (120 miles) off the west coast of southern India, are the Lakshadweep Islands. The island chain consists of 27 islands along with coral atolls and sand banks. Lakshadweep’s coral atolls glow iridescent blue-green in this natural-color scene. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite acquired this image on February 19, 2012.

The islands and atolls might appear scattered, but they all lie along a prominent north-south submarine ridge. Geologists have noticed that the alignment of the Lakshadweep ridge looks like a continuation of the Aravalli Range, a mountain chain running through the Indian state of Rajasthan. Some geologists have speculated that the islands might be a submerged extension of that chain.

The Lakshadweep ridge rises from a depth of more than 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) below sea level, and submarine surveys indicate that the ridge is probably steeper on its eastern flank than on its western flank. At the surface, the coral atolls show consistent differences between their eastern and western sides. Most of the saucer-shaped lagoons in Lakshadweep are confined to the western sides of the islands. Reefs exist on the eastern shores, but the shallow, rocky terrain has likely stunted them.

Despite stunted eastern reefs, the Lakshadweep islands make a pretty picture, whether from the sky or the ground. Glistening white sand beaches ring the islands, and most of the inhabited islands sport abundant coconut trees. But no waterfalls adorn the Lakshadweep Islands. They rise only a few meters above sea level, and their terrain is too porous to allow lakes and rivers to form.

Only 10 or 11 of the islands are inhabited, but human presence in the Lakshadweep Islands extends back centuries. Located along a heavily traveled sea route between West Asia and Africa on one side, and South Asia and the Far East on the other, the islands likely served as landmarks and resting places in emergencies. Evidence of centuries-old human habitation includes Buddhist shrines, pottery shards dating back to 1500 B.C., and a hoard of more than 400 Roman coins. From the second century A.D.

PRINCIPAL RESOURCES

Earth Observatory: Earth Observatory NASA

Chagos-Laccadive Plateau: Undersea Features

Tsunami Info: http://www.indianislands.com/tsunami.htm

Adventure Holidays in Lakshadweep
Experience the most beautiful coral-rich habitats in the world

Suheli

Suheli is one of the uninhabited islands in the Lakshadweep Archipelago (India), Arabian Sea. It consists of two islands namely Valiyakara and Cheriyakara. The lagoon of these islands are very big (more than 18 km2) with an abundance of various fish, a dazzling array of corals, free-swimming moray’s, sharks, tuna fish, turtles etc. Suheli island is an important site for tuna fishery. Turtle nesting takes place in sand bar between the two islands. Watersports: snorkelling, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, reef watch day and night

Excursion to Suheli Island from Agatti / Kavaratti
For more info:
http://mintvalley.com/holidays/paradise_hut_resort_lakshadweep_tour_package.html

ACCOMMODATION IN LAKSHADWEEP
Due to litigation, the private resorts are not operational in the Lakshadeep Islands (Laccadive). It includes Bangaram Island Resort, Agatti Island Resort and the Seashells. All other resorts ie: Kadmat Island Resort, Minicoy Island Resort, Kavaratti & Kalpeni (For domestic) are functional. ‘Beach Tent Camping facility’ maybe available at Bangaram & Thinnakara Islands. For more information on Lakshadweep Accommodation: MINTVALLEY TOURISM

MAP- LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS

 

 

Posted in Adventure Holidays, Bangaram & Thinnakara, Coral Reefs, Indian Islands, Indian OCean, Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep, Lakshadweep Archipelago, Lakshadweep Dives, Lakshadweep Features, Lakshadweep information, Lakshadweep news, Lakshadweep Tourism, Suheli, Water Sports, Yachts | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Dive Centers in Lakshadweep Islands

Dive Centers in Lakshadweep Islands
18 Sep, 2012

Adventure Holidays in Lakshadweep
Experience the most beautiful coral-rich habitats in the world!

Scuba Dive Centres, Lakshadweep
The search for the unknown is after all a basic human instinct. What lies beyond or beneath is more than what meets the eye. To satiate this urge we at scuba india undertake the plunge to help you learn, known and explore the underwater world in all its glory. We assure you nothing short of an exciting and memorable experience by providing you the best of scuba diving.   ‘Scuba Dive Centres, Lakshadweep’

 The Lakshadweep Archipelago

The Lakshadweep archipelago 8o N – 12o 30’ N, 71o E – 74o E), the tiniest Union Territory of India is located about 380 – 400 km off Kochi in the Arabian sea (Fig.1). There are 36 islands comprised of – 11 inhabited islands, including 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 6 newly formed/ submerged banks covering an area of 32 Sq.km.

Despite its smallness in terms of geographical landmarks, Lakshadweep has total lagoon area of 4,200 Km2, Large Territorial Waters (about 20000 Sq.Kms) and Exclusive Economic Zone (about 4,00,000 Sq.Kms)

The Inhabited islands are Kavaratti, Agatti, Bangaram, Amini, Kadmat, Kiltan, Chetlat, Bitra, Andrott, Kalpeni and Minicoy. Bitra is the smallest of all having only a population of 267 (Census 2001). The Island of Bangaram has been enumerated during 1991 census operation and has a population of 61 persons (Census 1991)

These islands lie about 220 to 440 kilometers away from the coastal city of Kochi in Kerala between 8o and 12o 13’’ North Latitude and 71o and 74o East Longitude.

Erstwhile group of islands known as “Laccadive Aminidivi and Minicoy group of Islands” was formed into a Union Territory in 1956 and renamed as Lakshadweep in the year 1973. Kavaratti is its capital (Headquarters).

Dive Centers in Lakshadweep Islands  

Kadmat island is one of the most beautiful diving locations in India. An idyllic little island which forms part of the Lakshadweep archipelago, situated 407km. off the coast of Kerala in the Arabian Sea. Kadmat is just 8km long and only 550m wide at its broadest point.

The crystal clear water and the abundant marine life enhance the beauty of Kadmat. Against the vast expanse of the blue sea, the island looks like emerald. The huge shallow calm lagoon on one side with wall like reef made of marine live coral boulders block the incoming swells of the outer sea. Clear water with 20-50 meter visibility and a variety of fishes like Lion fish, Lobsters, Tuna, rays, sharks, shoaling jacks, fusiliers, sweet lips, groupers, rays, eels, turtles makes it a memorable destination for scuba divers.

Pristine beaches, lovely lagoons and the wealth of marine habitat make Kadmat a dream diving locale. The Scuba Diving Centre in the island has become an attraction for water – sport enthusiasts.

Kadmat is home to the first Laccadives Dive Centre and School. The Laccadives Kadmat Dive School offers beginner to advanced courses throughout the season (1st October to 1st May). The centre caters to certified divers as well. This is the only Dive school in India offering CMAS certification courses from Beginner (1 Star) to Instructor levels.

Lacadives has pioneered diving in India, setting up the country’s first dive center and (recreational) diver training facility in Kadmat, Lakshadweep in 1995. Since then Lacadives expanded it’s operations to Bangaram and Agatti in the Lakshadweep Islands. About 10 kilometers long and less than 500 meters at its widest, the island is a sliver of green in the blue waters of the Laccadive Sea. The northern tip of the island is home to the local residents of Kadmat, while the Lacadives Dive Center is located at the southern tip. The one road that lazily traverses the distance from north to south winds its way through coconut groves with views of the sea both east and west. This tranquil setting is where the dream-seed of Lacadives first took root.

The Dive Centre at Kadmat offers introductory and advanced courses through both PADI and CMAS and has certified more than 2000 beginners over the years. The charm of Kadmat, however, also brings experienced divers from around the world to our center to explore local sites like Shark Alley and Turtle City, where the names say it all. Our custom-designed dive boat offers adventurous visitors the opportunity to explore the reefs off Amini, Bitra, Suheli and Pitti. Days of diving at Kadmat end with evenings spent watching the sunset and waiting for the night sky. “We promise you more stars than you’ve ever seen from our Jetty at the edge of the Universe. So come discover the magic that is Kadmat”!!

The Wall (8-30 meters)
Without doubt one of the best sites at Kadmat, The Wall starts from a shallow shelf at 8 meters and drops in places to 30 meters. Almost a kilometer in length, this site is covered with beautiful soft coral and many little nooks that house lionfish, eels and all sorts of macro life. Eagle rays, devil rays, large tuna, barracuda and the occasional shark cruise the waters off the wall and large resident turtles are almost always spotted at the bottom. North Cave / Breath Of Life (5-25 meters): This dive never disappoints. With some of the liveliest reef in Kadmat, this site is full of plate coral and all kinds of marine fauna including schooling black jacks, large Napoleon wrasse, barracuda and batfish.

A large underwater chamber at 21 meters sometimes provides a resting place to passing nurse sharks. To top it all off, large numbers of resident turtles and great visibility almost all year around makes this site truly amazing. Turtle City (8-25 meters): As the name suggests, Turtle City is full of these slow, graceful mariners of old against a backdrop of beautiful reef. We’ve counted in excess of 35 turtles here on a single dive! And that’s not counting the ones on the surface. Double Reef (10-28 meters): Double Reef is a sloping reef with a variety of coral separated by two wide sand patches – one of the best spots to see resting sharks, rays and turtles. While the divers check out the resting sharks and rays, the resident batfish shoal usually comes in to check out the divers. Shark Alley (38 meters):

A classic deep dive into the blue to a ledge at almost 40 meters that is home to everything from grey-reef sharks to white-tips and occasionally some large nurse sharks. Covered in soft coral, this little spot between Kadmat and Amini has given us some amazing dives with stingrays, batfish and even a solitary tiger shark! Potato Patch (5-20 meters): An unusual site with mounds of pillar coral surrounded by beautiful sand patches. With loads of small fish amidst the coral and large shoals of jacks, fusiliers and cruising Napoleon wrasse, the Patch is perfect for beginners, intermediate divers and macro lovers. Jack Point (15-25 meters):

A superior dive on the sloping southeastern reef, Jack Point is full of soft coral patches and some very large coral heads that are home to resting turtles, fusiliers, blotched fantail rays, white-tip reef sharks and large schools of resident big-eyed jacks. The occasional current provides for a mellow drift dive. The Cave (8-20 meters): A beautiful spot on the western reef, the cave at 16 meters is a lovely highlight in the middle of a rich and vibrant reef. Home to an astonishing number of shrimp and glass fish, this reef is also great to spot scorpionfish, squatting pufferfish and patches of beautiful anemone. Turtles, jacks and large Napoleon wrasse cruise the waters around this site.

Bangaram Island  – The Turtles

Thousands of them “live” in the big lagoon. It is an incredible experience to snorkel with them!  Virgin Reef It have been ranked by many of the world’s experienced divers as being among the best anywhere. … Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, Moray Eels and Hawkbill In this area turtles are common, as game fish.

 Three Uninhabited Islands

There are three unihabited islands in the same Atoll, Thinnakara, Parali and the not very imaginatively named Parali- II.

 Manta Point And Royal Sunk

Popular dive spots of Bangaram include Manta Point and the wreck of the Princess Royal sunk 200 years ago. (Link to Bangaram Dive Locations)

Minicoy Dive Center

Minicoy is the southern most island in the Lakshadweep group of islands. Situated 398 kms from Cochin , it is the second largest island in size. A crescent shaped island, has a huge lagoon on the western side. It has a tiny islet called Viringili on the southern tip of the island.

The island is set apart from other islands as culture, language and tradition are different from other islands. The island has a systematically arranged village system known as ‘Avah’. Each Avah is a cluster of houses which is headed by an elected elderly man called Bodukaka.

Traditionally all powers to manage village affairs are vested in him. Each village has a village house beautifully decorated and maintained. Mahl is the spoken language. MINICOY is an important centre for tuna fishing. The Light House of the island is one of the oldest and was constructed in 1885. It has a 20 bedded resort for accommodating divers and other tourists. Independent tourist cottages are also available in the island.

Minicoy is the only island in Lakshadweep having three large ship wrecks believed to be that of S.S Hoechst and other ships, within 8 mtrs depth on the island reef. It is believed that these ship wreck initiated construction of light house In 1885. These wrecks are virtual underwater museums and fish species found here are larger than average normal size found else where perhaps due to consumption of Ferrous of the wrecks. Manta Ray can be cited in almost all dive sites like Ragganmathi, Mulimatti, Rabberufarai during September – October and January – February.

Sharks, bull rays, turtles, school of jacks, red snappers, black snappers, napoleon wrasse, barracuda, sweet lips are in abundance at Bose Point, Murambu, Boduhavaligang . Other interesting species found here are hump back parrot fish and Giant Sweet Lips.

Dolphin Dive Center, Kavaratti

Kavaratti is the headquarter island situated around 404 km off the coast of Cochin. The beautiful calm lagoon in the island is ideal for scuba dive beginners. Open water outside the reef is equally beautiful. The dive center is conveniently located on the northern tip of the island very close to the entrance. Therefore access to dive spots are easy and quick from the dive center. The island has a 10 bedded resort catering to divers.

It is well known for turtles, soft corals sharks, rays and all kinds of tropical fishes. Dive Spots like Harbour Mouth very close to entrance is abundant with Giant Sea Fans, Giant Triveli , Gorgonians. Like wise Zing Zing Par at the southern tip is famous for big sharks, spotted eagle rays schooling barracuda. A dive at Governors Reef is a lesson in different types of soft corals of attractive colours especially of bright red. One can enjoy amazing cave dives at Wall of Wonder at north west side of the island. A dive at Turtle Nest is worth all different types of turtles there. One can have eye ball contact with grey reef sharks, spotted rays, bat fish and lot of groupers at Wind Mill Point. PADI certified instructors impart training to beginners as well as experienced.

Suheli

 Suheli is the uninhabited islands at Lakshadweep. It consists of two islands namely Valiyakara and Cheriyakara. LCRMN team stayed there for 15 days in the year 2002 and made extensive   surveys. The team observed that the islands might be the best reefs among other islands before bleaching event.

The southern side of Cheriyakara reef slope got much affected by the reef   slope. The survey results showed the occurrence of 21% live coral cover. The lagoon of these of these islands were very big (more than 18 km2) and consisted coral patches. The Porites   corals were dominant in lagoon and they were in good condition. Those colonies affected by bleaching event also recovery fast.

One of the remarkable features observed by the survey team was that the islands consisted of rich resources of reef fishes. Suheli island is an important site for tuna fishery. Turtle nesting takes place in sand bar between the two islands.

For more information on Suheli excursions contact at: MintValley Cruise Division. visit: www.suheli.com

Bitra

 Bitra is the smallest inhabited island in Lakshadweep. It consists of a very vast lagoon (17 km2). Corals occur in patches in the lagoon. Extensive surveys were made in the year 2001  and results showed the occurrence of 32.5% live coral cover, the highest  among all other islands of Lakshadweep. Bitra islands consisted of good live coral cover and seemed in pristine  condition. The survey team observed that new recruitment of corals, in particular, Acropora and Montipora, than in other islands.

The vast expanses of the shallow lagoons provide an ideal setting for water sports enthusiasts. All the islands included in the various tourist packages offer kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, sail boats, wind surfers, snorkels sets glass-bottomed boats and other facilities to tourists who wish to indulge in water sports in the unpolluted lagoons. Kadmat, Kavaratti and Bangaram have facilities for scuba diving. Deep-sea fishing buffs can pursue big game fishing. Barracuda, Sail Fish, Yellow Fin Tuna, Triveli and sharks are abundant in the seas around Lakshadweep. Local boats with experienced crew can be hired.

Agatti Island Dive Points:

Lost Paradise: This lagoon is absolutely fascinating including a mile long reef with an abundance of various fish, a dazzling array of corals, free-swimming moray’s, sharks, tuna fish, turtles and a lot more … . Full Text
http://www.scubaindia.com/scuba_agatti_island_lagoon.htm

TRAVEL NEWS UPDATES:

Booking for Kadmat Island : http://www.kadmat.com/

Bangaram & Thinnakara – Beach Tent Camping Adventures! http://www.indianislands.com/thinnakara.htm

SPECIAL NOTE: Due to litigation, the private resorts are not operational in the Lakshadweep Islands (Laccadive Group). It includes Bangaram Island Resort, Agatti Island Resort and the Seashells. All other resorts ie: Kadmat Island Resort, Minicoy Island Resort, Kavaratti & Kalpeni (For domestic) are functional.

‘Beach Tent Camping facility’ is being arranged at Bangaram & Thinnakara Islands.

Ship Packages: http://www.mvkavaratti.com/

Posted in Adventure Holidays, Bangaram & Thinnakara, Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep Dives | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Seafood Health & Certification of Seafood

Seafood Health & Certification of Seafood
15 Aug, 2012

Seafood is a healthy food choice for people of all ages. It provides key nutrients and healthy protein for everyone from infants to adults. Seafood supplies the nutrients essential for building strong bones, brain development, and healthy immune and cardiovascular systems. However, concerns do exist about the presence of toxins (e.g. mercury and PCBs) in some seafood – marine pollutants can build up in the flesh of fish, which is then consumed by people.  This can be of particular concern for certain groups of people, including children and pregnant women. There are a number of non-profit organizations and government agencies with websites that provide advice on recommended consumption levels of fish that consider both the health benefits and toxicity risks.

How Is Seafood Inspected?   Many state and federal agencies including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Commerce work together to ensure that the seafood we buy is safe and wholesome. Seafood, just like milk, bread, and produce, are subject to the requirements of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, administered by the FDA. Under the FDA’s mandatory fish inspection program as well as voluntary quality inspection programs, the vast majority of seafood in the marketplace is safe to eat.

Inspecting Seafood   Performing a sensory test of shrimp   The FDA runs a mandatory fish inspection program for all seafood processors and retailers, both domestic and international. Seafood processors are required to implement a program called Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP, pronounced “hassip”). Under HACCP, seafood is monitored at critical points along the supply chain. HACCP works by preventing food safety problems from developing rather than testing food after production to see if it is safe.

Instead of relying on food inspectors to detect food safety problems, HACCP shifts the responsibility to seafood processors to ensure their product is safe to eat. Seafood processors examine all parts of their operation for hazards including toxins, chemicals, environmental contaminants, and even physical hazards such as wood, metal, or glass. They keep records at each critical point to be certain the HACCP system is working. Seafood processors must also conduct and document sanitation activities as an extra safety measure.

RESOURCES:

http://www.fishwatch.gov/seafood_profiles/index.htm

http://www.fishwatch.gov/buying_seafood/inspecting_seafood.htm

Click here for more of these sources

Posted in Seafood Health | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Likely impact of climate change to Coral Reefs

Likely impact of climate change to Coral Reefs
27 July, 2012

Rising tides, temperatures and costs to reef communities

Over the last twenty years, human-induced climate change and global warming have become areas of growing concern for scientists, environmentalists, and public policy makers. While research into the causes and impact of climate change continues, it is becoming increasingly clear that coral reefs are among those environments most threatened by this phenomenon. An increase in sea surface temperatures, rising sea levels, and more frequent and severe storms are some of the effects of climate change that can negatively impact coral reefs. These negative impacts lead to declines in biodiversity, coastal protection and income from reef fisheries and tourism. The resulting economic loss can total billions of dollars.

Coral Bleaching

Corals are extremely sensitive to temperature changes. Increased water temperatures, which may be linked to global warming, can cause mass coral bleaching. Bleaching occurs when coral polyps, stressed by heat or ultraviolet radiation, expel the symbiotic algae that live within coral tissues. When the algae are expelled,the coral appears white or “bleached.” These algae provide corals with most of their food and oxygen. Corals can recover after short periods of bleaching, but as the length and severity of the stress increase so does coral mortality. Coral bleaching events and subsequent reef mortality are expected to become more frequent as sea temperature increases.

Slower coral growth. Sea level is expected to increase in the range of 6 to 37.5 inches (15 to 95 cm) over the next century (IPCC, 2001). The vertical growth rate of coral is likely to be slower than this increase. As a result, corals will be deeper, receive less sunlight and grow more slowly. The combined effect of deeper reefs and slower growth will cause two problems for coastal areas: 1) corals will not be able to protect the shore as effectively and wave energy could increase in strength; and 2) smaller reefs will produce smaller mounts of reef sediment which builds and supports island land-bases.

Physical Damage to Coral Reefs. Increased coral mortality is expected as storm events and cyclones become more frequent and intense. Coral reef growth may not be able to keep pace with these destructive events.

Coral Mortality. Rising sea temperatures and sea levels and increasing frequency of storms will increase coral mortality and seriously endanger coral reefs, especially those already under stress. These climatic changes could become the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back for reefs facing stresses such as poor water quality, destructive fishing and tourism impacts.

LIKELY COST TO HUMANS

 A CASE STUDY: VITI LEVU, FIJI From: Papua New Guinea and Pacific Island Unit; The World Bank. 2000. Cities, Sea and Storms: Managing Change in Pacific Island Economies Volume IV Adapting to Climate Change Summary Version. World Bank, Washington D.C.  • Viti Levu is the largest island in Fiji supporting 77 percent of Fiji’s population. The major cities, industries and tourism facilities are all on this main island. By 2050 The World Bank predicts that climate change could produce economic losses of US $23-52 million a year on Viti Levu alone.

• Intensive coastal development, deforestation, pollution and increased exploitation of coastal resources have already threatened the coastal area with increased erosion, flooding and excess run-off. Expected increases in sea level will submerge a high percentage of the coastline and will have intense ramifications for coastal areas during storm events.

• The rise in sea surface temperature is predicted to increase the incidence of ciguatera poisoning. This form of food poisoning is caused by the consumption of fish that have eaten ciguatoxic algae that commonly grows after storm events. The presence of this disease is expected to rise from 35,000-70,000 people to 160,000-430,000 by 2050.

• The total economic losses of coral reef degradation attributed to climate change is estimated to be between US $5 to 14 million a year by 2050, primarily through the loss of fisheries, habitat and tourism value on Viti Levu.

 WHAT CAN WE DO TO PROTECT CORAL REEFS FROM CLIMATE CHANGE?

 1. Create effective marine protected areas (MPAs). Create MPAs in areas that are less prone to bleaching events because of local cold-water currents or upwellings.

 2. Lessen other pressures on coral reefs. Reefs with fewer stresses will be more likely to recover from coral bleaching and adapt to increased temperatures. Countries and communities need to enforce laws against coral destruction, as well as control pollutants, and promote sources of construction material other than coral. Controlling coastal development through an Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) strategy can help protect reefs from long-term stresses.

 3. Identify ways to adapt. Governments, especially those of island nations, need to assess ways to adapt to these changes in coral reefs and develop a national strategy to deal with these impacts in consultation with local communities and the private sector

 4. Adopt policies and treaties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. The reduction of greenhouse gases will decrease the severity of global climate change. All countries are encouraged to support, ratify and implement the Kyoto Climate Change Convention. All countries are also encouraged to participate in the work of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ( PIPCC).

 5. Protect and enhance ecosystems that absorb greenhouse gases. The loss of some ecosystems, especially forests and wetlands, contributes a significant amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Governments can mitigate the severity of climate change by protecting and enhancing these ecosystems, a strategy known as natural carbon sequestration. Natural carbon sequestration is the process of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by enhancing ecosystems, such as forests, that absorb greenhouse gases. Carbon sequestration should be considered as a primary management strategy.

Resources:

CORAL’s Annual Reports that contains stories of progress from the field, illustrated by gorgeous photographs of the reefs and communities etc.
http://www.coral.org/who_we_are/about_the_organization/annual_report

The Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It is generally seen as an important first step towards a truly global emission reduction regime that will stabilize GHG emissions, and provides the essential architecture for any future international agreement on climate change. The Protocol was adopted in Kyoto, Japan, on 11 December 1997 and entered into force on 16 February 2005 in accordance with Article 23, that is the ninetieth day after the date on which not less than 55 Parties to the UNFCCC… The Kyoto Protocol http://www.reparationlaw.com/climatechange/the_kyoto_protocol.php

Posted in Climate Change, Coral Reefs, Indian Islands, Indian OCean, Lakshadweep, Lakshadweep Archipelago, Lakshadweep information, Lakshadweep news, Lakshadweep Tourism | Tagged , | Leave a comment