The government informed Parliament on Thursday that the overall development strategy for Lakshadweep Islands is based on achieving sustainable growth, protecting unique cultural and environmental features and improving the quality of life of islanders.

Union Tourism Minister Reddy, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, responded to a query on whether the government intends to develop Lakshadweep as a major tourist destination on a large scale.

He was also asked whether the current infrastructure and unique nature of the area allow the archipelago to sustain a large influx of tourists, and whether the island’s strategy to develop the island’s tourism potential takes into account the ecological sensitivity of the area.

“The overall development strategy of Lakshadweep Islands is based on achieving sustainable growth, retaining unique cultural and environmental characteristics and improving the quality of life of the islanders,” he said.

The minister said it hopes to position Lakshadweep as a model of responsible and inclusive development that balances economic progress with environmental protection. He added that the strategy includes leveraging the island’s natural beauty to boost tourism, create a strong and resilient economy and foster pride and well-being in local communities.

“Through strategic planning and community engagement, the holistic development envisions a future for Lakshadweep in harmony with nature and sustainable economic practices. The Lakshadweep development project is structured taking into account the requirements of various applicable kaws, including environmental, forest and CRZ clearance etc,” the minister said. The Ministry of Tourism has revised the Swadesh Darshan scheme into Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD 2.0), which aims to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations following a destination- and tourism-centric approach, and has notified the ministry, including Lakshadweep SD 2.0 will be developed in 57 destinations in the country, Reddy said in his response.

In line with the National Sustainable Tourism Strategy developed by the Ministry of Tourism, the “Travel for LiFE” initiative was launched with the aim of promoting sustainable tourism in the country by mobilizing careful and thoughtful actions by tourists and tourism businesses in the consumption sector. He said that tourism resources.

In order to promote sustainable and responsible tourism destinations and promote sustainable tourism in the country, the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, the United Nations Environment Program and the Indian Association for Responsible Tourism has also organized Regional seminars for jurisdictions, he added.

Reddy said that a workshop was held in Hyderabad in February 2023 for states and union territories of the southern region, including Lakshadweep.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)