Lakshadweep: With a vision to establish a robust base for maritime economic growth with tourism development at its core, the Lakshadweep Administration is engaged in the development of high-end eco-Tourism projects at Kadmat, Minicoy & Suheli islands as anchor projects under the aegis of NITI Aayog. The scientific approach adopted in each stage of the projects’ finalization ensures that it strikes a balance between the protection of the fragile corals’ ecosystem and the need to improve the livelihood opportunities of the islanders.
In a first of its kind initiative in the country, three premium water villa projects are identified in Minicoy (150 keys, project cost of INR 319 Cr), Suheli (110 keys, INR 247 Cr) and Kadmat (110 keys, INR 240 Cr) islands, based on comprehensive location suitability analysis, technical & financial feasibility and project structuring. A joint survey consisting of representatives from the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), MoEF&CC and NITI Aayog, visited Lakshadweep during November 2018 for site assessment and confirmation. The total number of keys for water villas to be developed conferred to the carrying capacity numbers assessed by NCSCM, which was further strengthened by the holistic development master plan.
It is unique to note that all the applicable clearances required for the projects prior to the construction are given upfront including that of CRZ clearances. National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) was engaged to prepare Environment Impact Assessment Report (EIA) required for CRZ clearance. In February 2020, LCZMA gave its recommendations for the 3 projects, based on which the MoEF&CC appraised & granted CRZ clearance for the ambitious water villas projects in its 274th EAC (CRZ) meeting held on 30th September 2020.
While finalizing the projects, the Lakshadweep Administration conducted meaningful consultations with all the concerned stakeholders including public representatives and the concerned Panchayats of Kadmat, Kavaratti and Minicoy. In September 2019, the concerned local Panchayats have issued NOC for the proposed eco-Tourism projects at Kadmat, Minicoy & Suheli islands in totality, even for the bar license.
Finally, Public-Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) has recommended the Minicoy project on 11.05.2021 and Standing Finance Committee (SFC) has recommended the Kadmat & Suheli projects on 25.06.2021. Accordingly, the global tender for these 3 projects is floated and it can be downloaded with effect from 1st August 2021 from https://www.lakshadweeptourism.com & https://lakshadweep.gov.in.
