Shipping minister Nitin Gadkari had in 2015, announced that the centre was keen on offering a scenic island with a lighthouse to yoga guru Baba Ramdev, DNA India had reported. Islands in Lakshadweep and Andaman Nicobar, the minister had explained, would be developed as a resort that would make an ideal tourist hub for short-duration stays along with yoga, for domestic and foreign visitors.
In an event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), Gadkari had spoken about the ministry’s proposal of developing 70 such islands with lighthouses as tourist destinations, as yoga centres would attract a lot of tourists.
He had also mentioned that ad filmmaker Prahlad Kakkar had shown interest in developing two islands in Andaman Nicobar Island and Lakshadweep, which would be made on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis.
“We have put proposals for Cinque Island in Andaman and Nicobar, and Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep to develop eco-friendly resorts only to promote water sports and diving. So, we will get less number of people and there will be no harm to the ecology of the islands,” Kakkar had said.
Ministry sources also reportedly confirmed that any entity interested in developing islands for any tourist purpose is open to participating in the bidding process.
Back in 2011, deputy collector Nizamudeen Koya had said that Acharya Balkrishna’s visit as the nation’s guest to the islands in 2010 was to carry out yoga classes in the islands.
Acharya Balkrishna is a close aide of Ramdev, and his visit to Lakshadweep stirred rumours that attempts were on by Ramdev and his followers to launch a yoga centre in the islands, The New India Express had reported.
Ever since former Gujarat MoS Home Minister and Modi’s close confidant Praful Khoda Patel was appointed as Administrator late last year, Lakshadweep has been in unrest. New law reforms introduced by the administration have drawn criticism from the locals, causing the ongoing protests on the island.
A new ‘Goonda Act’ has been put forward by the administration, while Lakshadweep has the lowest crime rate in the country. People believe this is to target those protesting against union government policies. Those who protested against CAA/NRC earlier are being arrested now. The administration has also brought a new regulation criminalizing the slaughter of cattle and the transportation and trade of beef products. It is to be noted that 99% of the Lakshadweep population are Muslims. Restrictions on alcohol that were previously in place have now been taken away in the name of tourism.
In a region where fishing is the main source of income, the administration has reportedly demolished temporary sheds built by fishermen to store their nets and equipment citing the Coast Guard Act. A new draft law has been introduced stating that those with more than 2 children will not be able to contest in local body elections. The new administration also intends to promote large-scale private tourism ventures, a move that would displace the local tourism sector.
Opposition parties and locals have unanimously raised their voices against the counterproductive laws and reforms of the administration and asked the central government to call back the administrator.
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Rushda Fathima Khan is the Staff Reporter for The Cognate.
