06-bioresourcesstatu.. - M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation

. Lakshadweep Islands
I. Introduction
Lakshadweep lsI a nod s
The Lakshadweep Islands are the only coral atolls
of the Indian Nation. Rapid developments are
taking place in the islands of the Lakshadweep
Archipelago. They are facing a difficult transition
from traditional isolation to the invasion of
civilization, technology and changing political
pressures. These developments often give room for
concern. A dilemma currently exists in
Lakshadweep; on one hand islanders have the
natural desires for cultural stability and economic
growtb. On the other, the limitations on resources
and the fragile environments loom as deterrents to
sustainability. Too often, small islands such as
Lakshadweep, are persuaded to sell their
birthright to attract industry or tourism for
apparent economic advantages. However the end
result is environmental degradation, of a type that
threatens the ambiance and the very existence of
these islands.
This study describes the socio-cultural conditions
of the Lakshadweep group of Islands and defines
the various wild and domesticated bio-resources
used by the people. The report also highlights
human gender dimensions of resource use, which
will provide important inputs in managing the
resource in future plans.
II. Description Of Site
i. Location
The Lakshadweep islands lie between 8'N to 12'N
Latitude and 71'E and 74'E longitude (Figure 1).
104
- Vineeta Hoon and V.M. Shams uddin
They are situated about 225 to 450 km from Kochi
and lie in a north south direction in the Arabian
Sea, more or less parallel to the Kerala coast.
Table 1 : Lakshadweep Basic Facts
Island 36 (10 inhabited, 1 tourist resort)
Geographical Area 32 SQkm
Land Use Area 26.32 sQ km
Lagoon Area 4,200 sQ Km
Territorial waters 20,000 sQ km
Economic Zone 4,00,000 sQ km
Location 8 N to 12 N Latitude and
71 E to 74 E iongitude
Distance Kavaratti-Calicut 340 km
Kavaratti-Kochi 404 Km
Kavaratti-Mangalore 352 km
Population 2001 60,595
Males 31,118
Females 29477
Population density 1894/sQkm
Temperature Range Max: 35 C-38 C; Min: 17 C-18 C
Relative Humidity 70-75%
Average Annual 1500 mm in northern islands
Rainfall 1640 mm in southern islands
This group of islands consists of 12 atolls. 3 reefs,
5 submerged banks with a total area of 32 Km',
and useable land area of 26 Km'. They have a
lagoon area of 4200 Km' and territorial waters of
20,000 Km'. Lakshadweep covers 4,00,000Km' out
of the 8,59, 992 Km' of Exclusive Economic Zone of
the west coast of India. Only 10 of the 36 islands
are inhabited. These are Andrott, Agatti, Amini,
Bitra, Bangaram, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kiltan,