LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS

WHY IN NEWS?

Recent controversy between India and Lakshadweep

BACKGROUND

• India’s smallest Union Territory, Lakshadweepis an archipelago consisting of 36 islands with an area of 32 sq km.
• All Islands are 220 to 440 km away from the coastal city of Kochi in Kerala, in the emerald Arabian Sea.
• It is directly under the control of the Centre through an administrator.
• There are three main groups of islands:

• • Amindivi Islands (Northernmost Islands)
  • Laccadive Islands
  • Minicoy Island (southernmost island)

• Minicoy is separated from the rest of the islands to the north via the 9 degree channel
• All are tiny islands of Coralorigin (Atoll) and are surrounded by fringing reefs.
• The Capital is Kavarattiand it is also the principal town of the Union Territory.
• Organic Agricultural Area:The entire Lakshadweep group of islands has been declared as an organic agricultural area under the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) of India.
• Blue Flag Certification: The Blue Flag Certificationhas been accorded to two new beaches of Lakshadweep- Minicoy Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach.