The southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has granted an interim stay on felling of coconut trees on Agatti Island in Lakshadweep. The decision has been taken after a local person filed a petition in view of the cutting of coconut trees for road construction on the beach. A committee has been constituted to investigate if there was any violation of the Integrated Island Management Plan of Lakshadweep.
What is Integrated Island Management Plan- IIMP?
IIMP aims to help ensure the socio-ecological sustainability of the Indian islands, Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep by preparing an integrated island management plan. The IIMP undertakes scientific approaches, coupled with indigenous knowledge for better management of the islands and its resources. It also prepares guidelines to deal with a disaster or other types of threats and develop climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies for the islands. Some of its key goals are to develop the Integrated Island Management / Green Island Economy concept and to establish Ecotourism development in collaboration with the island’s population.
About Agatti Island
Agatti Island is located at a distance of 459 km (248 nautical miles) from Kochi (Kerala) and is located to the west of Kavaratti Island. The lagoon area of this island is 17.50 sq km and there is plenty of coral growth and multi-coloured coral fishes in the lagoons. Fishing is the most important industry of Agatti which is perhaps the only island besides Minicoy getting surplus fish. Next to fishing, coir (coconut fibre) and copra (dried kernel of the coconut) are the main industries. The climate here is similar to the climatic conditions of Kerala. The warmest time of the year is from March to May. The annual average rainfall here is up to 1600 mm.
In this entire case, the petitioner argues that due to the large-scale cutting of coconut trees for road construction, the livelihood of the local residents has been affected. Apart from this, it will also affect the environment as these trees also act as a green belt to protect the people, communities, agriculture, etc. during cyclones and other natural calamities along the coast.
