Regional planning and development of island territories

India’s island territories—spread across the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea—possess unique geographical, ecological, and socio-economic characteristics. With more than 1,000 islands and 247 inhabited islands, these regions face challenges and opportunities that require special planning strategies for sustainable development. The islands are home to tribal ethnic groups with distinct cultures and ecosystems, while also serving as significant tourist attractions. This article delves into the regional planning and development of India’s island territories, focusing on their geographical features, strategic importance, and sustainable development strategies.

Why Do Island Territories Need Special Planning?

India’s island territories are surrounded by water, making them ecologically sensitive regions with unique marine ecosystems. They are inhabited by indigenous tribes with primitive cultures, and their beaches and biodiversity attract large numbers of tourists. The islands face environmental challenges, such as rising sea levels and coastal erosion, which necessitate targeted planning for socio-economic and sustainable development.

Key Statistics

• Out of the 247 inhabited islands, 204 are located in the Bay of Bengal and 43 in the Arabian Sea.
• The islands are critical for national security, biodiversity conservation, and eco-tourism.

What are the Physiographic Divisions of Indian Islands?

India’s physical landscape is divided into six major physiographic regions (see Fig A):

1. Himalayan and northeastern mountain
2. The northern plains
3. Indian desert
4. Peninsular India
5. The coastal plains
6. The islands

Key Island Groups

India’s island territories are broadly divided into two main groups:

1. Lakshadweep Islands (in the Arabian Sea)
2. Andaman and Nicobar Islands (in the Bay of Bengal)

1. Lakshadweep Islands

The Lakshadweep Islands are situated in the Arabian Sea and consist of 36 coral islands. The main island groups include:

• Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi islands.
• Amindivi lies in the north, while Minicoy is in the south, separated by the 8-degree channel.
• The administrative headquarters is Kavaratti Island, and Pitti Island is known for its bird sanctuary (see Fig B).

Geological Features:

• These islands are formed from coral reefs, with scattered vegetation primarily consisting of palm species.
• The region’s calcium-rich soil contains organic limestone from dead coral formations.

2. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Located in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are volcanic in origin and represent submerged folds of the Arakan Yoma mountain range of Myanmar (see Fig C). The islands are divided into two main groups:

• Andaman Islands in the north and Nicobar Islands in the south.

Andaman Islands:

• Divided into North, Middle, and South Andaman.
• The highest point is Saddle Peak in North Andaman.
• Barren Island, located near the Andaman Sea, hosts the only active volcano in South Asia.

Nicobar Islands:

• South of the Andaman group, these islands are of strategic and ecological importance.

Comparison Between Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands (See Fig for detailed comparison):

• Andaman & Nicobar Islands are volcanic and have granite rocks with peaks like Saddle Peak, while Lakshadweep is a coral island.
• The Andaman Islands have an equatorial climate with tropical rainforests, whereas the Lakshadweep Islands have palm vegetation.

Other Islands

Apart from these two main groups, India has several other significant islands:

• Sagar Island (also known as Gangasagar) in the Bay of Bengal, located south of Kolkata. It covers 300 sq km with a population of over 160,000 and is home to mangrove swamps and the endangered Royal Bengal tiger (see Fig).

There are also numerous smaller islands off the coasts of:

• Kathiawad, Mumbai, Kochi, Tuticorin, and along the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal.

Strategic Importance of Indian Islands

The islands serve as crucial assets for India’s security and economic development. Some of the key strategic benefits include:

• Security: The Andaman Islands provide India with a vantage point over the Malacca Strait, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.
• Smuggling and Trade Control: These islands play a vital role in curbing the smuggling of weapons and contraband.
• Trade and Port Development: The islands’ geographic location makes them suitable for developing deep-water ports.
• Potential for Tourism: Their scenic beauty and biodiversity make them ideal for eco-tourism.
• Indian Ocean Control: The islands help India maintain a strategic presence in the Indian Ocean region.

Challenges Faced by Island Territories

1. Rising Sea Levels:

Island territories, particularly low-lying areas like the Lakshadweep Islands, are at risk of submersion due to rising sea levels caused by climate change.

2. Pollution and Erosion:

Pollution from human activity and coastal erosion are critical threats to both the ecology and livelihood of the islands.

Development Strategy for Island Territories

The development strategy for India’s island territories must balance economic growth with environmental preservation. Given the fragile nature of these ecosystems, the government has launched special initiatives to support sustainable development.

Key Development Measures

1. Conservation of Coral Ecosystems:
   • Special efforts are needed to conserve the coral reefs of Lakshadweep, which form the backbone of the islands’ ecosystems.
2. Afforestation:
   • Given the high rate of soil erosion in the hot and humid climate, afforestation programs in degraded lands are critical to protect the soil and environment.
3. Promotion of Forest-Based Cottage Industries:
   • Local industries such as coconut processing, fisheries, and handicrafts can generate employment and boost income for island residents. (see image)
4. Potential for Eco-Tourism:
   • The lush forests, aesthetic beauty, and isolation of the islands make them attractive for eco-tourism, which could bring in revenue while promoting sustainable development.
5. Development of Fisheries:
   • There is significant potential to develop fisheries in the coastal creeks, atolls, and bays surrounding the islands.

Conclusion

India’s island territories, particularly the Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands, are crucial for the nation’s security, biodiversity, and economic potential. However, their fragile ecosystems and exposure to climate change require carefully planned development strategies. By focusing on conservation, eco-tourism, and local industries, the government can foster sustainable socio-economic growth in these regions, while also addressing the challenges of environmental degradation and climate change.

1. Discuss the strategic importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for India’s maritime security and regional dominance in the Indian Ocean. (250 words)
2. Analyze the ecological challenges faced by India’s island territories and suggest measures for promoting sustainable development in these regions. (250 words)
3. Evaluate the potential of eco-tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a strategy for sustainable socio-economic development. (250 words)