Lakshadweep islanders protest against government takeover of land for tourism
People living on Agatti Island in Lakshadweep are standing up against a government plan to take over more than 3% of their land—about 101,000 square meters—for new tourism projects.
The move was announced on January 5, and officials say they don't need approval from local residents or village councils.
Islanders say plan breaks environmental rules
Islanders have formally protested, saying the plan breaks environmental rules and puts their fragile ecosystem at risk—especially with a proposed concrete road along the protected coastline.
They're also frustrated by the lack of transparency, feeling like their voices aren't being heard.
All this is happening while Lakshadweep is already struggling with climate change and reports of coral reefs getting damaged by rising ocean temperatures.