Last year, amid the diplomatic standoff with Maldives, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget speech had announced the opening of international level tourism centers to promote tourism in India. Under this scheme, the Union Tourism Ministry has planned to develop resorts on islands like Andaman-Nicobar, Lakshadweep, and Daman-Diu.
What is the ‘One Island, One Resort’ scheme?
Under this scheme, the government aims to transform India’s offshore islands into international level tourism centres.
- Main goals:
- Development of a resort on every island.
- Attracting foreign and Indian tourists.
- Promotion of marine eco-tourism.
India has more than 1300 islands, out of which 289 rocky islands are considered very suitable for eco-tourism. Under the plan, these islands will be prepared for tourists.
Impact on Maldives: India’s growing influence
- The objective of the plan is to develop the Indian islands on the lines of Maldives.
- The economy of Maldives is mainly based on tourism, attracting tourists from all over the world, including India.
- Developing resorts on Indian islands can have a direct impact on the economy of Maldives as tourists may shift to India.
Focus on natural ecosystem
- Along with building resorts on the islands, the government is emphasizing on conservation of the natural ecosystem and biodiversity.
- It will be ensured that development projects proceed with environmental sustainability.
Identification of 10 Islands: First Step
Initially 10 islands have been selected for development of resorts and other facilities:
Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
- aves
- Long
- Little Andaman
- smith
- Ross
Lakshadweep:
- bangaram
- Cheriyam
- minicoy
- friend
- inannakara
In the second phase, 17 more islands have been selected, which include 12 islands of Andaman and Nicobar and 5 islands of Lakshadweep.
Special facilities for eco-tourism
Under the plan the following facilities will be developed on the islands:
- Eco Cottage: Eco-friendly accommodation.
- Water Villas and Beach Villages: Luxury Tourism Experiences.
- Showcasing local art and culture: Providing local experience to tourists.
Role of various ministries
Several ministries and institutions have been involved to make this ambitious plan successful:
- Ministry of Tourism: Development of resorts and tourist centres.
- Ministry of Home Affairs: Security and Surveillance.
- Ministry of Defence: Strategic support in offshore areas.
- Ministry of Environment: Maintaining ecological balance.
- State and Union Territory Governments: Local support.
NITI Aayog and Study Report
NITI Aayog had already conducted a study on such a scheme.
- Now this scheme is being implemented at the grassroots level.
- According to the official, the project is in the final stages and will be announced soon.
