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Writer's picturethelawpinion
Feb 7, 2024

Impact of Tourism on The Local Tribes of Lakshadweep

Abstract:

Lakshadweep, India's smallest union territory, is known for its pristine islands and vibrant corals. The island now faces the dual challenges of preserving indigenous tribes and managing the growing tourism industry. This recently came to light when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the island and made significant investments in its developments. The majority of Lakshadweep's population are scheduled tribes with no scheduled caste. Despite governmental efforts, a substantial gap persists between the tribes and mainstream society, with traditional occupations coexisting alongside emerging sectors like tourism.

 

The latter, however, raises ecological concerns, including resource depletion, coastal habitat destruction, and potential socio-cultural impacts on tribal communities. This paper advocates for a balanced approach through Integrated Coastal Area Management. While acknowledging tourism's potential adverse effects, such as strain on public facilities and environmental degradation, it highlights the positive aspects, including infrastructural development and economic growth.  To ensure tribal welfare, the paper proposes involving tribal communities in decision-making, offering education and employment opportunities, and promoting responsible tourism practices.

 

Lakshadweep is the smallest union territory with beautiful islands at the edge of our diverse landmass. Before the linguistic reorganization of the states, it was a part of the Malabar district, now known as Chennai. The people of Lakshadweep follow the Islamic religion and belong to the Sufi sect. There are many mosques' religious practices, like Ramzan fasts and mauled in the name of the prophet, which indicates the influence of Islam on the people.


The entire indigenous population is classified as scheduled tribes. The tribes are socially and economically backward. Culturally, the island can be divided into two regions; one being all the inhabited islands, and the other is named "Minicoy." The Minicoy tribe is culturally different from all other tribes on the island. The Minicoys are closer to the people of Maldives and their styles, and the other tribes have cultures similar to those of the coast of Kerala. The tribes of Lakshadweep are considered backward from the mainstream lifestyle of the country. Despite the government running various schemes to uplift the tribes, there is a massive gap between ordinary citizens of the country and the tribes of Lakshadweep. Age-old professions are also prevalent during these times, but the main occupation of the residents is fishing, territorial foods like coconut, and tourism is also an upcoming field nowadays.


Tourism also dramatically impacts the island, firstly by depletion of Natural Resources with increased tourism, Destruction of coastal habitats, endangerment of the marine and aquatic ecosystems, dumping of solid wastes, etc. There would be a physical and a tremendous socio-cultural impact on the tribes of Lakshadweep. None of us can imagine no fish at Kadmat Island, the architectural wonders commercialized at Kalpeni Island, and the depletion of the colourful coral reefs giving life and colour to the ocean.

Duesenberry coined the term 'Demonstration effect,' which refers to being influenced by others. In this scenario, being influenced by a foreign lifestyle is very different from the lifestyle of the tribes.


Image Source: http://surl.li/qgbax


Perceiving traditions differently can cause disbalance between the tribes of the island. Tourism can emerge as the primary occupation of the people of Lakshadweep. Recently, Mr. Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, also visited Lakshadweep and posted pictures on social media, boosting the island's popularity. The Prime Minister has also made significant investments, connectivity, and hospitality on the island. Let me highlight the latter side to you: the tourism industry would be dominated by various multinational companies and agencies, and there would be negligible local interference.


The question arises if it's right for our leisure to captivate others' homeland.  The strain on public facilities, displacement of the local population, and creation of restricted zones that are not within the limits of the locals is unfair to them, their homeland. The advancement of tourism will cause beach erosion due to building dune removal and dredging.

 

Trampling of shallow waters is a joint exercise on the island. Being an island, fresh water has always been a problem; tourists and waste have always been directly proportional. The dumping of garbage would cause damage to marine life, and freshwater shortages would increase. Tribals may be highly vulnerable, but their traditions should not be affected, and their pride should not come into question.


Tourists' leisure and expectations have negative implications, but it is not always this way. Some positive effects can be the number of tourists enjoying the island's beautiful scenery, which will also increase infrastructural development. An increase in tourism will also lead to some economic factors like Gross Domestic Product (GDP),

Tourist Penetration Index (TPI): all these rates will increase and pave the way for the development of Lakshadweep. A lot of souvenirs, tickets, and services will increase the monetary flow in the economy.


The tribes would be well educated and taught in a hospitable manner, which would generate employment opportunities for the tribals. This will be a significant contribution to the upliftment of the tribes. A massive cultural advancement will occur with an increase in public services and facilities, which will benefit not only the tourists but also the local population.


The preservation of the rich cultures, like representing the cultural dance named 'Lava' of the tribes of Lakshadweep, can also be a source of income. They can showcase their rituals and artifacts, which they still use in their day-to-day activities. Handicrafts, including Kokali and Parichakli (two art forms) and local markets, can also be set up by the tribes of Lakshadweep to sustain the tourism industry.


A loss of qualitative effects like congestion, inflation, the decline in cultural values, and loss of identity will be replaced by urbanization, more employment, social forward and advertising, artificial attractions, etc. To strike a balance between the welfare of tribals and tourism, a long-term plan by the Integrated Coastal Area Management would be the ideal solution to the current problems. No harm should be done to the innocent tribals who have enriched and kept the island's beauty safe in their hands. Local cultures and traditions should be kept in mind and should work on the upliftment of the tribals. Tribals can also be included to show their vibrant culture and extravagant folklore. Tourists should also be aware that their behaviour awareness should be spread amongst all living on the planet. Tourist sensation towards the tribes and their social and environmental milieu is necessary.

 

References:

 

 *This article is authored by Nadini Vats, Student of University of Petroleum and Eneegy Studies, Dehradun and reviewed by Molika Bansal, Student of Symbiosis Law School, Noida.


 

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