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The Lakshadweep Administration has initiated the acquisition of 121,359 square metres, or around 30 acres, of private land on Agatti Island for beachfront facilities and a peripheral beach road. The proposal, based on a Social Impact Assessment conducted by SIACS, covers land on both the eastern and western coasts of the island. Given Agatti’s total area of 3.84 square kilometres, the plan has sparked concerns among residents and environmental groups over its potential impact on ecosystems and livelihoods.
The Lakshadweep Administration has initiated the process to acquire 121,359 square metres of private land on Agatti Island for the construction of beachfront facilities and a peripheral beach road, according to preliminary notifications issued in the past week. The proposed acquisition covers approximately 30 acres of land and follows a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) undertaken by the Social Impact Assessment & Consent Society (SIACS), Kavaratti.
The acquisition proposal affects land parcels on both sides of Agatti, one of Lakshadweep’s most prominent inhabited islands and the archipelago’s primary aviation gateway. Official notifications indicate that 42,940 square metres of land on the western coast and 78,419 square metres on the eastern coast have been identified for acquisition. The administration has stated that the land is required for public purposes linked to the development of beachfront infrastructure and a peripheral coastal road.
Agatti spans approximately 3.84 square kilometres, making the scale of the proposed acquisition significant in relation to the island’s overall land area. Residents and environmental advocates have raised concerns regarding the potential impact of the project on coastal ecosystems, traditional land ownership patterns and local livelihoods. Several stakeholders have questioned whether large-scale infrastructure development is compatible with the ecological sensitivity of the coral island environment.
The notifications are based on findings submitted by SIACS as part of the mandatory assessment process under land acquisition regulations. The study evaluated the likely social effects of the proposed acquisition and examined the extent of land required for the project. Authorities have initiated the statutory process that will allow affected landowners and interested parties to submit objections and representations before further decisions are taken.
The latest proposal follows a series of development initiatives announced in Lakshadweep over recent years, many of which have focused on expanding tourism infrastructure and improving connectivity. Similar land acquisition plans on Agatti had previously generated public debate, with residents expressing concerns about consultation processes, environmental safeguards and the long-term implications for island communities.
Environmental groups have pointed to the vulnerability of Lakshadweep’s low-lying islands, which are susceptible to coastal erosion, sea-level rise and ecological degradation. They have argued that any major infrastructure intervention should undergo rigorous scrutiny and be supported by comprehensive environmental assessments.
Officials, however, have maintained that the acquisition is intended to facilitate public infrastructure and support planned development activities on the island. The administration has not announced a timeline for completion of the acquisition process, and the proposal remains subject to statutory procedures, including the consideration of objections and feedback from affected stakeholders.
The development is expected to remain under close scrutiny given Agatti’s strategic importance, limited land availability and the continuing debate over balancing infrastructure expansion with environmental protection across Lakshadweep.
Source: U.T. Administration of Lakshadweep
5th Jun, 2025
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