President Droupadi Murumu visits Lakshadweep

President Droupadi Murumu has said that Lakshadweep islands hold huge potential for developing the seaweed industry,  with the involvement of the local community, women Self Help Groups, island cooperative societies, and private entrepreneurs. Addressing a civic reception at Kavaratti on Saturday, March, 18, 2023, she said this will drastically reduce import bills of the pharmaceutical and hotel industries. She noted that the archipelago can become the seaweed capital of the country in another five years. The President said that the country's first water villas will be built in the blue lagoons of Lakshadweep, which will boost tourism in a big way. Noting that special emphasis is being laid on conserving nature with development, she said such innovative initiatives can emerge as a model for eco-tourism for the whole world. High-end eco-tourism projects are being developed at Kadamat, Minicoy, and Suheli islands as anchor projects under the aegis of Niti Ayog. The President also inaugurated desalination projects for Amini and Kalpeni islands, each having the capacity to produce one and a half lakh liters of drinking water per day.